Republican State Senator Joan Huffman announced she will seek re-election, continuing to provide common sense conservative leadership for the citizens of Texas Senate District 17. She was re-elected to the Texas Senate in 2010, and is seeking her second full term.

 

“I remain committed to protect free-enterprise and promote the economic growth of Texas,” Huffman said. “As a mom with my own child in public school, I am passionate about issues impacting children’s health and education. My priorities include improving public and victim safety, strengthening our criminal justice system, securing our border, and preserving private property owners’ rights.”

 

As a champion of free-enterprise, Huffman sponsored the Omnibus Tort Reform bill in the Senate, which brings important lawsuit reforms to Texas courts, including implementing a loser pays component for frivolous lawsuits in the state. Her background as a prosecutor and judge, along with her proven leadership in the Senate, aided in getting key pieces of legislation passed including: the expansion of capital punishment for killers who murder children under the age of ten, and another providing for automatic sentence of life without parole for a repeat offense of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Additionally, Huffman joint authored the healthcare compact during the regular session and sponsored the legislation during the special session. The healthcare compact preserves the principal structure of federalism and separation of powers by allowing states to create a competitive atmosphere necessary for the growth of our economies, while creating a system that best aligns with our residents’ health care needs.

Senator Huffman’s leadership has been acknowledged by numerous chambers of commerce, civic, state-wide and local advocacy groups. She was recognized as a “Taxpayer Champion” and received an A+ rating from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility for her work during the 82nd Legislative Session.  She has also been listed as an “Honor Roll” member by the Texas Association of Realtors, received the “Civil Justice Award” from Texans for Lawsuit Reform and the “Patient Care Champion Award” from the Harris County Medical Society. She was the only Texas Senator to receive the “Law and Order” Award from The Texas District and County Attorneys Association based on her leadership and service as the Vice-Chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.

District 17’s boundaries recently changed due to shifts in population and now contains over 800,000 people in Brazoria, Fort Bend and Harris counties. “I’ve enjoyed being back home in the district visiting with my constituents. I look forward to working with my friends and neighbors in the communities I represent to be their voice in the Texas Senate.”

 

Huffman was first elected in 2008 after winning a special election to fill the vacated office of Senate District 17. Prior to serving in the Senate, Huffman served as a prosecutor in Harris County, and was twice elected Judge to the 183rd Criminal District Court. She lives with her family in Southside Place.

 

Dear Friends,

 

I have heard from many of my constituents who are concerned about education and I wanted to provide you with an update about the latest education funding discussions that are taking place in Austin on a daily basis.

 

As the mother of a public school student, I am a firm supporter of Texas public schools and I share your concerns about the proposed cuts to the education budget. I remain hopeful, however, that the cuts in the initial versions of the budget are just that: a starting point rather than the final compromise.

 

Often I am asked how education is funded. Currently, the state spends approximately 57 percent of the entire budget on public education and higher education. Of that, over 70 percent is dedicated strictly to  the public education system, which totaled approximately $53.7 billion last year. However, the student population has continued  to grow at approximately 80,000 students per year rendering our funding system vulnerable.

 

There is also a perception that lottery revenue should cover a significant portion of education costs in Texas. However, out of the over $50 billion spent last year on education, lottery proceeds only accounted for approximately $1 billion in the education coffers.

 

The state supports public school allocations by using the property, franchise, and fuel taxes which have had lower collections than anticipated. The state and school districts have also exhausted the one time federal stimulus money which supplemented their budgets last biennium. Given the lack of expected growth in property tax values, the  Legislature will work diligently to maintain last year’s funding level.

 

The Senate Subcommittee on Public Education Funding has been charged with exploring potential policy solutions that reduce the education budget shortfall. Although I am not a member of the Subcommittee,  I am closely monitoring their discussions with the perspective of both a parent and a legislator.

 

As a strong advocate of local control, I believe we must work with our school boards to evaluate the necessity of all district expenditures with the current economic climate in mind. I am committed to finding efficiencies and discussing innovative, common sense ideas with parents, educators and my legislative colleagues.

 

It is imperative that I continue to receive your input and ensure we work together to develop the best solution possible for our children. I would also encourage you to have an open dialogue with your local school district leaders to identify your expectations as a parent and a taxpayer. 

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me. As an informed citizen, you are one of my greatest assets.

 

Sincerely, 

 

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