GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Te Industry Eye on State & Local Issues
GHBA is hard at work monitoring issues at both the local and state level. Find out what's happening, and how you can be involved.
The November Election Wrap-up
The November elections are behind us now, and there are many returning as well as new faces. Voters cast their ballots from early voting through election day on November 2. And the election night returns reaffirmed the sentiment that every vote counts, as many races were won by only a handful of votes.
By GHBA Director of Government Affairs ADAM ASCHMANN
You Have a Voice with GAC!
If you have questions about this article or would like to get involved on the Government Affairs Committee, call (281) 970-8970, ext. 140 or email aaschmann@
ghba.org.
Now that the battles on the campaign trail have come to a close, elected officials in the State House have begun filing bills for the already contentious 82nd Legislative Session that will begin January 11. The issues that will more than likely be under heated debate include redistricting and the budget.
In the State House, Republicans experienced a historic victory picking up 23 seats. The Republicans now hold 99 seats compared to the Democrats’ 51 in the Texas House. With one more seat, the Republicans would hold a super-majority.
The State Senate will remain the same, with Republicans holding on to a seven-seat majority. All of the statewide Republicans won, including Governor Perry and Lt. Governor Dewhurst.
In the U.S. Congress, the Republicans picked up 63 seats nationwide returning them to leadership in the House. There will now be 23 Republicans and 9 Democrats in the Texas congressional delegation.
In the U.S. Senate, the Democrats
retained control while losing several seats for a much narrower majority.
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It is critical that our elected officials know our industry and our values in order to assure that they will execute reason when filing important legislation at the state and federal levels.
Greater Houston Area Races at a Glance
State Representative, District 133 Representative-Elect Jim Murphy (R) won the seat against incumbent challenger Kristie Thibaut. Murphy won the seat in 2006, and demonstrated himself as a friend of the building community who exhibits a remarkable passion for serving Texas.
House District 134 Representative Ellen Cohen (D-Houston) lost to Republican Sarah Davis, a Houston attorney. Davis got 50.7% to Cohen’s 49.29%.
State Representative, District 127 The race for State Representative Joe Crabb’s retiring seat was won by Dan Huberty (R).
State Representative, District 144 Representative Ken Legler (R) remains in his seat for District 144.
Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 2 In a tight race, Republican newcomer Jack Morman
Continued on next page DECEMBER 2010 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
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