Valinda Files for Re-Election My district...all Texans... are ready for politicians to set aside egos, be honest about the problems we're facing, and work together for the people that elected us. I've worked hard to honor my constituent's belief in me and I'm prepared to continue tackling difficult issues and finding solutions we can all live with. On Monday, December 3, 2007 I filed for re-election and I ask that you continue your support. We've made real progress toward restoring balance in the Texas House, but we must remain vigilant. There are two Republicans who are considering a run for my seat. When my last opponent spent $1.4 million against me, I did not blink and my supporters stood steadfast. Let's do it again! Volunteer                Contribute Today             Tell Others

BOLTON'S BULLETIN
80th Session Wrap-Up

The 80^th Legislative Session lasted a short 140 days and by anybody’s standards it was a wild one! We began with a Speaker’s race and ended with an uprising against the Speaker's authoritarian rule. But, in between most of us were working hard to move our bills forward. As a freshman legislator I’m proud to have authored 18 pieces of legislation and have four of my bills signed into law.  I was honored to have successfully sponsored Senator Watson’s SB 747 on the House side.

• HB 3870 / SB1502 enables the first responders of Emergency Service Districts to raise the funds necessary to provide the tools they need to continue delivery of high quality emergency services.
• HB 3309 allows rape crisis counselors entry into the Texas Youth Commission facilities to provide counseling to our children who were tragically abused.
• HB 1563 requires a school district, on request of the student’s parent, to issue a high school diploma posthumously to each student who died while in the 12^th grade.
• HB 2210 requires law enforcement to provide victims of abuse with certain documentation from the incident report. This information is necessary for victims to access available assistance programs and expedite a new start away from their abuser.  
• SB 747 gives the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District the authority to charge certain use fees to promote conjunctive ground and surface water usage and limit groundwater production during a drought.

Sheparding a bill from beginning to end is tough under the best of circumstances. There are dozens of hurdles a bill must jump before it becomes law, and this session too many good bills never cleared the first hurdle. While the process of the Texas Legislature can be ponderous, it is not intended to limit our ability to do the work needed by the people we represent.

By the end of this session both Democrats and Republicans were frustrated and angry at the Speaker’s continual interference with the process. I remain hopeful that next session will bring a more level playing field and that I and many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will be able to pass the legislation needed by our districts.

• I will tweak and re-file my bill to give Travis County the tools it needs to successfully manage growth and development.
• I’m working with our cities and county to develop legislation or a non-legislative strategy to conserve and manage our water in District 47. With the continual rain we’ve had this spring it’s hard to believe we have a water problem, but we do.

Walking through our Capitol’s doors and assuming office is an unparalleled privilege. I will admit it comes with a pretty steep learning curve, but having maneuvered my way through this unpredictable and tense session I know that I’m prepared to serve you again next session.

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