AUSTIN—Interfaith legislative network Texas Impact today presented its Legislative Leadership Awards for the 82^nd legislative session to five House members and 3 senators. The four Republicans and four Democrats included Senators Kirk Watson, John Carona and Robert Deuell, and Representatives Lois Kolkhorst, Vicki Truitt, Ruth Jones McClendon, Ryan Guillen and Eddie Rodriguez. The eight were authors and sponsors of legislation Texas Impact and other faith groups championed in 2011 as part of a “Community-Building Agenda for Texas.”

Texas Impact Executive Director Bee Moorhead said the awards were significant both for the substance of the legislation and for the character of the legislators. “In a session marked by partisan divisiveness, these legislators focused on bills to address real needs in our state. They identified innovative solutions and insisted on working with all interested parties inside and outside the Capitol. As a result, they passed well-crafted, positive legislation that gives Texans hope,” Moorhead said.

Moorhead said many Texans, including many legislators, felt discouraged at the end of the 2011 session and chose to minimize the positive outcomes of the session. “There’s no question some unpleasant things happened in 2011, and we don’t want to suggest otherwise. But to ignore the many positive outcomes of the session is to deny Texans the opportunity to enjoy incremental progress. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I doubt Texas will be either,” Moorhead said.

Texas Impact Legislative Leadership Awards for the 82^nd Legislative Session

Representative Lois Kolkhorst and Senator Bob Deuell

HB 1965: faith and community based initiative

Local faith and community-based organizations will work with state agencies and OneStar to build stronger partnerships.

Representative Ryan Guillen and Senator Bob Deuell

HB 2610: Navigators

Volunteers and staff in outreach programs like food pantries will be certified to assist clients applying for assistance or looking for other online services.

Representative Eddie Rodriguez and Senator Bob Deuell

HB 2077: energy efficiency for houses of worship and other nonprofits

Houses of worship and other nonprofits will receive low-interest financing for energy efficiency upgrades.

Representative Ruth Jones McClendon and Senator Kirk Watson

HB 3324: transparency and accountability in fusion centers

National model legislation establishes a new oversight and accountability for internet-based law enforcement centers.

Representative Vicki Truitt and Senator John Carona

HB 2592 and HB 2594: payday lending regulation

Texas now regulates payday and auto title lenders, as well as providing new consumer credit education.