From the Senator's Desk...
June 22, 2006
Senator Shapleigh's notes and observations will keep you updated on what is happening behind the scenes in Austin and El Paso.
Written by Senator Eliot Shapleigh, www.shapleigh.org
Great Schools , Fair Taxes, Working Across the Aisle
Some time ago, I invited my good friend Florence Shapiro, Republican from Plano to come visit our schools. She is chair of Senate Education.
We spent a day touring the ‘best practice’ schools of El Paso. From our visit, we took many ideas to Austin to work together on improving schools. She and I have worked for years on issues like dual language programs, reconstituting low performing schools and better pay for teachers.
She is a great friend. We agree on many things, disagree on others, but we both believe in better schools. Every day in Austin, we work across the aisle to get things done. This is just one of many, many examples. For more examples, please see the “For the People” section of my website.
But sometimes, when lawmakers in Austin have ideas that might hurt El Paso (like higher taxes on 94% of my community) I have to take a stand. When that happens, we have to agree to disagree because representing El Paso is my job, and El Paso is worth the fight!
Keep the faith!
Those Who Visited:
Dana C. Hughes, Dr.P.H., senior policy analyst for the University of California at San Francisco Institute for Health Policy Studies, visited with Senator Shapleigh in El Paso to discuss ways of getting health care coverage for the 21 percent of Texas children who are uninsured.
Community Scholars students, participants in El Paso's nationally recognized youth leadership and public policy program, visited with Senator Shapleigh to discuss their latest research and experiences.
Upcoming Events:
What: Eastside 4th of July Parade
When: July 4, 2006 @ 9:00 AM
Where: Hanks High School (2001 Lee Trevino). Take I-10 East Exit Lee Trevino. Go north on Lee Trevino. Corner of Lee Trevino & Montwood.
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