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. *******************************************************
Campaign Update - Thursday, November 12, 2009 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF OUR COMMON GROUND AGENDA A SUCCESS!
There was plenty of fall sunshine and family fun at the Zilker Park Clubhouse last month for the official kick-off of our re-election campaign as we marked the occasion with a birthday celebration and discussion of our common-ground agenda. It was great visiting with many of you. And for those of you who couldn’t attend, you can still make a difference with a strategic donation to my campaign. As you may know, two potential candidates have announced their plans to challenge me in next year’s election. I’m taking nothing for granted and intend to run a robust campaign to protect the progress we are making, from clean air for our families to breathe to guaranteeing responsible resources for vital services such as public schools, public health, and public safety.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW CAMPAIGN WEBSITE! We have designed a brand new website for our brand new campaign. Please take a look and let us know what you think. You can read about the issues I’m working on during the interim before the next legislative session, keep up with our campaign, and guarantee that I have the resources to win!
AND AS FOR YOUR FRIENDS: HOOK ‘EM UP TOO! Our new campaign website has all the tools you need to stay connected with us. Join us on Facebook to get direct updates and learn how to get involved. And don’t forget about your friends. We are trying to grow our campaign email list and need your help. You can hook ‘em up, too, by forwarding this email to three of your favorite people and asking them to sign up for updates. Thanks for your support
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