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TPEA PAC Endorses State Representative Glenn Hagar for Texas Senate
State Employees Figure Prominently in Race for Open Senate Seat
AUSTIN, Texas (January 20, 2006) – Through its political action committee, EMPACT, the Texas Public Employees Association (TPEA) today officially endorsed State Representative Glenn Hegar (R, Katy) in his race for the Texas Senate.
Hegar is seeking the Republican nomination in Senate District 18, which covers all or part of 19 counties stretching from suburban Houston to near Austin and south almost to Corpus Christi. The seat is open because the incumbent, State Senator Ken Armbrister, (D, Victoria) is not seeking reelection.
“The Texas Public Employees Association is endorsing Glenn Hegar for the Texas Senate because during his two terms in the Texas House he has proven himself to be a friend of state employees, and we expect him to continue that strong working relationship with state employees when he is elected to the Texas Senate,” said TPEA Executive Director Gary W. Anderson.
With about 300,000 general state government and higher education employees in Texas, Anderson said the state workforce is a formidable constituency that will play a pivotal role in the Senate District 18 election.
“State employees make up a significant part of the voting population in Senate District 18, particularly in Fort Bend and Washington counties and in the Victoria and Yoakum areas. About 15,000 state employees live in the 230,000 households that make up the district, which means there is roughly one state employee for every 15 homes throughout the district,” Anderson said.
“There are a number of Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities in Senate District 18 in addition to a state school in Brenham and a Texas Department of Transportation district office in Yoakum. Consequently, voters pay close attention to the issues that affect state employees, especially compensation, health care, and retirement,” Anderson said.
Hegar said he was proud to receive the endorsement of the Texas Public Employees Association and said he looks forward to working closely with them both, during his campaign and during the coming legislative session.
“Our state employees provide a vital link between our State and our citizens,” said Hegar. “They keep our families safe as they travel our roadways, protect us from incarcerated felons, provide compassionate care for the mentally ill, and prepare our college students for the future. These dedicated men and women do their jobs so well that oftentimes we forget just how important a role they play in making Texas great. I am honored that they appreciate my service in the Legislature and I want them to know how much I appreciate their service to our state and our citizens,” Representative Hegar concluded.
A Katy rice and corn farmer, Hegar is a member of the influential budget-writing House Appropriations Committee. He also is the former Vice Chair and current Chairman for budget and oversight for the House Law Enforcement Committee.
Established in 1946, TPEA is a 15,000-member, non-union, professional association, and it is the oldest and largest legislative advocacy group representing current and retired state employees.