DNC Appointment and Round-Up of Awards

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), a national organization that works to elect Democratic majorities in state legislative chambers across the country, has appointed me to serve as a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). I was appointed by virtue of my position as a current board member of the DLCC, where I've been representing the interests of Democratic state legislators nationally by helping to develop state-specific strategies that will enable Democrats to win state legislative seats and chambers. My appointment to the DNC is a responsibility that I take seriously, and I look forward to working with fellow members to continue to build on the successes of the Democratic Party. As a member of the DNC I'll have the opportunity to vote on party rules, work on the party platform, and, as a superdelegate, re-nominate President Obama and Vice President Biden in 2012.

Some of my colleagues in the Legislature were elected as DNC members through the Texas Democratic Party process. They include Senator Royce West, Representative Yvonne Davis, Representative Senfronia Thompson, and Council Member Sue Lovell.

Additionally, Speaker Straus has nominated me to serve on the Minority Health Advisory Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Today, I'm flying to Tampa to meet with this committee and review and strategize on objectives that will move us toward health equity. I consider it a privilege that Speaker Straus has entrusted me with this duty, and will represent our state to the best of my abilities.

It is because of your support and participation that I have been able to best execute my responsibilities. This past year, I was deeply honored to receive the acknowledgment of many statewide organizations. Some of those recognitions include:

• Texas Medical Association's 2009 Friend of Medicine Award
• Texas Academy of Family Physicians' 2009 Patient Advocacy Award
• Texas Hospital Association's 2009 Advocacy Tribute Award
• Texas Association of Counties 2009 Champion of County Government Award
• Capitol Inside Honorable Mention in Best of the Legislature 2009
• Named 2009 People's Friend by the Texas Observer
• Mental Health America of Greater Houston 2009 Legislative Award
• Cenikor's Annual Elected Official Award, September 2009
• Harris County Medical Society's Patient Care Champion Award
• The Gathering Place's Founder's Award

Thank you for all the support you have given me throughout the years. Together, we can continue to work to move Texas forward.