House District 148 Voter Guide

House District 148 – Voter Guide

Early Voting: Monday, October 21 – Friday, November 1, 2019
Election Day: Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Click Here for House District 148 Runoff Election Voter Guide


Democrats


Republicans


Independents


Propositions

Democratic Candidates

Rob Block (D)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • City of Houston, Firefighter
  • Houston Professional Firefighters Association Local 341, Member
  • Near Northside Super Neighborhood #51, Community Leadership Team
  • Avenue Place Civic Club, Executive Board Member
  • Avenue CDC, Community Coordinator (2015 – 2016)
  • Texas House of Representatives, Legislative Intern for Rep. Jessica Farrar (2015)
  • Texans Together, Community Organizer (2011 – 2013)
  • Avenue CDC, Community Coordinator (2010 – 2011)

EDUCATION

  • Master’s, University of Houston, Social Work
  • Bachelor’s, University of Houston, History
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • Nothing

EDUCATION

  • “One of my priorities for the next legislative session will be working with other legislators to develop programs that encourage public colleges to make their four-year programs more affordable and community colleges to provide free or low-cost tuition for students who meet a needs-based assessment, similar to the University of Houston’s Cougar Promise.” [Website]
  • “Education is one of the biggest responsibilities the state legislature has when it comes to policymaking. I take that responsibility seriously. That is why we need to maintain and build on the progress made by the previous legislature’s school finance reform while addressing continuing inequities and fully funding public schools.” [Facebook]

HEALTHCARE

  • Nothing

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • “We cannot allow state funded projects to jeopardize the safety and security of our most vulnerable communities. New initiatives must be developed with community engagement from the outset and respect for local stakeholders.” [Website]
  • “I will work to insure that any project located in the district consider the interests of the long-term residents whose determination and resilience have sustained the district’s neighborhoods through hard times. We must protect the unique tapestry that sustains neighborhoods from the onslaught of tear down development.” [Website]
  • “I will be the State Representative that will fight to make TXDOT stop just building highways and taking homes and tackle the transportation needs of our district and region.” [Facebook]

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • “Particularly important are long-term plans to reduce flooding and enhance our communities’ resilience.” [Website]
  • “we need to invest in the needed infrastructure to protect residents from flooding and hurricanes that are becoming more and more common” [Website]
  • “While action has been taken at the Federal, State and local level to invest in flood prevention infrastructure, two years after Harvey the actualization of projects has been too slow and we need to support efforts to implement projects in a rapid and equitable way to protect all Texans from flooding. We should not have to fear flash-flooding every time it rains.” [Facebook]

TAXES

  • Nothing
ENDORSEMENTS
  • Community Voices for Public Education
  • Harris County AFL-CIO
  • Houston Hispanic Firefighters Caucus Local 341
  • Houston Professional Firefighters Association Local 341
  • North Central Civic Association
  • Texas AFL-CIO
  • Texas State Association of Firefighters

Kendra Yarbrough Camarena (D)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • Houston ISD, CTE Government Teacher
  • Houston ISD, Secondary Social Studies Teacher Development Specialist (2012 – 2018)
  • ARCADIS, Senior Project Assistant (2011 – 2012)
  • Houston ISD, Social Studies Teacher and Department Chair (2002 – 2010)

EDUCATION

  • Master’s, University of Houston, Curriculum and Instruction
  • Bachelor’s, University of Texas, Psychology, Government, Anthropology
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • Nothing

EDUCATION

  • “Give local school district and schools the autonomy to address both the academic and social needs of students. We know that students struggle academically in school when their basic needs are not met. It is imperative that we continue to invest in schools, teachers, nurses, counselors, and support staff by developing legislation that focuses on providing support to the child’s overall well being.” [Website]
  • “Secure a funding source to make sure the state pays for 50% of the cost of public education” [Website]
  • “Make sure the school finance system provides students and teachers in every school in our community the resources needed for success in the classroom.” [Website]
  • “Kendra strongly believes that we must invest in education from pre-K to high school and beyond, including workforce education through apprenticeships programs, technical schools and certification programs.” [Website]

HEALTHCARE

  • Nothing

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Nothing

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • “Ensure that our state is financially responsible with taxpayers’ hard earned money. Making sure our basic needs, like education… flood mitigation and more are highlighted in our state budget.” [Website]

TAXES

  • “Ensure that our state is financially responsible with taxpayers’ hard earned money. Making sure our basic needs… are highlighted in our state budget.” [Website]
  • “Increase the homestead exemption to make sure working families get a fair share of property tax relief that all too often benefits only the wealthiest corporate and individual taxpayers.” [Website]
  • “This year, the Legislature passed House Bill 3, which reversed years of neglect that saw the state share of education funding cut time and again, forcing local school districts to lay off teachers while local property taxpayers had to pick up 62% of the tab for educating our children. HB3 was an important first step, but it was funded by a state budget surplus and did not provide the reliable long-term school funding solution that is needed to make sure we never go back to the days teacher layoffs, overcrowded classrooms and forcing local property taxpayers to pay for the state’s neglect.” [Website]

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Plumbers Local Union 68
  • Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation

Carol Denson (D)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Group Leader
  • Writers in the Schools, Writer in Residence
  • Poet, Essayist, Fiction Writer
  • Austin Independent School District, Bilingual Teacher (2007 – 2017)
  • Writers in the Schools, Writer in Residence (1990 – 2005)

EDUCATION

  • Master’s, University of Houston, Creative Writing
  • Bachelor’s, Rice University, American History
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • “I stand with bodily autonomy for women! Grateful to Planned Parenthood!” [Twitter]

EDUCATION

  • “Properly fund our schools to ensure our children are safe in the classroom and challenged as well as supported in order to help them reach their full potential.” [Website]
  • “Reduce standardized testing and use the savings for quality education and teacher pay raises” [Facebook]
  • “As a teacher, I know how to work hard, think strategically, and form connections.” [Facebook]

HEALTHCARE

  • “Fight to make free health care available for all and eliminate middlemen who create unnecessary expenses that are passed along to consumers.” [Website]
  • “Make healthcare accessible to all” [Facebook]

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Nothing

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • Nothing

TAXES

  • Nothing

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Nothing

Anna Eastman (D)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • Educational Researcher and Policy Analyst
  • Teach for America Houston Region, Board Member
  • Breakthrough Houston, Board of Directors
  • The Woods Project Board, Board Member
  • Holocaust Museum Houston’s Education Committee, Committee Member
  • Houston Grand Opera’s Education and Outreach Committee, Committee Member
  • Greater Houston Partnership, Education Policy Consultant (2018)
  • Houston Independent School District, District I Trustee (2010 – 2018)
  • 11 ½ Street Foundation, Founder (2002)

EDUCATION

  • Master’s, Our Lady of the Lake University, Social Work
  • Bachelor’s, University of Texas at Austin, Art History
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • “A woman’s right to control her own health care choices has been greatly curtailed at the state level and continues to be at risk. I fully support the expansion and protection of reproductive rights and every woman’s ownership over those decisions.” [Website]
  • “I support access to affordable reproductive healthcare, emergency contraception and abortion; federal, state and local funding for reproductive healthcare by providers such as Planned Parenthood; and evidenced-based sex education and pregnancy prevention programs.” [Website]

EDUCATION

  • “Currently, only 13% of low-income Harris county students complete a post-secondary credential. 40% of our third graders are reading on grade level. 63% of those students are low-income. (Good Reason Houston) This is not sustainable. Closing these gaps by making good on the promise of public education is both a moral and economic imperative.” [Website]
  • “Every child must have access to more than one high-quality school in their neighborhood.” [Website]
  • “I support investment in Texas schoolchildren, starting with meaningful increases in teacher salaries and family friendly policies that promote structural changes to public education in Texas.” [Website]
  • “We must have more high-quality school options any of us would be proud to choose for our own children.” [Website]
  • “I also support a transparent, robust accountability system to ensure our investment is resulting in better outcomes for children.” [Website]

HEALTHCARE

  • “I support Medicaid expansion in Texas, which would result in currently employed but uninsured Texans having access to healthcare. If necessary, I would support a joint resolution to take the expansion to voters.” [Website]

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • “I support Houston, District 148 in particular, having a meaningful role in the final I-45 expansion plan.” [Website]
  • “I support increasing public transportation options in Texas” [Website]

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • Nothing

TAXES

  • Nothing

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Nothing

Adrian Garcia (D)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • Legal Case Manager
  • Texas Senate, Legislative Intern (2014)

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor’s, Texas A&M University, Political Science & Communications
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • “Our district is a pillar of fierce commitment to fighting for reproductive and healthcare access on behalf of women and families. My promise to you is to continue that work.” [Facebook]
  • “[Adrian] vows to continue the fight for women’s rights” [Website]

EDUCATION

  • “Adrian vows to stand up to a state or private takeover of public schools and enact policies that will further favor the student and the teacher” [Website]

HEALTHCARE

  • “My campaign promise is one that advocates… expand access to healthcare for all.” [Facebook]
  • “[Adrian] vows to continue the fight for… healthcare” [Website]

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Nothing

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • “We must require of those who are elected to serve do more as we still fight to recover from Harvey, while being preemptive in building a infrastructure that can protect our communities from the next big storm.” [Facebook]

TAXES

  • Nothing

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Nothing

Terah Isaacson (D)



Link


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • Bayou City Surgical Specialists, Surgeon
  • University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Fellow (2011 – 2012)
  • OHSU, Resident (2006 – 2011)

EDUCATION

  • MD, University of Kansas Medical Center, Doctor of Medicine
  • Bachelor’s, University of Kansas, Biochemistry
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • Nothing

EDUCATION

  • “We have to make sure our children… have access to early childhood learning.” [Facebook]

HEALTHCARE

  • “My mission is to bring first and foremost a voice for healthcare that will promote the health of all patients, working on access to care as well as promoting the doctor-patient relationship.” [Website]
  • “I am ready to help Texans get and keep access to quality medical care.” [Website]
  • “I am ready to fight the opioid epidemic by any means available.” [Website]
  • “I am ready to promote mental health in our schools, our workplaces and amongst our homeless population.” [Website]
  • “We have to make sure our children are protected from preventable diseases [and]… from the effects of substance abuse in parents” [Facebook]

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • “I am ready to take up the fight against wasteful and disruptive public boondoggles like the I-45 freeway move.” [Website]
  • “Transportation including promotion of electric vehicles, scooters, utilization of trains and minimization of freeways and the noise and pollution that come along with them.” [Website]

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • Nothing

TAXES

  • “We need to address housing access through continued property tax reform and homelessness concerns.” [Website]

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Nothing

Michele Leal (D)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • EnFocus Group, Consultant
  • American Leadership Forum Class XLIX, Fellow
  • El Centro de Corazón, Development Director
  • Texas House of Representatives, Staffer for Rep. Jessica Farrar
  • Senate Research Center, Bill Analyst (2005)  
  • Latino Texas PAC, Past Co-Chair
  • Latin Women’s Initiative, Past President

EDUCATION

  • University of Texas at Austin, Communication and Media Studies

On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • “Women’s health should not be politicized” [Website]
  • “Restore funding for the Women’s Health Program and promote access to family planning services through a network of capable providers; expand maternal health benefits under Texas Medicaid.” [Website]

EDUCATION

  • “High-quality public education is critical to the success of our children and the long-term economic prosperity of the state. An educated workforce is key to the economic future of Texas and economic opportunity for every student. Investment in public education is at the core to make sure we provide opportunities for all Texas children.” [Website]
  • “For years, education in Texas has been woefully underfunded to the detriment of our kids, our teachers, and the long-term economic viability of our state. We cannot risk losing a generation of students due to a lack of school funding. Funding for our schools should not be a debate but an opportunity for every Legislative session to invest in our children, future generations and our great state.” [Website]
  • “We must create sustainable funding solutions for our public schools that include: adequate compensation for teachers, and expanding full-day quality Pre-K for all children.” [Website]
  • “We should address teaching to the test by: expanding early childhood educational opportunities, offering more summer learning programs at schools, recreational centers and community hubs, and increasing robust professional development for teachers.” [Website]
  • “Continue to keep our best schools at a high-level and expand successful approaches to other schools so every child has the best opportunity to learn and succeed.” [Website]
  • “We need to improve the A-F rating system to adequately measure growth and take into account the complexity of a child’s life and education.” [Website]
  • “All students must have access to affordable higher education opportunities that prepare them to thrive and succeed.” [Website]
  • “Both high quality public education and solutions that address the out of classroom needs that impact our students’ academic success are critical to the future of our state.” [Twitter]

HEALTHCARE

  • “We must ensure that every Texan has access to quality health care. Affordable and accessible health care is not only a right but key to a healthy state and a thriving economy.” [Website]
  • “With a state that has the highest uninsured rate in the country, there should be no question about expanding Medicare to bring critically needed federal funding to Texas.” [Website]
  • “Quality, accessible and affordable health care, especially preventive care, for Texans is both the right thing to do and will help ensure the future economic stability of our state.” [Website]
  • “Expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act and ensure that Texas gets the $10 billion a year from the federal government.” [Website]
  • “Expand access for all Texans to basic, preventive care, reducing future health care costs.” [Website]
  • “Invest in mental health funding at the state level and relieve cities and counties from bearing the burden through jails.” [Website]

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • “Transit solutions that maintain the integrity of our neighborhoods” [Website]

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • Nothing

TAXES

  • “Health care costs are one of the largest drivers of rising property taxes. We need common-sense leadership in Austin who will not turn away $10 billion dollars from the Federal government that Texas is eligible to receive.” [Website]

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Latino Texas PAC
  • Mayor Pro-Tem Ellen Cohen
  • Representative Christina Morales

Mia Mundy (D)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • Manhattan Resources, Executive Search Consultant
  • Richard, Wayne & Roberts, Senior Executive Recruiter (2017)
  • Main Street Renewal, Corporate Recruiter (2014 – 2017)
  • McGraw-Hill Education, Per-Diem Consultant (2014-2016)
  • Lyft, Founding Driver, Mentor, & Trainer (2014)
  • Building Brains, Instructor (2013 – 2014)
  • A Yancy Life, Lead Instructional Specialist and Trainer (2009 – 2014)
  • Tutors with Computers, Regional Recruiter/HR Representative, and Trainer (2012 – 2013)
  • Houston ISD, Associate Teacher (2009 – 2012)
  • Wonder-Space, Start-Up Associate and Trainer (2010 – 2011)
  • Prosperity Bank, Floater Teller and Trainer (2008 – 2009)
  • Bank of America, Associate Banker and Trainer (2007 – 2008)

EDUCATION

  • Master’s, Sam Houston State University, Education-Instructional Leadership/History
  • Bachelor’s, Hannibal-LaGrange University, Marketing
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • “Thank you Planned Parenthood Texas Votes for having the candidates for TX #HD148 out tonight to talk about reproductive health and how important it is to make sure we carry on Jessica Farrar’s legacy and continue to be a champion for Planned Parenthood and access to healthcare and reproductive justice.” [Facebook]
  • “Looking forward to engaging key questions surrounding legislation that has impacted access to women’s reproductive healthcare. As an LGBTQ woman of color and a future wife that wants to plan a family in the great state of Texas, I want my children to be prepared to think critically through sex education and in turn continue to have positive experiences with Planned Parenthood just like their mamma.” [Facebook]

EDUCATION

  • Nothing

HEALTHCARE

  • Nothing

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • “Better public access to downtown has been helpful to the area but at times this is normally the beginning of the gentrification process. There is such a need to work to ensure that making areas more public transportation friendly and beautiful, doesn’t need to come at the cost of us all getting to enjoy what’s reliable and can improve the quality of life for all. If we plan with that in mind.” [Facebook]

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • Nothing

TAXES

  • Nothing

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Nothing

Anna Núñez (D)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • UTHealth, Coordinator, Special Programs
  • Good Cause Communications, Public Affairs & Communications Consultant (2017 – 2018)
  • ACLU of Texas, Communications Coordinator (2014 – 2017)
  • Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs, Fellow (2013 – 2014)
  • Harris County, Community Outreach Manager / Public Information Officer (2009 – 2013)
  • Democracia USA, Director of Communications (2008)
  • NPR’s Latino USA, Deputy Producer (2003 – 2004)
  • KPFT 90.1 FM Pacifica Radio, Host & Producer – “Latino Voices” (2002 – 2004)
  • El Dorado Communications, Inc., Director of Community Affairs (2000 – 2002)
  • City of Houston, Census Project Manager (1999 – 2000)
  • U.S. Census Bureau, Media & Community Partnership Specialist (1998 – 1999)
  • Consultant, Community Affairs / Public Relations Consultant (1997 – 1998)
  • JPMorgan Chase, Community Affairs Representative (1994 – 1996)

EDUCATION

  • Unknown
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • Nothing

EDUCATION

  • “As a mother of an HISD student, I will be your STRONGEST education advocate at the Texas legislature for HD148!” [Facebook]

HEALTHCARE

  • “Healthcare is a civil right and I will protect families! Texas has the HIGHEST uninsured rate in the nation. More than 5 million Texans didn’t have health insurance in 2018. Unacceptable!” [Facebook]

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • “I will fight against the expansion of I-45.” [Facebook]

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • Nothing

TAXES

  • Nothing

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Nothing

Penny Shaw (D)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • Lawyer
  • Harris County, Director of Compliance
  • Congressional Legislative Advocate
  • 86th Texas Legislature, Chief of Policy & Legislative Affairs
  • Business Owner
  • League of Women Voters, Member
  • Voter Deputy Registrar
  • Texas Democratic Women, Member
  • Former Legislative Chair
  • Houston Bar Association Young Lawyer Mentor
  • Houston Volunteer Lawyers Association
  • Blue Ribbon Lobbyist

EDUCATION

  • Unknown
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • Nothing

EDUCATION

  • “I will advocate for parents, children and educators, to preserve and strengthen our school systems, and work vigorously with legislators to provide sustained funding for robust education.” [Website]
  • “Robust and permanent funding, is needed to revive our education system” [Website]
  • “all families should have the security that good schools will be there for them” [Website]
  • “I am a bold advocate for and believer in our teachers – adding COLA, higher wages, and better health benefits, are 3 of the biggest overdue changes that we need our teachers to have.” [Twitter]

HEALTHCARE

  • “While our population steadily grows, we face a shortage in healthcare and trauma centers. Our seniors, children, families, employees, veterans all want and need meaningful, affordable, and accessible healthcare.” [Website]
  • “We simply lack sufficient political will to move the needle on affordable healthcare in Texas.” [Website]
  • “I’m committed to finding ways to provide access to quality healthcare, people shouldn’t have to plunge into debt or poverty to have the medical care that they need.” [Website]

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • “It’s been more than 2 years since Harvey hit and there is much work to be done to… strengthen infrastructure.” [Website]

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • “It’s been more than 2 years since Harvey hit and there is much work to be done to rebuild homes, reimburse property owners, increase detention and conveyance capacity, and strengthen infrastructure.” [Website]
  • “As a State legislator, I will remain vigilant in fighting for the funding that was set aside for Harris County, but that is still pending.” [Website]
  • “Flood concerns must stay front and center to ensure that funds are spent fairly, swiftly and responsibly to build protections designed to withstand serious future rain events.” [Website]
  • “Building codes and consumer protections that safeguard home owners and apartment dwellers from major losses are important measures.” [Website]

TAXES

  • “it is equally important to understand taxpayer fatigue and balance all of that with budgetary prioritization and prudent spending.” [Website]

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • The Greater Heights Democratic Club
  • Juan & Ana Hernandez
  • Rosalind Murphy Caesar

Alva Treviño (D)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • Public Law Attorney
  • Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Executive Vice President of Special Projects and Compliance
  • Metropolitan Transit Authority of Houston, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary (2010 – 2017)

EDUCATION

  • JD, Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law
  • Bachelor’s, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, English Literature and Political Science
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • “I am proud to support Planned Parenthood and it’s fight for all women’s right to reproductive freedom and quality affordable healthcare services.” [Facebook]
  • “I stand with Planned Parenthood in protecting a woman’s right to choose her own destiny. I stand with Planned Parenthood in protecting Title X funding for women’s access to healthcare. I stand with Texas!” [Facebook]

EDUCATION

  • “Alva believes we must build the best early childhood education… programs for Texas families.” [Website]

HEALTHCARE

  • “Alva will fight to ensure every Texan has access to high quality, affordable health care.” [Website]
  • “It is a travesty that Texas leads the nation in having the most uninsured. Texas deserves better! District 148 deserves better! I will continue to advocate for healthcare for all Texans” [Facebook]

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • “Alva has the experience and knowledge to hold TXDOT accountable for projects adversely impacting our community.” [Website]

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • “Alva knows what it takes to coordinate state, county and local resources to protect Texans from flooding and keep our families and homes safe.” [Website]
  • “Flooding and traffic impact every member of our community here in Houston. We need proven, experienced leadership that will focus on coordinating all of our resources at the state, county and local levels to ensure flood mitigation projects are completed on time and to keep our community moving forward.” [Facebook]
  • “In representing District 148, I will work with local elected officials on issues such as flood mitigation and funding.” [Facebook]

TAXES

  • Nothing

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Nothing

Chris Watt (D)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • Reed Smith LLP, Partner
  • Lambda Legal, Houston Leadership Committee Member
  • Children at Risk, Board Chair
  • Fulbright & Jaworski, Partner (2001 – 2012)
  • Accenture, Consultant (1994 – 1998)

EDUCATION

  • JD, University of Texas School of Law
  • Bachelor’s, University of Southern Mississippi, Political Science
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • “In 1973, the Supreme Court declared that women have a constitutional right to their reproductive rights. Over the past several decades, the legislature has worked to restrict a woman’s right to choose. I promise to protect a woman’s liberty to choose and will work to ensure the state respects the decision handed down in Roe V. Wade.” [Website]

EDUCATION

  • “As your state representative, I will work diligently to increase education funding.” [Website]
  • “We saw some positive movement on increasing education funding last legislative with the passage of HB3. I will work to ensure that we not only maintain but build on those funding increases.” [Website]
  • “Without adequate funding we’ll never be able to provide for the smaller class sizes and improved student-teacher ratios that are critical to a quality education.” [Website]
  • “We must recruit and retain the best teachers to educate our children. That starts with improving teacher pay. We made some headway this past legislative session, but we have a long way to go.” [Website]
  • “We must also ensure that our retired teachers receive pensions that reflect rising costs of living. Educators have paid their fair share into the Teacher Retirement System with the promise that their wellbeing will be safeguarded. I will defend and protect the integrity of this system once elected.” [Website]
  • “If we are really serious about improving educational outcomes in this state, we have to be laser focused on high quality early childhood education.” [Website]

HEALTHCARE

  • “As your state representative, I will work to pass legislation that will reduce costs while increasing access to care.” [Website]
  • “affordable healthcare for all Texas families.” [Facebook]

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Nothing

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • Nothing

TAXES

  • “Over the past decade, the legislature has continued to reduce its portion of education funding, placing the burden on local tax payers.” [Website]

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Texas Coalition of Black Democrats – Harris County

Republican Candidates

Ryan McConnico (R)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • Accenture, Management Consultant
  • United Way of Greater Houston, Fundraising Volunteer
  • Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Committeeman
  • Masonic Lodge, Member
  • TechnipFMC, Tender Manager – Well Control (2019)
  • TechnipFMC, Senior Project Manager – Controls and Automation (2017 – 2019)
  • FMC Technologies, Project Manager – Controls and Automation (2014-2017)
  • Republican Party of Texas State Convention, Delegate (2016)
  • Toastmasters International, Area Director – R60 (2015-2016)
  • FMC Technologies, Project Planning Analyst – Research & Development (2013 – 2014)
  • FMC Technologies, Buyer – Subsea (2012 – 2013)
  • The Response Group, Tactical Planning Consultant (2010) 

EDUCATION

  • Master’s, University of Texas at Austin – Red McCombs School of Business, Business Administration
  • Bachelor’s, Sam Houston State University, International Business & Economics
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • Nothing

EDUCATION

  • “I promise to support all efforts to improve the Texas public education system.” [Website]
  • “As a proud graduate of the Texas public school system, I am determined to raise Texas’ Education ranking to Top 20 status.” [Website]
  • “We need to invest in future generations and encourage our teachers to elevate our State’s education ranking to Top 20 status by allowing local control of curriculum and introducing two key courses for graduating high school Seniors: ‘Personal Finance and Money Management’ & ‘Effective Communication.’” [Website]
  • “A quality education and student-first perspective is critical to prosperity and sustainability, yet we teach our students how to pass a standardized test while ignoring basic life skills like personal financial responsibility and effective communication.” [Website]

HEALTHCARE

  • Nothing

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • “before even considering a high-speed rail to connect Houston and Dallas, the City of Houston should first focus on expanding the METRO Rail by connecting Downtown to the other major business centers around the city: IAH, Hobby, Texas Medical Center, and Energy Corridor. Without first expanding public transportation within the City of Houston, the high-speed rail should not be a consideration.” [Website]
  • “He plans to increase economic opportunity for all Texans by… modernizing LOCAL infrastructure” [Website]
  • “It is time for a new era in HD148, an era of better roads, infrastructure, and growth.” [Facebook]

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • “I support aggressive flood control efforts by tapping into The Rainy-Day fund to improve flood control infrastructure and aid those affected by Hurricane Harvey.” [Website]
  • “I also support Harris County’s new post-Harvey building code regulations, and encourage the City of Houston to adopt similar regulations that will require all new construction within the 100-year floodplain to be built two feet above the 500-year floodplain as a mitigation effort against flooding.” [Website]

TAXES

  • “He believes in a limited, yet efficient government that is accountable to the taxpayers.” [Website]
  • “I am a proponent of lower taxes & reduced government spending to encourage economic growth & job creation in the private sector.” [Website]
  • “I believe a balanced budget is key for both personal and government finances and support responsible State spending without increasing taxes or taking on additional debt.” [Website]
  • “I believe the most equitable system of taxation is one based on consumption, and I will oppose any state income taxes or estate taxes.” [Website]

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Nothing

Luis LaRotta (R)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • Small Business Owner
  • Houston Clean City Commission, Board Member
  • Republican Liberty Caucus Houston-Bay Area, Former Chairman
  • United States Navy, Naval Nuclear Operator
  • United States Navy, Recruit Chief Petty Officer

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor’s, Thomas Edison State University – Navy Program, Nuclear Engineering Technology

On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • Nothing

EDUCATION

  • “The Texas Constitution states that we must make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public schools.” [Website]
  • “While we must hold school districts responsible for improving students’ results, we must also pledge an equal determination to support and empower our Texas educators” [Website]
  • “The Senate’s supplemental bill, increased TRS funding from the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) by $300 million BUT raising all employees’ pay could place a larger burden on the pension plan, because defined benefits are tied to employee salaries.” [Website]
  • “We must support a fair teacher retirement plan by innovating strategies to fully fund TRS.” [Website]

HEALTHCARE

  • “We need to fix the foundation we have and focus on healthcare, not health insurance.” [Website]
  • “Expanding a government program [Medicaid] that is delivering less and costing more is not a solution, it’s making the problem worse.” [Website]
  • “Currently, many inner city residents do not have access getting health care due to the shortage of providers accepting Medicaid. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) could fill this void, but we must eliminate Prescriptive Authority Agreements  and allow APRNs to practice independently.  Doing so would allow more patients access to care they might not otherwise have.” [Website]
  • “we must ensure the right to make healthcare treatment decisions be preserved for the individual and their minor children.” [Website]
  • “Patients, while considering their healthcare providers recommendations and options, should be allowed to treat their health conditions as they see fit.” [Website]

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Nothing

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • Nothing

TAXES

  • “Texas must remain a state that limits the rate that tax increases may be applied, bans all forms of income tax and find innovative solutions to address the needs of our school districts without crippling our homeowners.” [Website]
  • “We should work towards eliminating the business margins tax. Potential budget surpluses, more tax revenue from new economic growth, and spending restraint should fund our budget without imposing a new tax.” [Website]

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Adelle Flores, Precinct Chair 785
  • Arnold Morell, Precinct Chair 446
  • Bob Hall, Precinct Chair 43
  • Britt Thedinger, Precinct Chair 166
  • Carl Jarvis, Precinct Chair 60
  • Charlotte Lampe, Precinct 828
  • Chris McDonald, SREC SD
  • David Gratvol, Precinct Chair 304
  • Deann Irby, Precinct Chair 75
  • Douglas Barmore, Precinct Chair 522
  • Doug Markham, Precinct Chair 54
  • Elizabeth Ingersol, Precinct Chair 262
  • Fairalee Carrier, Precinct Chair 136
  • Fausto Nolasco, Precinct Chair 44
  • Gail Stanart, SREC Senate District 15
  • Hank Dugie, League City Councilman Position 2
  • Harris County Republican Party
  • Harry Morse, Precinct Chair 58
  • Houston’s Premier Business Coalition
  • James C. Rains, Precinct Chair 38
  • Jeffrey Larson, Precinct Chair 349
  • Joe Pelati, Precinct Chair 70
  • Jonathan Hansen, Precinct Chair 293
  • Kristy Bridges, Senate District 13 Chairwoman
  • Larry Harris, Precinct Chair 179
  • Log Cabin Republicans
  • Marco Roberts, Precinct Chair 154
  • Mark Ramsey, SREC SD 7
  • Martha Fierro, Precinct Chair 72
  • Robert Kenney, Precinct Chair 5
  • Roy Morales, SREC Senate District 13
  • Rolando Garcia, Senate District 15 Chairman
  • Spring Branch Republicans
  • Tanya Robertson, SREC SD 11
  • Terri Leo, SREC SD 7
  • Texas Latino GOP PAC
  • Texas Young Republicans
  • Tyler Corder, Precinct Chair 57

Independent Candidate

Chris Carmona (I)



Link


Twitter


Facebook

EXPERIENCE

  • The Carmona Firm, Attorney and Consultant
  • Small Business Owner
  • City of Houston Employee Union – HOPE, Director of Dispute Resolutions
  • Harris County District Attorney, Intern
  • Continental Airlines, Corporate Manager (2004 – 2010)
  • Continental Airlines, Operations Manager
  • Landry’s Restaurant Group, Operations Manager

EDUCATION

  • JD, South Texas College of Law Houston
  • Bachelor’s, Marymount Manhattan College, International Relations
On the Issues

ABORTION / CONTRACEPTION

  • Nothing

EDUCATION

  • Nothing

HEALTHCARE

  • “#MentalHealthAwarenessDay is a good time to remember that some policy issues are bigger than legislation and government. A #CompellingCause often requires people to work compassionately and with humanity at a more local level where people live their lives.” [Twitter]

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Nothing

INSURANCE / FLOOD

  • Nothing

TAXES

  • “Despite hundreds of emails to Commissioner Cagle opposed to the tax increase, vs. 2 emails in favor, the Democrat-led Court seems poised to increase taxes on all the people of Harris County. #HD148 doesn’t need a tax penalty on our families.” [Facebook]
  • “After the storms yesterday, which many are still recovering from, it was heartening today to lead discussions with homeowners in #HD148 against the proposed county tax increase. We need to address issues in our district, and raising taxes on our homeowners is not the way to do it.” [Facebook]

 

ENDORSEMENTS
  • Nothing

Propositions

PROPOSITION 1

AMENDMENT AS IT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT

“The constitutional amendment permitting a person to hold more than one office as a municipal judge at the same time.”

WHAT THIS MEANS

Currently, municipal judges are prohibited from holding more than one paid public office at the same time. Many smaller municipalities (urban units of local government) do not have municipal judges. Municipal judges manage cases that arise in the municipality, such as domestic cases, ordinance violations, and misdemeanor offenses. Prop. 1 seeks to modify the constitution to allow municipal judges to hold more than one office in more than one municipality simultaneously.

 

PROPOSITION 2

AMENDMENT AS IT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT

“The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $200 million to provide financial assistance for the development of certain projects in economically distressed areas.”

WHAT THIS MEANS

In 1989, the Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP) was established to provide financial assistance for water supply or sewer services projects in economically distressed areas. Maintaining and expanding water infrastructure is costly, but inadequate infrastructure can result in unsafe water supply, raw sewage runoff, and public health problems. As of 2019, there is no remaining unissued EDAP bonding authority. The purpose of Prop. 2 is to authorize additional funding in the form of bonds for the EDAP. According to the Legislative Budget Board, Prop. 2 would cost the state approximately $3.5 million in general revenue related funds through fiscal 2020-21.  

 

PROPOSITION 3

AMENDMENT AS IT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT

“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of certain property damaged by a disaster.”

WHAT THIS MEANS

The Texas Constitution currently allows for various exemptions from ad valorem (or property) taxation. Prop. 3 aims to expand Section 2, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, by adding a temporary exemption. The exemption would temporarily apply to properties occupying a region declared by the governor to be a disaster area following a disaster. Presently, the only option for tax exemption post-disaster is reappraisal.

 

PROPOSITION 4

AMENDMENT AS IT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT

“The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual income tax, including a tax on an individual’s share of partnership and unincorporated association income.”

WHAT THIS MEANS

Prop. 4 is perhaps the most contradictory measure on the ballot, specifically because of the language used in the amendment. Presently, Texas does not impose a personal income tax. However, the Texas Constitution allows for the legislature to impose a tax on the incomes of natural persons if legislative requirements are met. Prop. 4 would eliminate this possibility by repealing the language that would authorize the legislature to impose the tax. However, the amendment uses the term “individual,” and the Texas Constitution uses the term “natural persons”. This disparity in language could potentially create a corporate tax loophole.

 

PROPOSITION 5

AMENDMENT AS IT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT

“The constitutional amendment dedicating the revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes that are imposed on sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to protect Texas’ natural areas, water quality, and history by acquiring, managing, and improving state and local parks and historic sites while not increasing the rate of the state sales and use taxes.”

WHAT THIS MEANS

Current law already allocates sales tax revenue from sporting goods to the Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission, however, these agencies are only receiving a small portion of revenues derived from that tax, determined by legislative appropriations. A significant portion of the funds are used by the comptroller of public accounts to certify the biennial state budget. Texas state parks and historic sites are experiencing an increase in visitors, but are suffering from inadequate staffing and deferred maintenance. Prop. 5 aims to ensure all sales tax revenue from sporting good sales goes to the Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission.

 

PROPOSITION 6

AMENDMENT AS IT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT

“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase by $3 billion the maximum bond amount authorized for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.”

WHAT THIS MEANS

In 2007, approved by voters, the legislature established the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and authorized the institute to provide grants for medical research, cure developments, clinical trials, and treatment access programs. CPRIT was approved to issue $3 billion in bonds, not exceeding $300 million per year. Approximately 1,300 grants have been awarded, totaling $2.2 billion. According to the Annual Report of the CPRIT in 2018, the institute is expected to exhaust the $3 billion in bonding authority by August 31, 2023. Prop. 6 would authorize an additional $3 billion in bonding authority for the CPRIT.

 

 PROPOSITION 7

AMENDMENT AS IT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT

“The constitutional amendment allowing increased distributions to the available school fund.”

WHAT THIS MEANS

Public education funding was a top priority in the 86th Legislative Session. Currently, there are statutes on the amount the General Land Office and the State Board of Education can distribute. Prop. 7 seeks to increase funding available for public education by increasing these statutes.

 

PROPOSITION 8

AMENDMENT AS IT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT

“The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the flood infrastructure fund to assist in the financing of drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects.”

WHAT THIS MEANS

The objective of Prop. 8 is to create the flood infrastructure fund, separate from the general revenue fund. The flood infrastructure fund would provide financing for flood prevention and mitigation projects. There is no current statewide funding program to assist local jurisdictions in preparing for flooding. The Texas Water Development Board would govern the flood infrastructure fund and would have procedures for awarding grants and loans from the fund for eligible projects. Senate Bill 500, enacted by the 86th Legislature, would provide initial funding for the flood infrastructure fund, pending approval of the constitutional amendment. $793 million from the “rainy day fund” would be deposited into the flood infrastructure fund under SB 500.

 

PROPOSITION 9

AMENDMENT AS IT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT

“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation precious metal held in a precious metal depository located in this state.”

WHAT THIS MEANS

While other states do not subject precious metal to property taxation, Texas does. This makes Texas precious metal depositories less competitive, and discourages people from purchasing and holding precious metals in the state. Prop. 9 would authorize tax exemption for precious metal held in a precious metal depository in the state.

 

PROPOSITION 10

AMENDMENT AS IT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT

“The constitutional amendment to allow the transfer of a law enforcement animal to a qualified caretaker in certain circumstances.”

WHAT THIS MEANS

The Texas Constitution generally prohibits granting public property for a private purpose. This includes law enforcement animals. Prop. 10 seeks to amend the Texas Constitution to authorize the simple transfer of a police dog or other law enforcement animal, avoiding constitutional and statutory requirements. Retired law enforcement animals generally live with their handlers while in service, and the simple transfer of the animal after retirement to the caretaker and home it has known its entire life is in the best interest of the animal.