EL PASO – On Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at 3 p.m. (CST) Senator Eliot Shapleigh (D-El Paso) will honor former Texas House of Representatives member Paul Moreno in a reception to follow opening ceremonies of the 81st Legislative Session.

"We are honored to host Rep. Paul Moreno to the Senate after a lifetime of service to our community," Sen. Shapleigh said.

Paul Moreno represented the Texas House of Representatives' 77th District, part of El Paso County, for more than 40 years. A native of El Paso's Segundo Barrio, Moreno received a BBA from the University of Texas at El Paso. A veteran of the Korean War, Moreno served six years in the Marine Corp.

Moreno was first elected to the Texas House in 1967. He went on to become the longest-serving Hispanic elected official in the country. In El Paso, Moreno was a cofounder of El Paso Legal Assistance and the founding member of the Tejano Democrats.

During his tenure in elected office, Moreno was regarded as the "Conscience of the House." He remains an outspoken voice for the rights of the poor and disabled.

Senator Shapleigh will honor Moreno during a reception in his Capitol office, E1.610 in the Capitol extension, at 3pm.

What: Senator Eliot Shapleigh to honor former Texas House member Paul Moreno.

When: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 3pm

Where: Senator Shapleigh's Capitol office, E1.610 in the Capitol extension. Please see map below.

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