JOE HEFLIN NAMED LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
BY COUNTY JUDGES AND COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

GALVESTON (September 27, 2007) – Joe Heflin, State Representative HD 85 from Crosbyton, was honored as the 2007 Legislator of the Year by the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas at the Association’s 85th Annual Conference this week.  Heflin was introduced to the conference by Association President Mark Evans, Trinity County Judge, and James P. Allison, General Counsel for the Association.

Presenting Heflin to the conference, Allison stated, “Heflin came to Austin ready to go to work.  It may have been his freshman term, but he certainly did not act like a freshman.  He carried many bills important to counties, including a bill to prevent a major unfunded mandate for the May Constitutional Amendment Election regarding property taxes.”

The unusual May election was a holdover from special terms of the previous, 79th Legislative Session.  Counties normally hold general elections in November and primary elections in March.  Concluded Allison, “Heflin fought like a bulldog to make sure that the counties were reimbursed for the extra expense.” 

Heflin admitted that he was excited and gratified to win the award.  “My experiences as County Judge and as a City Council Member give me a close connection to these local governments.  I consider the local governments to be the bedrock of government in Texas,” he added.

The award from the County Judges and Commissioners Association is the latest in a string of awards for Heflin’s work during his freshman term in the legislature. The Texas Association of Counties recognized him as a “Friend of County Government” and the Texas Municipal League named him Legislator of the Month in March.  Heflin also was voted Freshman of the Year by his colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus.  He was an Honorable Mention “Legislative Star” of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, and Capitol Inside recognized Heflin as the second most powerful freshman legislator of the 80th Legislature. 

Heflin represents Texas House District 85, which includes Borden, Crosby, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, Glasscock, Hale, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, Lynn, Reagan, Sterling, Stonewall, and Terry Counties. He can be reached at the Capitol at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 (Tel. 512-463-0604), at his District 85 office, P.O. Box 585, Crosbyton, TX 79322 (Tel. 806-675-1583), or by telephone in Big Spring at 432-213-2897.

REP. JOE HEFLIN TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETINGS
Opportunity for Constituents to Share Ideas and Concerns

AUSTIN(September 24, 2007) -- State Representative Joe Heflin today announced that he will be holding town hall meetings in the five southern counties of District 85 during the first week of October.  State Senator Kel Seliger also will be available to meet with constituents at the Howard County town hall meeting in Big Spring on Thursday, October 4.

According to Heflin, town hall meetings provide a great opportunity for citizens to get better acquainted with their elected officials, and vice-versa.  “This is a time when I get to hear directly from the people who entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them in Austin,” Heflin said.

Heflin continued, “Nothing in my job is more valuable than the input of the people who elected me.  I encourage all citizens in the five southern counties of District 85 to make plans to attend one of the upcoming town hall meetings.”

Following are the dates, times, and locations for the town hall meetings:

• In Glasscock County, at the Garden City Community Center on Tuesday, October 2, 10-11 a.m.
• In Reagan County, at the Big Lake City Hall on Tuesday, October 2, 4-5 p.m.
• In Irion County, at the Courthouse Annex in Mertzon on Wednesday, October 3, 10-11 a.m.
• In Sterling County, at the Courthouse in Sterling City on Wednesday October 3, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• In Howard County, at the Hall Center for the Arts on the campus of Howard College in Big Spring, on Thursday, October 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Heflin represents Texas House District 85, which includes Borden, Crosby, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, Glasscock, Hale, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, Lynn, Reagan, Sterling, Stonewall, and Terry Counties. He can be reached at the Capitol at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 (Tel. 512-463-0604), at his District 85 office, P.O. Box 585, Crosbyton, TX 79322 (Tel. 806-675-1583), or by telephone in Big Spring at 432-213-2897.

REPRESENTATIVE JOE HEFLIN:  $45 THOUSAND STATE GRANT AWARDED FOR BROWNFIELD KIDDIE PARK

(AUSTIN) September 5, 2007 – State Representative Joe Heflin today announced that the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission has awarded the City of Brownfield a $44,548 grant for the Kiddie Park in the south central part of the city.  The Small Community Grant will allow Brownfield to renovate the Kiddie Park, setting up new playground equipment and helping to assure park safety.

“Money for the matching grant comes from funds appropriated by the Legislature to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for recreational lands and facilities,” said Rep. Heflin.  “I am very pleased that the children and citizens of Brownfield will benefit from the available state funds for projects of this type,” he added.

According to Rep. Heflin, the funds for these matching grants come from a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods.   The city will contribute matching funds to support the park projects, including possible re-surfacing, fencing, and signage.

Rep. Heflin represents Texas House District 85, which includes Borden, Crosby, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, Glasscock, Hale, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, Lynn, Reagan, Sterling, Stonewall, and Terry Counties. Heflin can be reached at the Capitol at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 (Tel. 512-463-0604) or at his District 85 office, P.O. Box 585, Crosbyton, TX 79322 (Tel. 806-675-1583).

REP. HEFLIN ANNOUNCES BIG SPRING AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT GRANT
Expects Grant to Fund About 90% of McMahon-Wrinkle Layout Project

AUSTIN (August 23, 2007) – State Representative Joe Heflin this week announced that the City of Big Spring has been offered a $60,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to fund improvements at the Big Spring McMahon-Wrinkle Airport .  The grant is expected to pay about 90 percent of the airport layout project costs to improve the city's aviation facilities.  According to Rep. Heflin, word of the FAA grant came through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) earlier this week.

“I am delighted that Big Spring received this grant,” said Rep. Heflin.  “The airport layout project will enhance the safety, capacity, and security of McMahon-Wrinkle Airport , and the FAA grant will allow the improvements to be made at a cost to the city of only 10% of the total estimated project costs.”

Rep. Heflin expressed his appreciation to TxDOT and FAA officials, thanking them for recognizing the important role that regional airports like McMahon-Wrinkle play in enhancing economic opportunities in the region. “It is vitally important that all levels of government work together to attract new businesses to West Texas and to improve the economic climate of the area,” Heflin added. 

Rep. Heflin represents Texas House District 85, which includes Borden, Crosby, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, Glasscock, Hale, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, Lynn, Reagan, Sterling, Stonewall, and Terry Counties.  He can be reached at the Capitol at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 (Tel. 512-463-0604) or at his District 85 office, P.O. Box 585, Crosbyton, TX 79322 (Tel. 806-675-1583).

REP. JOE HEFLIN REMINDS WEST TEXANS OF ANNUAL SALES TAX HOLIDAY AUGUST 17-19
Texas Families Will Save Millions of Dollars Statewide

AUSTIN (August 14, 2007) -- State Representative Joe Heflin reminded Texas families that the annual back-to-school Sales Tax Holiday starts at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 17, and ends at midnight on Sunday, August 19.

"The annual Sales Tax Holiday is a great way for Texas families to save money as they prepare for the upcoming school year," said Rep. Heflin. He noted that during the three-day weekend, consumers will be able to buy, tax free, most clothes and shoes priced under $100. Because of a recent change in the law, shoppers also can purchase school backpacks for elementary and secondary students tax-free this year.

Rep. Heflin explained that consumers will not be required to pay state or local sales tax on items less than $100, no matter how much they buy. In addition to the relief from the state sales tax of 6.25%, communities across Texas also have chosen to waive their local sales taxes, saving taxpayers an additional 2% in some areas. Since the first Sales Tax Holiday in August of 1999, Texans have saved over $300 million in sales taxes.

"Texans will not be charged sales tax on tax-exempt items placed on layaway or items bought out from layaway during the Sales Tax Holiday," Rep. Heflin said.

For more information on the Sales Tax Holiday and a list of tax-exempt items, Rep. Heflin encourages those interested to call his Capitol office at (512) 463-0604, or visit the State of Texas website at www.capitol.state.tx.us.

A complete list of examples of tax free items is published on the Texas Comptroller's website, www.window.state.tx.us. You may also call the Comptroller's office at 1-800-252-5555 with a question about specific items.

Rep. Heflin represents Texas House District 85, which includes Borden, Crosby, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, Glasscock, Hale, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, Lynn, Reagan, Sterling, Stonewall, and Terry Counties. Heflin can be reached at the Capitol at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 (Tel. 512-463-0604) or at his District 85 office, P.O. Box 585, Crosbyton, TX 79322 (Tel. 806-675-1583).

PUBLIC INVITED TO AUGUST 1st OPEN HOUSE AT STATE REP. HEFLIN’S DISTRICT 85 OFFICE

CROSBYTON (July 18, 2007)—State Representative Joe Heflin (D-Crosbyton) will host an open house for his District 85 constituents on Wednesday, August 1, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Rep. Heflin’s District Office is located at 114 W. Aspen, Suite A, in Crosbyton. The public is cordially invited.

Announcing the open house, Rep. Heflin said, “Since the close of the recent legislative session I have been traveling and meeting with the citizens of District 85. I very much want to hear about the issues of concern to them, and I invite all of my constituents to come to the open house in Crosbyton on August 1. The district office is simply one more link in the chain of effective communication.”

Citizens of District 85 will have an opportunity to visit with Rep. and Mrs. Heflin at the open house, as well as an opportunity to meet Rep. Heflin’s District Office Administrator, Kathie Walker. “The open house is a great time for constituents to come and meet the person who is here in the District to help them and to respond to their concerns,” added Rep. Heflin.

House District 85 includes Borden, Crosby, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, Glasscock, Hale, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, Lynn, Reagan, Sterling, Stonewall, and Terry Counties. Heflin can be reached at the Capitol at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 (Tel. 512-463-0604) or at his District 85 office, P.O. Box 585, Crosbyton, TX 79322 (Tel. 806-675-1583).

STATE REP. HEFLIN: “WORK OF 80TH REGULAR SESSION COMPLETE”
Heflin Recounts Legislative Accomplishments; Says More Work to Be Done

AUSTIN (June 2, 2007) — State Representative Joe Heflin (D-Crosbyton) returned to District 85 last week following the final gavel on the 80th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature. Despite a sometimes tumultuous session, Rep. Heflin said the citizens of District 85 will be pleased with what was accomplished.

During the 80th Regular Session, Rep. Heflin voted to raise the homestead exemption, for an across-the-board teacher pay raise, to lower skyrocketing college tuition costs, against gutting public schools with private school voucher schemes, and to fully restore funding of the children's health insurance program (CHIP).

Heflin highlighted the votes for teacher pay raises and increased CHIP funding, recounting that those were two of the biggest issues in his election campaign. “This session we passed an across-the-board teacher pay raise and restored health insurance coverage for over 127,000 Texas children,” Heflin said. “We could have accomplished more with such a large budget surplus, but at least we turned the herd in the right direction.”

At the start of the 80th Regular Session, the Legislature was told the state would have the largest surplus in history -- $14.3 billion. The Legislature spent $11 billion of that $14.3 billion surplus on property tax cuts. “I am glad we got a tax cut passed,” said Heflin. “It is the taxpayers’ money after all.”

Heflin continued, “Now we need to turn our attention to other priorities. Texas needs quality schools, first-rate health coverage, and affordable college tuition. We need to do more to invest in the future of Texas.”

Here are some of the major issues Rep. Heflin worked on for District 85 citizens this session:

Public Education

Supported raising teacher salaries to the national average, but was forced to settle on an across-the-board teacher pay raise of $425 a year.
Voted to prohibit the use of public school dollars for private school vouchers, thereby protecting West Texas schools.
Removed the TAKS test for public schools, opting to use end-of-course exams as a measurement for student performance.

Higher Education

Maintained the Top 10% law, protecting the right of West Texas students to attend Texas' top tier universities. (SB 101).
(Pro) Increased funding for TEXAS Grants; (Con) 7,000 fewer students will receive TEXAS Grants in the upcoming years than received them in 2003.
No action was taken to lower the skyrocketing cost of college tuition.

Health & Human Services

Voted to restore cuts made in 2003 for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). As many as 127,000 more children will receive CHIP coverage thanks to actions taken during the session, but there still will be 100,000 fewer children enrolled in CHIP than there were in 2003. (HB 109).
Voted to stop the Governor's executive order to require schools to administer the HPV vaccine to 11-year olds.
Voted to send a proposal to the voters to fund $3 billion in bonds for cancer research.
Passed legislation to continue reforms for Child Protective Services and strengthen oversight of the state's foster care system.

Energy, the Environment, & State Parks
Supported an increase of $200 million in the System Benefit Fund, which will directly go to lowering the cost of utility rates for low-income Texas families.
Voted for $140 million for state park funding. However, all of the funds for the sporting goods tax will not be dedicated to state parks.
Voted for clean air legislation (SB 12) to reduce toxic emissions from automobiles, increase energy efficiency at state agencies, and create demonstration projects for solar power.

Elections & Open Government
Voted against restrictive voter ID legislation that would have made it more difficult for senior citizens, the disabled, and minorities to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
Voted to increase the online availability of information concerning how the state spends taxpayer dollars (HB 3430).
Supported a constitutional amendment that requires record votes on all third-reading votes of the legislature (already exists by rule, but now would be in the constitution).

Public Safety, Security, & Criminal Justice
Voted for legislation to address the Texas Youth Commission scandal by forcing state leaders to protect our children's health and safety from abuses at TYC.
Voted for "Jessica's Law," legislation that cracks down on child sex predators.
Supported legislation to increase border security funding and stop drug and human trafficking.

Heflin represents House District 85, including Borden, Crosby, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, Glasscock, Hale, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, Lynn, Reagan, Sterling, Stonewall, and Terry Counties. He can be reached at the Capitol at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 (Tel. 512-463-0604) or at his District 85 office, P.O. Box 585, Crosbyton, TX 79322 (Tel. 806-675-1583).

HEFLIN NAMED FRESHMAN LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
Democrats Vote to Honor District 85 Representative

AUSTIN (May 18, 2007)—Today District 85 State Representative Joe Heflin (D-Crosbyton) was named Freshman Legislator of the Year by his Democratic colleagues in the 80th Texas Legislature.

Heflin previously was recognized by Capitol Inside as the second most powerful freshman legislator this session, and in March, the Texas Municipal League honored him as its Legislator of the Month. Heflin serves on the House Agriculture & Livestock and County Affairs Committees. He also was appointed by House Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland) to serve on the Agriculture, Environment and Energy Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Accepting the Freshman Legislator of the Year Award Heflin said, “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award! It means so much that I have gained the respect and support of my colleagues. Most importantly, it means I can do even more for the people of District 85, and that is why I am in Austin in the first place.”

The Freshman Legislator of the Year Award is made to one legislator from each party near the end of the regular legislative session. Members of each party’s legislative caucus vote to make the award to one freshman legislator in their respective caucus. The Republican caucus made its award to Nathan Macias (R-Bulverde).
Heflin represents House District 85, including Borden, Crosby, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, Glasscock, Hale, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, Lynn, Reagan, Sterling, Stonewall, and Terry Counties. He can be reached at the Capitol at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 (Tel. 512-463-0604) or at his District 85 office, P.O. Box 585, Crosbyton, TX 79322 (Tel. 806-675-1583).

HEFLIN INTRODUCES LEGISLATIVE STAFF
Says Experienced Aides Ready to Serve District 85 Constituents;
Encourages Local College Students to Become Legislative Interns

AUSTIN (May 15, 2007)—State Representative Joe Heflin (D-Crosbyton) recently introduced his legislative staff, saying that the experienced office aides stand ready to serve and assist House District 85 constituents. Heflin’s aides include Chief of Staff Patricia “Trish” Conradt, District Office Director Kathie Walker, and Legislative Assistant Karen Gilbert.

Conradt is well-known to many in Heflin’s District. She worked as Special Assistant for Education for former House Speaker and District 85 Representative James E. “Pete” Laney, from 1996 to 2003. Before accepting the position as Heflin’s Chief of Staff, Conradt worked in the office of State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn. A former school teacher, Conradt enjoyed a 20-year career with the Texas Association of School Boards and served as Executive Director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association.

Walker is also well-known in District 85, having lived and worked in the District most of her life. For the last eight years Walker has been the Administrative Assistant to Heflin in his Crosbyton law office. She is a graduate of Dallas Baptist College and South Plains College in Levelland.

Gilbert previously worked as an intern for State Representative Lon Burnam (D-Fort Worth) and is a senior at the University of Texas in Austin. She is originally from Sugar Land, Texas, and will be studying at University College London this fall. Gilbert comes to Heflin’s office as part of the Texas Legislative Internship Program (TLIP). TLIP provides graduate and undergraduate students at Texas colleges and universities the opportunity to serve as interns in the Texas Legislature and in various state agencies and local governments.

Heflin introduced his legislative staff saying, “I am very pleased with the experience and commitment of the individuals we have working on behalf of the citizens of District 85. I am confident that the people in District 85 will be pleased as well. Trish, Kathie, and Karen are all dedicated to responding to and serving the needs of the people I was elected to represent.”

Heflin continued by recognizing the recent achievement of his Legislative Assistant and encouraging District 85 college students to apply to participate in legislative internship programs. “I want to congratulate Karen on her acceptance to study in London this fall. I also want to encourage college students from our district to consider becoming legislative interns. A number of programs are available that give our students the opportunity to learn first-hand how our state government works. I hope that college students from District 85 will apply to participate, and I encourage them to call my office for information on available programs.”

Heflin represents House District 85, including Borden, Crosby, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, Glasscock, Hale, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, Lynn, Reagan, Sterling, Stonewall, and Terry Counties. Heflin can be reached at the Capitol at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 (Tel. 512-463-0604), or at his District 85 office, P.O. Box 585, Crosbyton, TX 79322 (Tel. 806-675-1583). Conradt and Gilbert work at the Capitol; Walker can be reached in the District 85 office.

HEFLIN RECOGNIZED AS SECOND MOST POWERFUL FRESHMAN REPRESENTATIVE
Non-Partisan Publication Says Legislative Impact Has Already Been Felt

AUSTIN (April 15, 2007)—Capitol Inside, a non-partisan web-based publication, says District 85 State Representative Joe Heflin (D-Crosbyton) is the second most powerful freshman representative in the 80th Texas Legislature. In making its determination, the publication specifically noted the impact of Heflin’s amendment to the 2007-08 House budget bill, an amendment precluding the use of state funds to pay for private school vouchers.

Capitol Inside determines the most powerful freshman legislators in each legislative session based upon the representatives’ legislative impact and committee assignments. In addition to the impact of Heflin’s private school voucher amendment, the publication noted that his committee assignments – Agriculture and Livestock, and County Affairs – are particularly well-suited for his rural West Texas district.

Heflin said he was both humbled and excited to receive the recognition. “I came to Austin to represent the people of my District,” he said. “It is very satisfying to have a non-partisan publication confirm that I am making a positive difference for West Texas.”

Heflin was listed second only to District 9 Representative Wayne Christian (R-Center). While officially a freshman legislator, Christian previously served four terms in the State House before leaving to run for U.S. Congress. The third through fifth most powerful freshman legislators according to Capitol Inside are, in order, Drew Darby (R-San Angelo), Eddie Lucio III (D-Brownsville), and tied for fifth, Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) and John Zerwas (R-Richmond).

Capitol Inside is a preeminent Austin-based publication that covers Texas politics. It is published and edited by award-winning writer and editor Mike Hailey, a journalist who previously covered the Texas Capitol for the Austin American Statesman and the Houston Post.

Heflin represents House District 85, including Borden, Crosby, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, Glasscock, Hale, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, Lynn, Reagan, Sterling, Stonewall, and Terry Counties. He can be reached at the Capitol at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 (Tel. 512-463-0604) or at his District 85 office, P.O. Box 585, Crosbyton, TX 79322 (Tel. 806-675-1583).

HEFLIN NAMED LEGISLATOR OF THE MONTH
Texas Municipal League Honors First-Term Representative

AUSTIN (April 13, 2007)—The Texas Municipal League has named State Representative Joe Heflin (D-Crosbyton) its Legislator of the Month for March 2007. Heflin was honored, in part, for authoring House Bill 2019, a bill that would clarify the authority of a city's governing body to appoint one of its current members to fill a mayoral vacancy.
In a press release announcing the award, the Texas Municipal League stated: “As a former city councilmember and county judge, Representative Heflin understands local government issues. We hope that city leaders across Texas – and particularly those in Representative Heflin's district – will express their appreciation to this strong supporter of local governments.”

Heflin expressed his appreciation for the award. “Needless to say, I am deeply grateful to receive this honor. It is a great pleasure to represent West Texas and to support our communities in meeting the needs of citizens throughout our state,” Heflin said.

The Texas Municipal League is an organization of city governments existing solely to serve the needs and advocate the interests of its members. Formed in 1913, TML renders services on behalf of its member cities which the cities individually have insufficient time, money, or strength to do alone.

Representative Heflin serves on the County Affairs and the Agriculture and Livestock Committees of the Texas House of Representatives. He represents House District 85, including Borden, Crosby, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, Glasscock, Hale, Howard, Irion, Jones, Kent, Lynn, Reagan, Sterling, Stonewall, and Terry Counties. He can be reached at the Capitol at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 (Tel. 512-463-0604) or at his District 85 office, P.O. Box 585, Crosbyton, TX 79322 (Tel. 806-675-1583).