Senator Eliot Shapleigh - El Paso, Texas

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is pleased to name Retired State Senator Eliot Shapleigh its Public Elected Official of the Year. Shapleigh is a long-term supporter of a wide range of social work issues in Texas.

Senator Eliot Shapleigh represented El Paso for more than ten years with passion and purpose. His district, District 29, which encompasses most of El Paso, is a culturally diverse mix of hard working families, small businesses and young people. As a fifth-generation El Pasoan whose roots in his community trace back to 1847, Senator Shapleigh's strong connection to his district has inspired creative community-based leadership since 1996.

On August 6, 2010 Dr. Gupta interviewed Dr. Philip Landrigan on his studies of widespread lead poisoning in El Paso during the 1970's.

The 2010 Symposium on Climate Change, Water & Adaptive Law, which was hosted by the University of Houston Law Center's Environmental & Energy Law & Policy Journal, took place at the Czech Center Museum on February 26, 2010.

The Symposium focused on how the law and the legal system must adapt to address the impacts of climate change on water resources and regimes.

As the keynote speaker, Senator Shapleigh discussed the role of states and state legislatures in addressing the relationship between climate change and water. In addition, the Senator spoke about Texas legislation to date, the kinds of legislation that will be needed in the future, and the political climate for legislation that can aid adaptation to climate change's impacts on water.

Michelle Obama launches her much anticipated initiative to fight the war on childhood obesity. The program is simply called “Let’s Move,” an actionable name that speaks volumes about the goals of the first lady and the organization. It is the first lady’s goal to wipe-out childhood obesity in a generation, a necessity to preserve the health and wellness of our youngest Americans.

On Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 5:30 pm- 7:00pm, the office of Senator Eliot Shapleigh and UTEP's Student Government Association hosted Texas Custodial Trust: "Our El Paso 2020: Building a Vision," on the University of Texas at El Paso campus.

On Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 10 a.m., Senator Eliot Shapleigh (D-El Paso) held a press conference in the Senate Press Room to connect the dots on how industry influence controls outcomes of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

President Obama honors educators who have shown excellence in teaching and mentoring students in mathematics and science at an awards ceremony at the White House. January 6, 2010.

The Senate passed a historic $871 billion health care reform bill Thursday morning, handing President Obama a Christmas Eve victory on his top domestic priority.

Senator Eliot Shapleigh launched "Letters from Home" project in honor of Veteran's Day.

This project allows students to express their gratitude to active duty soldiers overseas during the holidays.

Senator Shapleigh honors our men and women in uniforms who guarantee our freedoms around the world. "It is their sacrifice, their dedication, and their lives that truly deserve the Nobel Peace Prize," said Senator Shapleigh.
Senator Shapleigh interviews Steven Munoz about the role of U.S military around the world on his monthly TV show? "Austin in Focus."

According to the Atlantic:

President Obama's speech at Fort Hood may go down as one of his best ever.

The president was able to balance his duties as Commander in Chief while consoling a nation in the aftermath of a terrible tragedy. That he was able to do this while taking away the focus on the shooter's religion was even more impressive.

It was one of those speeches that makes you especially proud to be an American.

One of our Texas Democratic representatives speaks up to oppose the Republican "alternative," that won't insure the 37 million Americans who lack coverage, and won't cut costs as well as the Democratic bill.

Every month Senator Shapleigh awards one or more persons who have made an extraordinary commitment to service, family and community. For the month of November, Senator Shapleigh honors 2010 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year, Yushica Walker, a sixth-grade science teacher at Morehead Middle School in the El Paso Independent School District, for dedication in inspiring her students to excel in school and their personal lives.

TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager visits a high school in Texas where new doors are being opened to young women there with the help of some special trailblazers.

"In our family, public service is the highest calling. While other public service may lie ahead, I will not run for the Texas Senate in 2010. During each day of the last decade, we have endeavored to do our very best for the people of our great community and state. In public life, especially in Texas during this decade, doing what’s right, not what’s expedient is what matters. I am grateful to the people who elected me for the opportunity to serve. Here in God's Country, good, hardworking, honest leaders will rise to the challenge—the work will go on—the dream will never die"

Ruthless drug cartels in Mexico are battling against each other and against the government for control of the drug trade. 2008 was the most violent year in Mexico, with around 6,000 drug-related murders. 2009 looks like it could be even worse. And there are fears that Mexico's narco-violence could spread north of the border into the U.S. In this one-hour Vanguard report, Laura Ling travels to the border towns of Juarez and Tijuana, Mexico where drugs gangs are fighting for control of the drug routes into the United States. Ling also goes to the city of Culiacan in Sinaloa State, a region that's known as the birthplace of narco-trafficking in Mexico. Despite the 40,000 federal troops that are patrolling cities across Mexico, violence is increasing and the methods of killings are becoming even more brazen and grotesque. Ling speaks with gun dealers in El Paso, Texas and U.S. officials about the illegal smuggling of weapons into Mexico--90% of the weapons seized in Mexico have been traced back to the U.S. She examines the culture of corruption and lack of public trust in a police force that has become known for working with the cartel

A statewide lawyers group that recommends nominees to the Texas Forensic Science Commission urged Gov. Rick Perry to retain commission Chairman Sam Bassett less than four weeks before the Austin lawyer was ousted in a commission shake-up that has stalled an inquiry involving a 2004 execution.

Three members of the commission, including two who were dismissed in the shake-up, also wrote Perry to urge Bassett’s reappointment, according to interviews and letters obtained.

Perry has drawn national attention for his dismissal of Bassett and commission members Alan Levy, a prosecutor in the Tarrant County district attorney’s office, and Aliece Watts, a forensic scientist who lives in Burleson.

Click here to read more.

Ann Kitchen, former Texas House District 48 Representative, speaking on health care

Quality Physical Education
"Developing fitness and improving skills are important in physical education, but these objectives need to be framed within a broader goal aimed at providing children with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to be active for a lifetime."

Click here to learn more

Senator Eliot Shapleigh held a town hall meeting on health care reform. Local community leaders discussed the current health care crisis in El Paso and the potential impact of federal legislative proposals on El Pasoans.

The panel was compromised of health care professionals, including Dr. Jose Luna (Chief Medical Officer, Centro San Vicente), Mr. Salvador Balcorta (Chief Executive Director, Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe), Dr. David Palafox (El Paso County Medical Society), and Producer of the Ray Pearson Forum, Joe Oliva as Master of Ceremonies.

Priscilla Sanchez is a small business owner in El Paso, Texas. Priscilla is one of many who have been affected by the health care crisis.

Austin in Focus with Special Guest Dr. Jose Luna Part 1

Dr. Jose Luna, Chief Medical Officer, Centro San Vicente was a part of the health care panel during the town hall meeting on the health care reform.

Austin in Focus with Special Guest Dr. Jose Luna Part 2

Dr. Jose Luna, Chief Medical Officer, Centro San Vicente was a part of the health care panel during the town hall meeting on the health care reform.

President Barack Obama took direct aim at the vocal opponents who’ve been filling congressional town halls on health care Tuesday, saying despite all the “yelling and the shouting and the noise,” health reform will improve the lives of Americans with and without insurance now.

The shift in focus and rhetoric comes as the health care debate has heated up, and the White House dusted off an election tactic, unveiling a website to dispel misinformation about health care reform, and firing up grass-roots organizers who were the backbone of the campaign.

Click here and here to learn from Senator Shapleigh on how our health care system is broken.

Rise -n- Shine: Senator Shapleigh and Horizon high school.

Senator Shapleigh and Senate El Paso staff escort members of local high schools and college student government associations on short hiking trips up the Franklin Mountains,beginning at the mountains' base at Transmountain Road. High school students are accompanied by at least one responsible adult chaperone. All hikers will meet at the base of the
hiking trail at 6:00 am and complete the hike at approximately 8:30 am.

"Join us on the top of the world," for more information please contact Analisa Cordova at 915.544.1990

Also, please visit The Franklin Mountains Flora Project website

On Saturday, July 25, Senator Eliot Shapleigh was a featured guest on the Ray Pearson forum to speak about several topics including Austin politics and what we in El Paso can do to better our community.

The President calls on Congress to seize this opportunity one that may not come again for decades and finally pass health care reform: Its about every family unable to keep up with soaring out of pocket costs and premiums rising three times faster than wages. Every worker afraid of losing health insurance if they lose their job, or change jobs. Everyone whos worried that they may not be able to get insurance or change insurance if someone in their family has a pre-existing condition.

The President explains how the Recovery Act helped end our economic free fall, and how his agenda is helping to set a new foundation for our economy. From health reform, to energy, to creating the jobs of the future, the Presidents proposals will make our economy stronger for both the current generations and our children, all in a way that will get our deficits under control.

The Socorro High School baseball team recently won the Class 5A state baseball championship title. They are only El Paso's second team to win a state championship in baseball since the 1949 Bowie Bears. The Socorro Bulldogs were honored at the state capitol in Austin during the legislative special session.

Read more about the Bulldogs in Austin here.

AUSTIN - On Monday, June 29, 2009 at 10 a.m., Senator Eliot Shapleigh (D-El Paso) and Representative Coleman (D-Houston) hosted a press conference asking Governor Perry to put the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Special Session call.

Senator Shapleigh filed S.B. 6, which would expand CHIP eligibility to children whose families earn up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). Children are currently only eligible for enrollment if their family earns up to 200 FPL.

Read more about the press conference here.

The President makes clear that as Congress works through health care reform legislation, it must include fundamental changes that lower costs, ensure Americans have choices, and establish access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

Click here to read more on health care.

Senator Shapleigh in a promotional video for KCOS.

El Paso welcomes Socorro Bulldogs back home after winning the 5A Baseball State Championship.

Click here to read about the State Champions.

Senator Shapleigh sent a letter to Governor Perry, calling on him to include expanded eligibility for the state's Children's Health Insurance Program to the call for the 81st Special Legislative Session.

Click here to read the letter.

Senator John Carona (R-Dallas) calls a press conference on the conference committee report on H.B. 300, the TxDOT sunset bill. During the press conference, he blames failed leadership from the Governor, Lt. Governor and GOP leaders for the 81st Legislature's dysfunction in the House.

Ganas! is a student photo and essay contest designed to promote youth empowerment. Senator Shapleigh's office, and the Ysleta and El Paso independent school districts launched the first-annual contest this year. Those selected were displayed in the State Capitol building in Austin.

Click here and here to learn more about Ganas!

A bill filed by Senator Shapleigh would bring greater oversight on state homes.

Click here and here for more information.

Senator Shapleigh and Representative Joseph E. Moody (D - District 78, El Paso) honored El Paso educator Candelario Barragan with special resolutions on the floors of the Texas Senate and House. Barragan was one of only four teachers in Texas to earn the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award in 2007.

Click above to watch Barragan being honored in the Senate. Click here to learn more about Barragan.

On Thursday, May 21, 2009, Senator Shapleigh met with UTEP social work students in Austin. The Senator spoke to them about issues in the 81st Legislative Session, including expanding CHIP, payday lending and the fixing the Driver Responsibility Program

On May 18, 2009 Senator Eliot Shapleigh and Representative Marisa Marquez (D-District 77, El Paso) honored El Pasoan Maria Ruiz with special resolutions on the floors of the Texas Senate and House. Click above to watch Ruiz honored in the Senate. In 2008, Ruiz was a finalist for the CNN Hero award and was honored this year by ABC's "Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition."

Click here to read more about Ruiz.

A crowd of angry lawmakers and citizens gathered at City Hall Monday night after learning ASARCO may only pay a fraction of what it could take to remediate the El Paso smelter.

For more information, click here or here

In May 2009, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted a public meeting for community members to voice concerns with the proposed remediation plan for the ASARCO copper smelter site in El Paso.

Senator Shapleigh's General Counsel, David Edmonson represented the office of Senator Eliot Shapleigh.

Click here, here and here for more information.

PowerPoint slides from the meeting, click on "The ASARCO Files" on Shapleigh.org's "Reporting to You" tab.

On Monday, May 11, 2009 from Austin, Senator Shapleigh hosted a Tele-Town Hall meeting with his constituents to discuss the top 10 bills El Pasoans need to follow for the rest of the 81st Texas Legislative Session.

Click here and here for more information.

On Friday, May 8, 2009, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express hosted a demonstration of one of their commuter trains in El Paso. El Paso city, county and state representatives hosted a press conference for the event.

For more information, click here, here or here.

The Texas Senate has passed legislation prohibiting the use of trans fats in most restaurant foods.

Proponents say the move would help fight obesity and reduce health insurance costs. It would place Texas alongside the state of California and New York City in banning the potentially hazardous fats.

For more information, please click here.

The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce, May 5, 2009

Closing remarks by Senators Davis
and Shapleigh begin at 54:18

For more information, click here and here.

On Monday, April 27, 2009 Senators Eliot Shapleigh, Rodney Ellis (D- Houston), Kirk Watson (D- Austin) and Wendy Davis (D- Fort Worth) hosted a press conference on "cleaning up the mess" at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

The commission has been the subject of multiple incidents related to protecting business interests— instead of fulfilling its duty to protect the state's human and natural resources.

For more information, click here.

State Board of Education Chairman Don McLeroy faced severe criticism from two Senate Committee on Nominations members and several citizens who called him unfit to lead the 15-member board because of his strong religious beliefs that they said conflict with his role in shaping public education policy for 4.7 million Texas public school children.

Click here, here and here for more information.

Please click above to watch testimony from Texas State Board of Education Chairman Don McLeroy and witnesses before the Senate Committee on Nominations.

McLeroy's testimony begins at 1:20:09

EL PASO - On Friday, April 10, 2009 at Tom Lea Park -Upper in El Paso, Senator Eliot Shapleigh (D-El Paso) hosted a press conference to discuss a package of bills he has filed this session to increase energy efficiency and modernize Texas power utilities by encouraging greater use of solar energy.

Harnessing Texas' natural resources for the production of high efficiency, clean energy will both help preserve the environment, boost the economy and help energy consumers save money. El Paso is perfectly positioned to become the solar capitol of Texas.

To read more about this issue, click here, here and here.

State Senator Eliot Shapleigh has introduced a package of bills in Austin that are intended to help people in El Paso save money if they invest in solar energy.

He went to Tom Lea Park to pitch his idea to the community, saying, "imagine how oil was in the Permian Basin...that's how solar will be in El Paso."

To read more about this issue, click here, here and here.

An April 8 press conference hosted by Senator John Carona regarding transportation funding challenges facing Texas. He is joined by Sen. Davis, Sen. Shapiro, Sen. Shapleigh, Sen. Watson, Sen. Wentworth, and others.

For more information, click here and here.

Senator Shapleigh's Senate Bill 204 and House Bill 1523, by Rep. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, would ban foods containing trans fats from chain restaurants starting Sept. 1, 2010. Restaurants with fewer than 15 locations would have an additional year to comply, as would bakeries that make doughnuts and other deep-fried treats.

Clear here to read more about this issue.

On Monday, April 6, 2009 at in the Lt. Governor's Press Room in Austin, Senator Eliot Shapleigh (D-El Paso) and Representative Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) hosted a press conference supporting legislation they filed to eliminate trans fat from the menus of Texas restaurants.

Click here for more information on the press conference.

For more information, click here.

In this segment from Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," Aasif Mandvi "meets two Americans who are doing their part to stop illegal immigration."

The segment deals with the Texas Border Sheriff Coalition's virtual camera program.

To learn more about the program, click here and here, or search Shapleigh.org for "blueservo."

KVIA interviews Senator Eliot Shapleigh about bills he's filed during the 81st Legislative Session to allow El Pasoans to produce their own electricity.

To read more about the bill package click here and here.

Senator Shapleigh (D- El Paso) releases the following Web video to discuss a package of bills he has filed this session to increase energy efficiency and modernize Texas power utilities by encouraging greater use of solar energy.

To learn more about these bills, click here.

AUSTIN - On Monday, March 23, 2009 Senator Eliot Shapleigh (D- El Paso), Senator Rodney Ellis (D- Houston) and Senator Wendy Davis (D- Fort Worth) hosted a press conference to outline bills filed this session to combat predatory lending in Texas.

Subprime mortgages, payday loans and refund anticipation loans (RALs) have come under fire from consumer advocates, federal regulators, and the U.S. military for trapping consumers into debts they cannot pay off. Very often these loans are a last resort for Texans struggling to provide for their families. With the Texas economy following the rest of the nation into recession, there is concern that demand for these predatory loans will increase.

Read more about the press conference here.

Sen. Eliot Shapleigh just got SB 189 passed in the Senate, and now it’s up to the House to make a move. The bill would cap interest rate for cash advance loans at 36 percent for soldiers and their dependents.

Read more about the Senator's predatory lending bills here.

On Friday, March 20, 2009 at L&J's Café in El Paso, Senator Eliot Shapleigh, local restaurateurs and area medical professionals hosted a press conference supporting legislation filed by Senator Shapleigh to eliminate trans fat from the menus of Texas restaurants.

This legislative session, Senator Shapleigh filed SB 204, which amends the Health and Safety Code to prohibit Texas restaurants from packaging, storing or using trans fat to prepare or serve food.

Click here and here to read more about the press conference.

On Tuesday, March 17, 2009 from Austin, Senator Eliot Shapleigh (D- El Paso) hosted a Tele-Town Hall meeting with his constituents to discuss El Paso's local economy and jobs, El Paso's stimulus projects and the expansion of the Texas Tech four-year medical school in El Paso.

Read more about the Tele-Town Hall and El Paso Stimulus here and here, respectively.

Drug cartel fueled violence has turned into war in Mexico, with thousands of deaths and the government battling well-armed gangs whose military-grade weapons come mostly from U.S. dealers. CNN's Anderson Cooper reports.

For more on the Juarez drug war, visit our Reporting to You page.

After a more than 24-hour hearing of the full Texas Senate, Republican's voter suppression law passes with a 20-12 vote. To read more about the bill click here and here.

March 9, 2009 press conference on pending voter identification legislation.
Sen. Shapleigh is joined by Sen. Davis, Sen. Ellis, Sen. Galegos, Sen. Watson, Sen. Van de Putte, Sen. West, Sen. Whitmire, Sen. Zaffirini, and others.

Texas Democratic lawmakers on March 3, 2009 called on Gov. Rick Perry to accept unemployment money in the federal stimulus package.

Texas could receive $555 million in federal stimulus money if it changes the law to allow more people to qualify.

Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso, said not taking the money would be a "profound irresponsibility."

Read more about this issue here

March 3 press conference urging Gov. Perry to accept all available economic stimulus funds.
Sen. Shapleigh is joined by Sen. Gallegos, Sen. Lucio, Sen. Ellis, Sen. Van de Putte, Sen. Watson, and Rep. Dunnam.

Sen. Shapleigh and State Representative Joseph Moody held a press conference to address the serious lack of awareness among veterans of benefits they are eligible for.

Read more about the press conference here and here.

On Friday, February 27, 2009 at VFW Yucca Post 8919, in El Paso, Senator Shapleigh and State Representative Joseph E. Moody (D- Dist. 78) hosted a press conference to address declining rates of veterans receiving benefits they are eligible for.

Click here for more information.

On Saturday, February 21, 2009, at the "A Day in the Sun: Adios ASARCO, Hello Future," event at the University of Texas at El Paso, Senator Shapleigh outlined his concerns with the current ASARCO remediation plan for their El Paso smelter.

Click here, here and here for more information.

On February 21, 2009, the office of Senator Eliot Shapleigh and a coalition of El Paso organizations hosted "A Day in the Sun: Adios ASARCO, Hello Future," on the University of Texas at El Paso campus. The event celebrated the closing of the smelter, looked at possible uses for the site, and updated citizens about ongoing remediation efforts.

To read more about the event, click here and here.

A video produced for the "Adios ASARCO, Hello Future" event at UTEP in February 2009.

Click here or here for more information.

On Feb. 24, 2009. Governor Rick Perry visited El Paso to address the issue of border security. Senator Shapleigh organized a press conference after the Governor's to make a statement in reaction.

To read the Senator's full released statement, click here.

To see the Governor's press conference, click here.

Sen. Shapleigh sits down with Dr. John Baldwin, president of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Texas Tech University System.

On Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18, 2009, El Paso civic and business leaders traveled to Austin, Texas for El Paso Days in Austin. Each legislative session, El Paso leaders meet with state legislators and representatives from state agencies to discuss the city's needs for this legislative session. One of the two days' most anticipated events is its reception, captured in this video.

To read more about El Paso Days, click here, here, here and here.

Senator Shapleigh welcomes Mayor John Cook, County Commissioners Veronica Escobar and Willie Gandara, County Attorney Jose Rodriguez and Fort. Bliss' Col. Ed Manning to the Texas Capitol, and reads a resolution Commemorating El Paso Days in Austin.

Tammi Mackeben was the winner of the American School Counselor Association's (ASCA) 2008 School Counselor of the Year award.

On February 17, 2009, Senator Shapleigh honored Mackeben with a resolution from the Texas Senate.

The Senator's remarks begin at 51:40

Senator Shapleigh sits down with Senator John Carona, Chairman of the Texas Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee.

Senator Shapleigh interviews Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst on the floor of the Texas Senate.

Senator Shapleigh holds a press conference in Austin to announce the release of "Texas on the Brink: How Texas Ranks Among the 50 States" and speak about the state of Texas' health care.

For more on Texas on the Brink, click here. You may read the full report here.

¡Ganas! is an international contest designed to promote youth empowerment. The program is a collaboration between the Office of Senator Eliot Shapleigh, the Municipio de Juarez, the El Paso Independent School District, the Ysleta Independent School District, the El Paso International Museum of Art and the City of El Paso.

Within the next two weeks, digital cameras will be delivered to participating schools in El Paso and Juarez. Students will be asked to join the contest by taking photos of people, culture or places that have a positive influence on their values, families and community. Teachers will then mentor their students in writing a 100-word essay on what the photo means to them.

Click here for more information.

Whether to allow ASARCO to reopen its plant here in West El Paso is an issue debated by many people on many different fronts. Several anti-ASARCO groups waged a war against the plant saying its reopening would pollute the city's air with lead and other toxins.

State Senator Eliot Shapleigh, another opponent of ASARCO, said Tuesday was a "fantastic day." He told ABC-7 in a phone interview that the jobs ASARCO would have brought in would have cost the city higher-paying jobs in other fields. Shapleigh called the taxpayer money spent opposing ASARCO "money well spent."

ASARCO managers said they are not reopening because of a slumping economy. However, Shapleigh's office said that the United States Environmental Protection Agency wrote two letters stating that ASARCO’s air quality permits violated federal environmental standards.

The EPA sent the letters to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The EPA said ASARCO can not operate under "grandfathered permits" that they received in February 2008. TCEQ renewed ASARCO’s air quality permit in February 2008. The EPA said air quality standards have been revised since ASARCO last operated.

On Thursday, January 22, 2009, Senator Shapleigh toured one of the El Paso offices of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, located at 2300 E. Yandell Dr.

By recent estimates, more than a million jobs may disappear across the nation as a result of this ongoing recession, hitting the nation's metropolitan areas the worst. In these trying times, access to unemployment insurance, food stamps and Medicaid, among other programs, is extremely important.

Click here, here and here for more on the tour and HHSC.

President elect Barack Obama said Monday that his administration will begin work immediately to strengthen the U.S.-Mexico relationship. Sen. Shapleigh and City Councilman Beto O'Rourke appear in this report.

Sen. Shapleigh speaks with University of Texas at El Paso President Diana Natalicio.

President Barack Obama took the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States and delivered an inaugural address focusing on the themes of sacrifice and renewal on January 20, 2009.

Opening Ceremonies for the 81st Texas Legislative Session kicked off Tuesday, January 13, 2009 in Austin Texas. Following the ceremonies, Senator Shapleigh hosted a reception in his capitol office during which the Senator honored former Texas House of Representatives member Paul Moreno for his 40 years of service to El Paso. Attendees of the reception also shared their hopes for the new session.

Read more about the event here.

By this time next week, Texas lawmakers should have a pretty good idea of the budget they have to work with, and the slowing economy will play a part.

El Paso State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh said Texas will have a surplus this year, but not as big as many expected and that means some projects may be put on hold.

Senator Shapleigh addresses his constituents before the start of the 81st Legislative Session on El Paso's priorities, including higher education and fostering the growth of 21st Century jobs.

January 5, 2009

Local lawmakers announced Monday that they would be making it a priority this legislative session to pass bills to allow Indian casinos, like Speaking Rock Casino, to resume gaming operations in Texas.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2008, Senator Shapleigh honored members of Operation Santa Claus with the "Adelante Con Ganas Award."

For 50 years, Operation Santa Claus has worked with the Boys and Girls Club of El Paso in distributing toys to military families and in El Paso's poorest neighborhoods. In 2008 alone, the Fort Bliss-based charity donated approximately 40,000 toys.

During a December 12, 2008, parade, children from the Boys and Girls Club, and the La Fe Preparatory School received gifts from Santa that had been loaded into military trucks.

For more information, click here.

On Monday December 1 at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso state and area health specialists, and members of El Paso's city, county and state delegations met to discuss priority issues for the upcoming legislative session. In this video, Sen. Shapleigh; legislative analyst Sushma Jasti; John Hawkins, senior vice president for the Texas Hospitals Association; and John A. Guest, President/CEO of Teaching Hospitals of Texas discuss challenges facing El Paso and the state in the areas of health care and health education.

For more information, click here.

Sen. Shapleigh speaks with El Paso's County Commissioner for Pct 2, Veronica Escobar.

Sen. Shapleigh present "Rail in the Pass" before the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization.

To read Rail in the Pass, click here.

To see Senator Shapleigh's PowerPoint slide, click here.

On Wednesday, December 3, 2008, State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, El Paso County Attorney Jose Rodriguez, El Paso City Rep. Steve Ortega and Mr. Karl McElhaney from the office of U.S. Congressman Sylvestre Reyes held a press conference to discuss the content of a joint letter they will be sending to President-elect Barack Obama in opposition to the Border Wall.

The joint statement was issued as part of he National Border Wall Summit held at the Camino Real Hotel in El Paso.

The two-day summit was being organized by the organization Border Ambassadors, and brought together diverse organizations, individuals, and elected officials from along the border and across the country to collaborate on border wall opposition strategy.

On Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at Gerardo's Restaurant in El Paso, Senator Shapleigh honored Jose L. Aguilar with the "Adelante Con Ganas Award."

A native of El Paso's Segundo Barrio, Jose L. Aguilar is a long-time advocate for El Paso youth and needy members of our community. Aguilar has served as Executive Director of the Our Lady's Youth Center, 501 East Paisano Drive, a center created to combat drug and gang activity in South El Paso.

Click here for more information.

Maria Ruiz, chosen as one of the top 10 Heroes of 2008 by CNN, crosses the border into Juárez several times a week to take food, clothing and toys to hundreds of impoverished children and their families at the ministry.

For more information, click here or here.

Sen. Shapleigh sits down with Col. Ed Manning of Fort Bliss.

Sen. Shapleigh speaks with El Paso Mayor John Cook about El Paso's present challenges and future.

Senator Shapleigh visits Bel Air High School on Tuesday (11/12/08) to award student Luis A. Colomo with his first-place award for an art entry in the Senator's Environmental Summit, which was held September 19, 2008. The Senator, along with Bel Air's principal and YISD Interim Superintendent Roger Parks, also speaks about the importance of art education in our schools.

1,500 people march in El Paso on October 16, 2008 to protest proposed cuts to funding for mental health and mental retardation.

Senator Shapleigh hikes the Franklin Mountains with members of the UTEP Student Government Association.

For more information on the Rise and Shine Program, click here.

Juarez, Mexico is currently one of the world's most dangerous places.

This 4-minute documentary for Round 2 of the YouTube and Pulitzer Center "Project: Report" challenge takes a look at how Mexico's current war on cartels is affecting the lives of Juarez residents and the country as a whole.

This is a video about the wildlife, landscapes and people of the borderlands of the United States and Mexico. It is part of a project I am working on with the International League of Conservation Photographers to highlight the ecological and human impacts of the border wall the United States is currently building along our southern border.

For more information please go to ilcp.com/borderlands

New Generation of Veterans at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial.

Senator Shapleigh celebrates election night with friends and neighbors at Café Mayapan in El Paso.

Hillary Clinton speaks at a "Change We Need" rally in Sunland Park, New Mexico on Saturday, October 25th.

The Microsociety at Sageland Elementary School in YISD is a Best Practices Award winner at the "Invest in the American Dream" conference held in El Paso, Texas from Oct. 21 to 22

Click here and here to watch more videos from the conference.

On October 21-22 the "Invest in the American Dream" conference on financial stability, financial literacy and small business lending will be held at the El Paso Museum of Art. The keynote speaker is Maria Echaveste, former assistant to the president and former White House Deputy Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton.

Click here for more information on "Invest in the American Dream."

Sen. Shapleigh's staff met October 2, 2008 for one of many legislative grid meetings, at which the Senator and staff discuss bills that will be filed this upcoming legislative session. Eduardo Hagert, the Senator's chief of staff, and Juana Padilla, the Senator's district director, discuss some of these bills.

Senator Shapleigh hikes the Franklin Mountains with students from Socorro High School.

For more on this story, click here.

For more information on the Rise and Shine Program, click here.

Senator Shapleigh Interviews Juarez Mayor José Reyes Ferriz

September 2009: Equipo Bowie -- which includes members such as state state Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas, and the Bowie Alumni Association -- will review data in the Bowie High School feeder pattern beginning with children in Head Start programs and continuing through college-age students.

For more information, click here.

Senator Shapleigh speaks about the Wall Street meltdown and the price homeowners pay.

Senator Shapleigh reflects on the life of former UTEP basketball coach Don Haskins and his impact on El Paso.

A tribute to one of the greatest coaches in NCAA Basketball Don Haskins or as many like to call him The Bear. He did so much for UTEP, the players, the fans, and for El Paso. He will never be forgotten.

A short video about the Texas Capitol in Austin.

Are you up to the challenge?

If you're a college student, you can audition for GECU's Savings Challenge '09 COLLEGE EDITION. Not a GECU member? No worries! If you're selected to participate in the challenge, we'll ask you to join then. Line up and get some camera time at our audition locations or upload a video of yourself telling us why you should be one of the 'chosen ones'. You can dance, sing, (no dog juggling) -- just keep it creative. Once in the challenge, we will help you reduce your current debt, pay for future college expenses and start saving money.

The student who comes closest to meeting their goals throughout the year will win $10,000! -- the finalists will get $2,500 each... so pluck your unibrow, practice the Macarena and get ready to put YOUR FACE on our space

Senator Eliot Shapleigh interviewed Dr. Richard Rhodes, El Paso Community College President, on July 11, 2008.

EL INMIGRANTE is a documentary film that examines the Mexican and American border crisis by telling the story of Eusebio de Haro a young Mexican migrant who was shot and killed during one of his journeys north. The film presents a distinct humanitarian focus in which story and character take precedent over policy and empiricism. Towards this end “El Inmigrante” examines the perspectives of a diverse cast of players in this border narrative. A cast which includes the de Haro family, the community of Brackettville, Texas–where Eusebio was shot, members of vigilante border militias in Arizona, the horseback border patrol in El Paso, and migrants en route to an uncertain future in the United States

A trail in the Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas.

Most Texans live the dream. For some of us, it's the dream of an affordable rental home in a safe, clean, neighborhood. For others, it's the dream of owning a home. Whether you rent or own, success begins at home.

"This border city, once the thriving commercial hub of the U.S. Southwest, is reviving its moribund downtown with the help of some native benefactors. WSJ's Kris Hudson reports."

"It's mighty reckless to mess with Texas." Many of us remember Johnny Dee & The Rocket 88's singing those now-famous lyrics when the "Don't Mess with Texas" campaign launched in 1986.

This video was shot over 14 months in 42 countries with a cast of thousands. Make sure to click "watch in high quality" right underneath the video.

The proposed fence along the Texas border with Mexico hasn't been welcomed by residents of Eagle Pass, who think it's a multi-billion dollar waste of money.

Fireworks at the El Paso downtown street Festival 2007.

Chalk the Block Art Community in Downtown El Paso.

State fire officials were viewing hours of security video Sunday night as part of a massive investigation into who set a predawn fire at the Texas Governor's Mansion that sent huge plumes of smoke through downtown and left the 152-year-old building with a partially collapsed roof, blackened windows and fire-charred white columns on its porch.

Stonewall Johnson was born on January 21, 1824 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He went on to become one of the most revered Confederate generals of the American Civil War. Wait, that's Stonewall Jackson. Stonewall Johnson was born on March 21, 1951 in Washington D. C. and went on to become one of the most controversial and obstinate Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency, whose testimony before Congress has given him the inside track for this year's Golden Duke Award for Outstanding Achievement in Corruption-based Chutzpah.

Keith Olbermann documents how Phil Gramm lobbied for subprime lenders while writing McCain's housing policy.

Senator Shapleigh sits down to talk with Representative-elect Marisa Marquez. The interview was conducted on April 8, 2008 and is produced with the help of the El Paso Community College.

California Energy Commissioner Art Rosenfeld is a pioneer in the energy conservation movement. He talks with John Blackstone. (CBSNews.com)

Austin is full of "payday lenders" that will give you a quick loan -- for a high price. A 7 On Your Side investigation discovered, payday lenders are using a loophole in the law to avoid state regulation -- regulation designed to protect you.

Senator Eliot Shapleigh said he hears horror stories about customers trapped in a cycle of payday debt. Shapleigh tried to close the so-called "CSO loophole" last year. His bills would have banned CSOs from lending money, and given the Consumer Credit Commissioner regulatory authority over payday lenders.

This El Paso Times archive video of the May 15, 2007 search of El Paso County offices by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Video by Jay Koester (El Paso Times).

The story of Asarco in El Paso.

A growing trend in the hospital industry means cancer patients like Lisa Kelly are being asked to pay cash upfront before receiving treatment. (Wall Street Journal Video, April 28, 2008).

This video showcases the 10th anniversary of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Light Rail system. The video talks about the history and future plans for the system in North Texas.

State Senator Eliot Shapleigh represents the 29th Senatorial District which comprises the majority of El Paso County, Texas. He is a fifth generation El Pasoan, a lawyer and civic activist.

Two Doña Ana county commissioners, a priest from the Segundo Barrio, and a group of concerned citizens from Las Cruces, El Paso and Juárez visit a Juárez neighborhood held hostage.

Candelario Barragan, known as "Cande" to his colleagues, brings excitement and enthusiasm to his math and AP Calculus classes at El Dorado High School in El Paso. This video, which features scenes from his classroom as well as comments from students and colleagues alike, shows why Barragan was one of 75 outstanding educators nationwide surprised this year with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award. For more information, visit www.mff.org

On the day before Thanksgiving, November 21st at 12pm, consumer, African American, Latino, and Asian American groups held an anti-foreclosure protest against Countrywide Financial and its CEO Angelo Mozilo. Approximately 100 protesters gathered for the public demonstration.

It is estimated that Countrywide alone will foreclose on 5,000 homeowners in San Diego, and at least 50,000 statewide before Christmas of 2008.

For more information, please visit: www.greenlining.org or www.mabuhayalliance.org.

University of Maryland students join Sen. Shapleigh for a morning hike up Mt. Franklin in El Paso, Texas. The students are in El Paso on a "Border Awareness Alternative Spring Break."

Building a house for a family of 5 in Anapra, Juarez, Mexico. Oct. 7-12, 2007.

An inside "exclusive" look at the process where tonight many voters faced a confusing and sometimes chaotic voting experience... yet Democracy at its best. In San Antonio, Texas hundreds turned out after 7pm for the Democratic Caucuses. Interviews, great inside caucusing video, reporter takes you up to the point he votes, sharing the entire process. Story by Emmy award winning Journalist, Patricio Espinoza. Shot with home Flip camera.

From the Spin Room at the Democratic Debate in Austin, Bill Brannon discusses the long term impact of the increased voter turnout projected for the Texas Democratic Primary. For more on progressive politics visit http://www.thetexasblue.com.

February 13, 2008 at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Headquarters. The hearing for the renewal of ASARCO's air permit for its copper smeltering plant in El Paso, Texas.

Democratic presidential candidate talks to supporters in El Paso, Texas.

Polls indicate that the economy ranks as the number one issue on the minds of Americans, beating out immigration, global warming, even terrorism. NOW on PBS heads to America's heartland -- Illinois -- to investigate rampant anxiety among America's middle class. How did families on the edge of financial collapse get to this point, and which presidential candidate do they think can restore economic hope and stability?

The case against ASARCO.

In 2007, Senator Mario Gallegoes risked his health to halt the voter I.D. Bill in the Texas Senate. Mario’s courageous stand insured that every Texan had the right to vote and be counted.

A simple scan of statistics shows Texas at or near the bottom of countless rankings: Dead last for the number of people with medical insurance. Home to the three poorest counties in the country. At the bottom of the heap in protection of the environment. Ditto for teen pregnancies. See the whole photo essay by Mona Reeder at: www.dallasnews.com.

The late Texas governor gives a personal reflection on Austin, land, water and the future. Outtake from the forthcoming documentary "The Unforeseen." Directed by Laura Dunn and Executive Produced by Terrence Malick and Robert Redford.

Community Scholars is a non-profit that has been serving the El Paso area for nearly a decade. For more information, visit www.communityscholars.org.

Over 120,000 lights in sync to the music of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This year the show is 10 minutes long. The location of the house is at the corner of Bob Mitchell and Paseo De Oro in El Paso, Texas. The show runs on the weekends Friday, Saturday and Sunday @ 6, 7 and 8 p.m.

http://www.YouDecide2008.com - The 2008 Republican Presidential candidates debate on CNN sponsored by YouTube in St. Petersburg, Florida on November 28, 2007.

This is part 1 of the 2008 Democratic Presidential Debate held in South Carolina on July 23, 2007. It was sponsored by YouTube and CNN and features questions asked by YouTube viewers.

For more debate videos, visit: http://youtube.com/democraticdebate.

Hosted by the UCC Center for the Americas, Jerry and The Peace Bubble Tour visit the Chamizal National Memorial to hear a "missing story" about "the First Thanksgiving" that took place in 1598 in El Paso. A unit of the National Park Service, the Memorial commemorates the signing of the Chamizal Treaty, ending a 100-year-old boundary dispute between Mexico and the United States.

A video about El Paso that Erika Moeller put together. She writes, "[S]o many people don't realise what we were once and what we can be again. I want people to see our potential. I want people to get interested. Care about where you live."

Long lines at our area's borders may soon be a scene of the past.

Thursday Nov. 8, 2007 the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security met in El Paso to discuss efficiency in the border crossing process.

(source: KFOX News)

A video slide-show of El Paso and Juárez in the Summer of 2006.

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst visited El Paso's Medical School at Texas Tech University on Sept. 19, 2007.

Vote "Yes" on Nov. 6 for El Paso's Children's Hospital. This rally was held in support of the Children's Hospital on Nov. 17, 2007.

On Sept. 28, 2007, PBS aired an in-depth interview with John Bogle, the creator of The Vanguard Group, Inc., one of the two largest mutual fund organizations in the world. He says says that as more and more money managers take control over corporations on Wall Street, Main Street is paying the price.

The City of El Paso, along with support from various civic, governmental and community members, stands strong in its resolve against the reopening of ASARCO. ASARCO lost its case before two Administrative Law Judges. The City has successfully demonstrated that ASARCO's record of non-compliance makes it unworthy of an air permit. ASARCO has lost its right to seek a new air permit because it failed to comply with the conditions of previous permits granted by the State. ASARCO is a bad corporate citizen and the TCEQ should not issue it an air permit.

The EPA has proposed listing Hayden as a Superfund site so it can be decontaminated. The polluter, ASARCO, suggested doing the work without EPA watching them. Hayden residents speak unanimously: Have EPA list the town as a Superfund site and manage the cleanup. They don't trust ASARCO or the state of Arizona to do it right.

On Sept. 23, 2007, over one thousand El Pasoans gathered together to take a picture . . . with one message: "No Asarco!"

SEPT. 23 at 6 PM...be apart of thousands to say NO to ASARCO! www.gettheleadout.net or call 544-1990

Senator Shapleigh visits with NMSU President Dr. Mike V. Martin and Community Scholars Exec. Dir. Sofia Larkin.

Ft. Bliss and White Sands Missile Range makes up 26 percent of the U.S. Army's land mass. Ideal size for U.S.A.C.E. construction of state-of-the-art training ranges.

The El Paso Environmental Summit planning committee makes final arrangements for the 2007 summit at the YISD Cultural Arts Center on September 7.

Scenes from a roadtrip from El Paso to Marfa, Texas.

Brian Williams, with MSNBC, does a segment on El Paso, filmed on location from the Paso Del Norte bridge.

After 15 years of work, El Paso opened the largest inland desalination plant in the world on August 8, 2007. The plant is named after U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

This is a video a Tacoma resident made with an analog video camera on Jan.17,1993, in the Puget Sound, near Tacoma,Washington. It shows the demolition of an old smokestack at a foundry once operated by ASARCO. As you can see, it was a big story in Tacoma at that time.

Senator Shapleigh and staff visit the Center Against Family Violence in El Paso.

Asarco, a 100-year-old copper smelter, wants to re-open in the center of the El Paso/Juarez/New Mexico metroplex. Their proposed air permit will allow Asarco to emit 7,000 tons of pollutants into the air every year.

The space shuttle Atlantis and its crew are home after completing a 14-day journey of more than five-point-8 millions miles in space. Atlantis' STS-117 mission successfully increased the power capability of the International Space Station, preparing for the future delivery of European and Japanese laboratories.

Atlantis' Commander Rick Sturckow, Pilot Lee Archambault and mission specialists Jim Reilly, Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson, El Pasoan John "Danny" Olivas and Sunita Williams landed Friday, June 22, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., at 3:49 p.m. EDT. (NASA TV)

City Council members Beto O'Rourke, Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega, with County Commissioner Veronica Escobar visit with former Mayor and State Senator Kirk Watson at Austin City Hall.

Staff from the Office of Senator Eliot Shapleigh meet in El Paso to discuss interim work and review the work of the last session.

David Espino, a student at Horizon High School, made this video "so people can understand what is going on in El Paso."

During the 80th Texas Legislature, Senator Shapleigh visits with the Office of the Secretary of the Senate and the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.

The 80th Texas Legislature gaveled to a close at midnight Monday, May 28, 2007.

The final days of the Texas Legislature are called "crunch time." Legislators work late into the night and early into the morning passing bills. Also, this week, the Bel Air Pipeband plays for Texas' fallen soldiers.

Riverside Middle School visits the Capitol and El Pasoans educate legislators on ending Medicaid waiting lists.

Students from Travis Elementary in El Paso visited the Texas Capitol on May 10, 2007.

Follow Senator Shapleigh from his apartment in downtown Austin to his work at the State Capitol. And see where the state laws are written for El Paso and Texas.

H.B. 218 would suppress the vote in Texas if made law. This bill passed the House on April 24, 2007 and has been referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee.

The challenges and opportunities of U.S. and Mexican border communities, including El Paso, were addressed by border officials from both countries at the XV Border Legislative Conference (BLC).

We must protect people like Mary from the hundreds of dog attacks that take place in Texas every year. Taking care of Texans means taking care of every day citizens like Mary Legorreta.

The challenges and opportunities of U.S. and Mexican border communities, including El Paso, were addressed by border officials from both countries at the XV Border Legislative Conference (BLC).

The Senate Subcommittee on Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) hears S.B. 960, S.B. 961, and S.B. 962 authored by Senator Shapleigh. (more)

Governor Bill Richardson comes to Austin and Senator Shapleigh talks about "Texas Borderlands."

Teachers rally at the Capitol, Caroline works on talking points, and Senator Shapleigh shares his thoughts on the TYC abuse scandal.

Communities In Schools is anchor to the nation's leading community-based organization helping young people stay in school and prepare for life.

For more than 25 years, Communities In Schools has helped students choose success by ensuring their access to the "Five Basics":

* A one-on-one relationship with a caring adult
* A safe place to learn and grow
* A healthy start and a healthy future
* A marketable skill to use upon graduation
* A chance to give back to peers and community

Senator Shapleigh filed S.B. 127 to increase funding for Communities In Schools in Texas.

Activity is picking up around the Texas Capitol and the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee meets.

Senator Shapleigh visits with Frontera de Salud, medical students advocating preventative medicine for diabetes; and the Strelz visits Austin.

With 17 votes, the Texas Senate passed a resolution to 'bust the cap' on state spending, to deliver property tax cuts that will go disproportionately to the wealthy.

The El Paso Library Association visits Austin, along with a delegation of business and civic leaders. And Mayor John Cook talks about the future of our city.

Without the courage to invest in the minds of our children, and steadfast support for great schools, we face a daunting prospect. Those who value tax cuts over children and budget cuts over college have put Texas at risk in her ability to compete and succeed.

Senator Shapleigh's office the week of January 25, 2007. Senator Shapleigh's interns, a visit by fmr. Senator Gonzalo Barrientos and a presentation at UT.

Senator Shapleigh covers legislative research with his staff, while preparing for the 80th Texas Legislature.

Senator Shapleigh was sworn in for his fourth term on Jan. 9, 2007. Also, see more inside your Senate office and a tour of the Capitol.

Meet your Senate staff in Austin. The 80th Texas Legislature begins on January 9, 2007.