Press Release: Rep Naomi Gonzalez

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Claudia Tijerina

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 claudia.tijerina@house.state.tx.us

FRESHMAN DEMOCRAT SUCCESSFUL

AGAINST TOUGH ODDS

AUSTIN, TEXAS

– Governor Rick Perry has signed 23 bills authored or sponsored

by State Representative Naomi Gonzalez. The youngest female member of the 2011

freshman class and the only Hispanic female, Representative Gonzalez faced

incredible odds this session.

Additionally, Representative Gonzalez was chosen among 37 incoming House

members to receive the "Freshman of the Year" awa rd from both the Legislative

Study Group and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.

"My goal from day one was to work hard and stay focused on the matters important

to the district I represent. Because of this, I was able to pass legislation under

tough circumstances, but our efforts are far from finished. While the legislation I

passed will support residents of District 76 in the tough times that lie ahead, I will

continue to work collaboratively to ensure that more is done back home that will

help our community weather difficult times."

Among Representative Gonzalez's legislative accomplishments, the following bills

specifically protect the young, elderly, and veterans, increase government efficiency,

and help save taxpayer dollars.

HB 1866

designates Alameda Avenue an historic highway. HB 1866 will promote

economic development and community pride

around Alameda Avenue and allow the

Texas Department of Transportation to apply for federal funds to restore this area.

HB 2496

creates a teen dating violence court that provides justice for victims of

dating violence and a court-approved program for perpetrators of teen dating

violence. This bill

will free up taxpayer dollars and promote healthy relationships

among our youth

by stemming the cycle of violence and incarceration.

SB 604 increases government efficiency

by allowing jailers to serve inmates

warrants, subpoenas, and execute other processes, ensuring that peace officers can

remain in the field where they are needed most.

SB 221

and SB 223 protect our elderly by improving the regulation of home and

community support services agencies and adding identity theft as a form of

exploitation and abuse.

SB 540 protects our veterans

by paving the way to adjust tax exemptions for

disabled veterans, making it easier for them to afford housing.

Though a very difficult session, Representative Gonzalez has worked hard to protect

and serve her constituents. She remained focused on putting District 76 first and

collaborated with members of the community and all levels of government to ensure

the maximum local benefit.

"Job creation, healthcare and education are the backbone of a strong economy and

must be our priorities. Legislation like HB 1866, HB 2496 and SB 604 are examples

of creative ways we can promote positive growth, save taxpayer money and support

our community."