Making every day count

May 2017

Dear Reader,

Legislative Update

The pace in the Texas Legislature is at full speed with the end of the session quickly approaching on May 29th. I am working hard to pass legislation that would greatly benefit the constituents of Senate District 6, and all Texans. Most recently, we passed Senate Bill 128, which would enlist commercial truck drivers in the fight against human trafficking. It is now on its way to Governor Abbott's desk. Senate Bill 693, which would require that all new school buses be equipped with three-point seat belts, is on its way to the House floor for a vote. Several other bills are making their way through the legislative process, including Senate Bill 2238, which creates an offense for the act of sexual coercion. More updates to come next month! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Facebook to check out our #TEAMGARCIA weekly updates!

Summer Meals for Children

For many children, summertime means food, friends and fun. For families who count on school breakfast and lunch, however, the summer months can be stressful and family food budgets have to be stretched even further. Summer is also a critical time for kids’ academic and physical development, but during this time they can lose out on several months of learning and physical activity that they would normally get at school. Youth 18 years and younger can receive free summer meals in numerous locations throughout our community. Local partners provide the locations and staff to serve up to two meals a day. Families can find a site by visiting www.summerfood.org, texting FOOD to 877-877 or calling 211.

LULAC Cinco de Mayo Parade

On Saturday May 2nd I attended the Annual LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Cinco de Mayo Parade in Downtown Houston. It is always fun to celebrate the pride, history and folklore behind the Mexicans’ victory at the Battle of Puebla. More than 100 entries were included in the festivities, and it was great to see many of my fellow elected officials and Houstonians from all walks of life enjoying the festivities.

Message from Sylvia

May is a wonderful month full of holidays honoring some of the most important members of our society, including teachers, mothers, military veterans and our active service men and women. In the legislature, I fight to get teachers the resources they need and the respect they deserve; I work to help our service men and women to have tools for a successful transition to civilian life after coming home; I advocate for programs that help our veterans of all ages; and I work to help mothers, many who work full-time while raising their kids, often on minimum wage. But honestly, we can never do enough to thank these men and women for their invaluable contributions to society. So, if you see a teacher, a veteran, a soldier, or a mom, please thank them for all that they do.

Putting people first,

Sylvia R. Garcia