Senator Judith Zaffirini files for re-election

 

"It is a privilege to represent South Texas in the Texas Senate," said Senator Judith Zaffirini as she filed for re-election to represent District 21. "As a native South Texan and lifelong resident of Laredo , I share my constituents' hopes and concerns. Accordingly, I will continue to prioritize our families' needs in the Texas Senate."

Sen. Zaffirini has a strong legislative track record, having sponsored and passed 457 bills. She ranks fourth in seniority in the 31-member Texas Senate.

"My pledge to the citizens of Senate District 21 is to build upon my legislative experience and seniority to enhance opportunities for higher education, to provide equitable funding for public education, to increase access to quality healthcare, and to promote economic development for each of our 17 counties," Sen. Zaffirini said. "Together we can continue to pass legislation that will benefit all families."

The first border resident elected to represent District 21 in 20 years, Sen. Zaffirini is the first Hispanic woman senator in Texas and to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate and as Governor for a Day. The senior senator from the border and for Bexar County , she served three consecutive terms as Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, five terms as a member of the Appropriations Conference Committee, five terms as a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, and eight consecutive terms on the Senate Committee on Education.

In 2003 Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst appointed her Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and to the Senate Committees on Education, Health and Human Services and International Relations and Trade and to the Appropriations Conference Committee, the Joint Interim Committee on Higher Education, and the Legislative Oversight Committee on Higher Education.

The only senator with a career-long 100 percent attendance record through the 2003 Regular Legislative Session and 100 percent voting record, Sen. Zaffirini has cast 29,617 consecutive votes during nine regular and 14 special sessions.

Her legislative successes include passing bills to reduce paperwork for teachers; provide zero-interest college loans and forgiving them for students who are graduated timely with a B average; immunize all Texas children; reform Medicaid and simplify eligibility; facilitate independent living for people with disabilities; toughen drunk driving laws; promote dual language education programs; keep radioactive waste out of SD 21; stop the proliferation of colonias; restrict minors‚ access to tobacco; and reform indigent healthcare, welfare, nursing homes, adoption and child support.

The primary election is Tuesday, March 9, 2004.