Lt. Governor David Dewhurst has announced a realignment of committee assignments for the 81st Legislature, assigning Senator Joan Huffman to six committees which have a sweeping impact on the overall operation of the state government. 

Senator Huffman will now serve as Vice Chairman of both the Higher Education and Criminal Justice Committees. She brings particular expertise to Criminal Justice Committee, given her background as a former prosecutor and judge in Harris County. She lead the prosecution in over 100 jury trials including murders, sexual assaults, aggravated robberies and sexual assault of children and was elected to preside over the 183rd Criminal District Court for two terms. 

She will also join the Jurisprudence Committee and will continue her important role on the Transportation and Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and Redistricting Committees, as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

“Our state faces many challenges, and I am humbled by Lt. Governor Dewhurst’s confidence in my ability to serve Texas in this new capacity,” Senator Huffman said.

This year, we celebrate our Nation’s 234th birthday. It’s a time to honor our Founding Fathers and remember those who keep us safe at home and abroad throughout the year. 

As we pay tribute to the past, we also look ahead to the future and the challenges that face our country. Now more than ever, we find ourselves in a position to regroup and unite- ensuring that we remain strong against those who try to take away our security and freedom.

As you gather with your friends and family to celebrate America’s birthday with a barbeque, hometown parade or a fireworks display; I hope that you do so with the greatest amount of pride in your heart. How lucky we are to be citizens of such a great nation!

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July,

Joan

Thank you for the continued opportunity to represent you in the Texas Senate.

The upcoming 82nd Texas Legislature will be presented with numerous challenges and opportunities when it reconvenes in January of 2011. I am currently working with constituents, community leaders, and other stakeholders to develop proactive solutions to address the concerns and needs of Senate District 17.

Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst released interim charges for each Senate committee to examine, review, and submit recommendations for consideration next session. Interim charges are policy topics concerning various legislative proposals and the role of state government. Committees are beginning to meet in Austin and around the state to discuss charges and listen to testimony; I invite you to actively participate in this process. Links to a complete list of interim charges and committee hearing schedules can be found through my website at: www.huffman.senate.state.tx.us.

Some of the most difficult and pressing issues we will face next session are balancing the budget, redistricting and issues affecting health and human services. The demands from our growing population, required participation in federal programs, and the impacts from the current economic situation are increasing the strains on our state’s limited resources. Ensuring the safety of our borders and neighborhoods from threats, natural and otherwise, remains a priority. I will work with my colleagues to ensure our decisions enable Texas to grow and remain strong.

Through the hard work and tough choices made by all Texans, our state has weathered the economic storm better than most. As families continue to trim their personal budgets, the state too is looking at ways to stay ahead of forecasted budget challenges. State leaders have already asked agencies to submit proposals to cut their current budgets by 5 percent this year, while maintaining essential services. As a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission, which reviews effectiveness and necessity of state agencies, I will be judicious in determining where we can improve state government.

As your voice in the Texas Senate, I will confront these challenges head on by listening, gathering the facts, and standing firm on issues that affect the families and businesses of Senate District 17. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may ever be of service.

I look forward to continuing to serve as a conservative Senator with an independent voice that you can rely on.

Southside Place- State Senator Joan Huffman officially filed today in Austin, seeking re-election as State Senator for Senate District 17.

“I am excited and energized to continue to represent the citizens of Texas and SD 17.  I intend to keep working on finding sensible solutions to our state’s employment, fiscal, transportation, healthcare and environmental challenges,” Huffman said.

Senator Huffman was sworn into office on December 16, 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 for many years and then was twice elected to serve as Judge for the 183rd Criminal District Court, where she earned a reputation as a fair and tough enforcer of the law.

During the 81^st Legislative Session, Senator Huffman served on several important committees that affect some of the most pressing issues facing Texas families, including the Transportation and Homeland Security Committee, the Health and Human Services Committee, the Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Government Organization Committee. 

In October of 2009, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst appointed Huffman to serve a four year term on the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. 

Senator Huffman lives with her husband, Keith, and son, Luke, in Southside Place.

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