May 7th, 2008
Five members of the Texas House of Representatives recently gathered in Val Verde County to learn about water issues facing the county. Representatives Elliott Naishtat (D-Austin), Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio), Joaquín Castro (D-San Antonio) and Joe Heflin (D-Crosbyton) came to the county at the invitation of Val Verde County’s state legislator, Representative Pete Gallego.
“In advance of the upcoming legislative session, it’s important for legislators to understand why we are so protective of all of our natural resources, but particularly our water,” said Representative Gallego. “I want them to see what I see and know what I know so that they can help protect our water supplies during the next session of the Legislature,” Representative Gallego stated.
read more…
Posted in Notes
February 26th, 2008
With the March 4th primary just days away, I am glad to see such excitement surrounding the 2008 elections. As a friendly reminder, early voting began on February 19th and will run through February 29th in District 74. Voters can cast their ballot at any voting location designated by the County Registrar. For the first time in a generation, Texas Democrats will have the opportunity to decide who will be the 2008 Presidential Nominee. This election season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, and I hope to see all of you at the polls.
Posted in Notes
July 2nd, 2007
This past weekend, 47 members of the House of Representatives joined me in asking our friend and colleague, Lt. Col. Rick Noriega, to run for U.S. Senate. We asked our friend to run because now, more than ever, we need his strength and leadership to get Texas and our great nation back on the right path.
While certain politicians were talking about the “war on terror”, Lt. Col. Noriega was actually fighting it by serving a 14-month tour of duty in Afghanistan. While certain politicians were failing the test of leadership in response to Hurricane Katrina, Lt. Col. Noriega was brought in to serve as Incident Commander and direct logistics at the George Brown Convention Center, helping thousands of Katrina evacuees. While certain politicians were talking about the need for immigration reform and border security, Lt. Col. Noriega was actually securing the border as the Commander for the Laredo Border Sector. Texas needs leadership by example, the type of leadership Rick Noriega has given his state and country.
For more than a decade, Rick has also been on the front lines fighting for a better Texas. He and I have stood side by side to protect and defend our children by providing children’s health insurance. We have worked together to give teachers a necessary and needed pay raise, and put more resources into public education. We have worked together to protect our environment and clean up our air, especially in places like Houston.
At this crucial time in the history of our state and nation, Texas needs Rick Noriega’s leadership in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful to my 47 colleagues in the Texas House who joined me in asking our friend and colleague to run for U.S. Senate. I have every reason to believe Lt. Col. Noriega will once again answer when duty calls.
Posted in Notes
June 25th, 2007
The Texas League of Conservation Voters, a coalition of Texans committed to clean air, clean water, and access to public lands, water, fish and wildlife has recognized Rep. Pete Gallego as a 2007 “Legislative Champion” for his work on water issues.
“Rep. Gallego understands that water is the lifeblood of his district and this state, and that there is no issue more important or complex. He knows the facts, engaged in the process, and puts his nose to the grindstone to make sure things get done. His leadership and work on this issue set a high standard for all elected officials,” said TLCV Executive Director, Colin Leyden.
Ensuring that our rivers and streams maintain adequate “freshwater flows” for fish, wildlife and recreation is of critical importance to Texas’ economy and way of life. The mechanism for the state to purchase water rights to protect freshwater flows already exists in state law through the Texas Water Trust. Unfortunately, it has never been funded, and to date, the state has not purchased any water rights for “freshwater flows”.
read more…
Posted in Notes, Legislation
May 25th, 2007
Earlier this week the House discussed the best plan to meet our future water needs in Texas. After hours of debate and compromise, we passed Senate Bill (SB) 3. The core of SB 3 will protect our rivers and streams for future generation and create and conserve water for all Texans. Along with passing Senate Bill 3, I am proud to say we passed another six amendments to protect our state and local water.
Until now, state law did not provide designated protection to ensure a minimum of flow in rivers and into bays and estuaries. Instead, priority is given to other uses such as agricultural, commercial, and residential uses. Water rights in several river basins have been over-permitted, and other basins likely will follow suit. SB 3 provides a means to balance agricultural, commercial, and residential needs with important environmental considerations.
read more…
Posted in Notes
