8/3/2019 Legislative Awards Release 12
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJANUARY 24, 2012For more information,
contact Bee Moorhead at (512) 636-3135 or [email protected]
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Faith Group Honors Eight With Legislative Leadership AwardTexas
Impact presented compasses to legislators at breakfast
gathering
AUSTINInterfaith legislative network Texas Impact today
presented its Legislative LeadershipAwards for the 82 nd
legislative session to five House members and 3 senators. The four
Republicansand four Democrats included Senators Kirk Watson, John
Carona and Robert Deuell, andRepresentatives Lois Kolkhorst, Vicki
Truitt, Ruth Jones McClendon, Ryan Guillen and EddieRodriguez. The
eight were authors and sponsors of legislation Texas Impact and
other faith groupschampioned in 2011 as part of a
Community-Building Agenda for Texas.
Texas Impact Executive Director Bee Moorhead said the awards
were significant both for thesubstance of the legislation and for
the character of the legislators. In a session marked by
partisandivisiveness, these legislators focused on bills to address
real needs in our state. They identifiedinnovative solutions and
insisted on working with all interested parties inside and outside
the Capitol.As a result, they passed well-crafted, positive
legislation that gives Texans hope, Moorhead said.
Moorhead said many Texans, including many legislators, felt
discouraged at the end of the 2011session and chose to minimize the
positive outcomes of the session. Theres no question, a lot of
unpleasant and dangerous things happened in 2011, and we dont want
to suggest otherwise. But toignore the many positive outcomes of
the session is to deny Texans the opportunity to enjoyincremental
progress. Rome wasnt built in a day, and I doubt Texas will be
either, Moorhead said.
Texas Impact Legislative Leadership Awards for the 82 nd
Legislative Session
Representative Lois Kolkhorst and Senator Bob DeuellHB 1965:
Faith and community based initiativesLocal faith and
community-based organizations will work with state agencies and
OneStar to build stronger
partnerships.
Representative Ryan Guillen and Senator Bob DeuellHB 2610:
Navigators application assistance programVolunteers and staff in
outreach programs like food pantries will be certified to assist
clients applying for assistance or looking for other online
services.
Representative Eddie Rodriguez and Senator Bob DeuellHB 2077:
Energy efficiency for houses of worship and other nonprofitsHouses
of worship and other nonprofits will receive low-interest financing
for energy efficiency upgrades.
Representative Ruth Jones McClendon and Senator Kirk WatsonHB
3324: Transparency and accountability in fusion centers
National model legislation establishes a new oversight and
accountability for internet-based law enforcementcenters.
Representative Vicki Truitt and Senator John CaronaHB 2592 and
HB 2594: Payday lending regulationTexas now regulates payday and
auto title lenders, as well as providing new consumer credit
education.
