JOUR-PAC is pleased to announce our official endorsement of thirteen Texas JOUR-PAC Reformers running for re-election in 2018. These ten Texas state legislators have served their districts, state, and country honorably and have worked hard to promote Justice, Opportunity, and United Reform. We are pleased to endorse them for re-election.
Note: JOUR-PAC is focused mainly on federal Congressional races, so we do not endorse in all state legislature races, and we do not follow the bills/actions in the state legislatures as closely as we do the ones in Congress. Additionally, our support for state legislators is based on their leadership of some issue(s) that is/are important to JOUR-PAC. As always, our endorsement and reformer induction does not represent a 100% agreement with all of their views, but instead, it represents our appreciation of their leadership on important issues. State Senator Charles Schwertner (R-TX SD 05): Protecting Children from Abuse and Trafficking: "Today, Senator Charles Schwertner, MD (R-Georgetown) filed SB 1208, new legislation to improve outdated licensing standards for foster homes and other related child care settings and provide new, specialized care options for child abuse victims. "All too often, our state child care facilities have failed to meet the unique needs of children victimized by sexual abuse or other severe traumas," said Schwertner. "By creating a more focused structure for child care licensing, SB 1208 will provide the opportunity to serve the children of Texas more effectively, and in the most appropriate care setting for their individual needs." “The Governor’s office is working with public and private partners to meet the unique needs of child sex trafficking victims, added Andrea Sparks, Director of Governor Abbot's Sex Trafficking Team. "The new licensing options proposed by Senator Schwertner would provide the flexibility that we need to develop and sustain the specialized placements these survivors need to heal and thrive.” Campaign Website: http://www.drschwertner.com/ State Senator Konni Burtion (R-TX SD 10): Criminal Justice Reform: "Criminal Justice reform is an issue I’ve been proud to lead on. With bipartisan support Texas has begun to lead the way in smart reforms to the criminal justice system that are improving our society. What separates great nations from others is the rule of law. I believe that public safety and the promotion of law and order is a cornerstone of a safe, democratic society. However, government systems possess numerous inefficiencies and flaws, and when our system of criminal justice has the power to deprive citizens of their liberty, property, and even life, we must be extremely cautious and critical. I will continue to support and author reforms for non-violent offenses so our system does not over-criminalize and does not create onerous barriers to employment for those who have paid their debt to society." Campaign Website: http://konniburton.com/ State Senator Don Huffines (R-TX SD 16): Promoting Opportunity & Reforming Justice System: "Today in Austin, Senator Don Huffines (R-Dallas) joined the Senate Finance Committee as Chairwoman Jane Nelson and other Senators discussed the financial aspects of ending the "driver responsibility program" (DRP). First instituted in 2003, the DRP imposes points on drivers licenses for moving violations, adding an additional costly surcharge that Texans must pay (above and beyond the initial fines and charges for the moving violation itself). Those Texans who cannot afford to pay their DRP surcharge eventually lose their license, which leads to other negative ramifications for those individuals and their families. The following statement is attributable to Senator Huffines: "The DRP is state government at its worst. By causing over 1.2 million Texans to lose their drivers licenses, the program ruins lives and erects a barrier between honest, hardworking Texans and their livelihoods. Without a means to get to work, too many Texans are losing their jobs thanks to state government's hunger for money. While getting the state's finances right is important, I'm most concerned with the financial situation this program forces on my constituents and millions of other Texans who the state is entrapping in debtors' prison." Campaign Website: http://www.donhuffines.com/ State Senator Joan Huffman (R-TX SD 17): Ending Human Trafficking: "Prior to the 83rd session, I served on the Joint Interim Committee to Study Human Trafficking. At hearings around the state, heart-wrenching stories were heard of enslavement from trafficking survivors, many of whom were forced into prostitution when they were still children. Testimony from experts was instrumental in identifying issues relating to how we detect the crime, how to help and protect human trafficking victims, and how to more effectively prosecute the traffickers. Much of the human trafficking legislation passed during the last session came about as a direct result of recommendations made by our committee. I authored Senate Bill 12, which gives prosecutors powerful legal tools to use in cases where minors under the age of 18 are being trafficked for sex. House Bill 8, authored by State Representative Senfronia Thompson- the companion to another bill I co-authored in the Senate- increases prison time for traffickers and also provides important victim protections. Other legislation I supported helps victims by providing them with the ability to recover actual damages and court costs from online prostitution and human traffickers. Those victims that seek shelter are now assured that the location of the shelter must be kept private, and they are now eligible for reimbursement for relocation under the Crime Victims Compensation Act." Campaign Website: http://www.joanhuffman.com/ State Senator Donna Campbell (R-TX SD 25): Mental Health Support for Veterans: "The Veteran Affairs committees emphasized mental health care this session with the goal of preventing suicide attempts and other health issues that too often negatively impact veterans and their families,” Sen. Campbell said. “Texas has always looked after our veterans, and the Help for Texas Heroes Act strengthens our commitment to those who have answered the call to serve this great nation.” The latest figures from the Veterans Administration suggest that approximately 20 veterans tragically lose their lives to suicide every day. The Help for Texas Heroes Act takes steps to reduce that figure by addressing the shortage of field clinicians, particularly in rural areas. “This bill had overwhelming bipartisan support from day one,” said Senator Campbell. “I am especially thankful to Representative Blanco for carrying it in the House, to Lieutenant Governor Patrick for giving it a low bill number, and to Governor Abbott for enthusiastically signing it into law.” Campaign Website: http://www.donnacampbell.com/ State Representative James White (R-TX HD 19): (A U.S. Army Veteran) Juvenile Justice Reform: "During the 84th Legislative Session, State Representative James White served as a member of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee. That session, Rep. White authored legislation that promoted legislation that supported Texas children, strengthened families, and provided for statewide truancy reform. As part of 85th session, Rep. White continued his work to pass meaningful reforms in the juvenile justice and foster care systems. His legislation allows for stronger communication and transparency between agencies that provide services to Texas children (House Bills 1521 & 2904) and creates a process for foster children to receive proper identification and receive assistance in applying to institutions of higher learning (HB 3338 & 928)." Campaign Website: http://www.votejameswhite.com/ State Representative Matt Shaheen (R-TX HD 66): Criminal Justice Reform: "During his tenure as Commissioner, Matt served on the Conference of Urban Counties Policy Committee, the Texas Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee and the Council of Governments Criminal Justice Committee. The Representative also leads a bible study for inmates in the county jail." Campaign Website: http://mattshaheen.com/index.html State Representative Jeff Leach (R-TX HD 67): Protecting Victims of Sex Offenders: "Our neighborhoods must be safe and I am proud to support and advocate for tough laws that keep dangerous criminals off of our streets. Specifically, during the 84th Legislative Session I passed landmark legislation cracking down on sexual offenders in our communities. As I have always done, I will continue to advocate for smart and strong criminal justice policies in Texas." Campaign Website: http://jeffleach.com/ State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-TX HD 81): Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence: "“Monica's Law,” filed as House Bill 2315, is awaiting a vote after being presented in a Texas House committee. State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) filed the legislation to prevent domestic violence by increasing accessibility to information about individuals with a history of domestic violence. The bill aims to create a publicly searchable database listing protective orders issued by Texas courts. “I filed this legislation after working closely with Monica’s family and I'm proud of them for coming to the Texas Capitol to share their story,” Landgraf said. “By providing gripping testimony, they are helping turn tragedy into triumph by helping prevent others from becoming victims of domestic violence.” "There is nothing we can do to bring Monica back, but maybe this could save somebody else," Jon Nielsen, Monica’s father and a retired Odessa police officer, stated in front of the committee. Monica Deming, the namesake behind the proposed law, was murdered by an abusive ex-boyfriend. He shot and killed the 32 year-old mother in her Odessa home on November 29, 2015, several weeks after she broke off the relationship. At least two protective orders for domestic violence had previously been issued against him, but he was easily able to keep them secret by gaming the current system." Campaign Website: http://www.brookslandgraf.com/ State Representative Stephanie Klick (R-TX HD 91): Compassionate Use & Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil: "This afternoon the Texas Compassionate Use Act, filed by Senator Kevin Eltife and Representative Stephanie Klick, was passed on third and final reading in the Texas House of Representatives on a 108-38 vote. It had previously passed the Texas Senate on a 26-5 vote. This legislation, Senate Bill 339, will now head to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for his consideration. Senate Bill 339 will allow patients with intractable epilepsy access to cannabidiol (CBD) oil. Intractable epilepsy afflicts an estimated 149,000 people in Texas. Patients with intractable epilepsy can suffer hundreds of severe seizures each week. These individuals are at a higher risk for a shortened life span, excessive bodily injury, neurophyscological and mental health impairment, and social disability. Representative Klick stated, “I am excited for the families of those patients who will be affected by the passage of this bill. Intractable epilepsy is a difficult disease to live with and I am excited that there is another treatment option for those who suffer from it. I am grateful for Senator Eltife’s leadership in the Senate, the support of my fellow colleagues in the House, and the tireless advocacy of these families. This bill is a big win for Texas families.” Campaign Website: http://www.stephanieklick.com/ State Representative Jonathan Stickland (R-TX HD 92): Protecting Civil Liberties & 4th Amendment: "With government growing all around us, it is important that we never give up any liberty in the name of “public safety”. Our founding fathers warned us that, in doing so, things would end badly. The 4th Amendment should protect our right to privacy, but it is under constant threat. That is why we need representatives who not only vote the right way, but champion and fight for individual liberty. -Authored House Bill 2268 in the 83rd, which was tacked on as an amendment, to include strongest email privacy act in the nation -Authored House Bill 142 in the 84th, which sought to end red light cameras in Texas -Joint Authored House Bill 912 banning drone surveillance of private property during the 83rd Legislative Session." Campaign Website: http://jonathanstickland.com/ State Representative Matt Krause (R-TX HD 93): Protecting Victims of Sex Offenders: "Today the Texas House of Representatives passed H.B. 3387, which gives the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles the statutory authority to prescribe sex offender treatment as a condition of an offender’s parole. “The Board of Pardons and Paroles has been operating under the authority of case law since 2005,” said Rep. Matt Krause. “H.B. 3387 amends the law so that the Board has authority, concurrent with the court’s opinions, to impose a sex offender treatment program as a condition of parole for certain offenders.” “The goal of H.B. 3387 and the ‘Coleman’ Process is to ensure that the Board of Pardons and Paroles has the statutory authority they need in order to protect the integrity of the parole process,” said Rep. Matt Krause. “We have an obligation to the public and to the offenders in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to provide a treatment program for those offenders being paroled while preserving the right of due process of law.” Campaign Website: https://www.mattkrause.org/ State Representative Angie Chen Button (R-TX HD 112): Promoting Reforms: "She promotes job creation and free markets by chairing the Economic and Small Business Development Committee. During the 84th legislative session, Angie authored HB 26 reforming economic development incentive programs to provide oversight and performance metrics. She also served on the Ways and Means Committee which provided nearly $3.9B in tax reductions. Now Angie serves on the Higher Education Committee to better prepare young Texans for the future." Campaign Website: http://www.angiebutton.com/ See all of our 2018 Endorsements here: JOUR-PAC 2018 Endorsements!
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