FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, December 3, 2009
DONNA HOWARD MAKES RE-ELECTION BID OFFICIAL ON OPENING DAY OF FILING PERIOD
(AUSTIN) — State Representative Donna Howard today filed her paperwork to run for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives for District 48.
“Today is the first day of the candidate filing period, and I always jump at the opportunity to show my constituents that I am eager to continue working on the major challenges facing Central Texas," Howard said. "I am running a robust campaign to win the community’s support for another term so that we can continue finding common ground for Texas. The goal is to ensure responsible spending while protecting vital public services.”
Howard was first elected in 2006 to represent House District 48 in West Austin and western Travis County. She was re-elected in 2008 and has quickly earned a reputation for hard work and diligence on a wide range of issues, from public school funding and health care delivery to property tax appraisal reform and protection of our air quality.
As a member of the important House Higher Education Committee, Howard worked to secure funding for more nursing faculty to increase the number of students coming through the pipeline and curb the state's nursing shortage. She has also championed initiatives to maximize the limited financial aid dollars available for the neediest students who are also the most prepared for college.
Howard also serves as vice chair of the Culture, Recreation, and Tourism Committee, overseeing the state’s parks and cultural attractions, historic sites and artifacts, and arts promotion.
A recognized leader on public education, health care, and air quality issues, Howard has also won praise for her efforts to bring more transparency to the Lower Colorado River Authority and improve the fiduciary management of the state’s Permanent School Fund.
Born and raised in Austin, Howard earned her bachelor's degree in nursing and her master's in health education, both from the University of Texas. She worked as a critical care nurse at Brackenridge and Seton hospitals, served as the first hospital-based Patient Education Coordinator in Austin, and helped start the Seton Good Health School. She has also been president of the Texas Nurses' Association (District 5) and a Health Education instructor at UT.
Howard and her husband, Austin attorney Derek Howard, have three children, all educated in Austin area public schools.
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