State Representative Ellen Cohen—Ellen Cohen is the State Representative for District 134, which includes Bellaire, West University, River Oaks and parts of Meyerland and Montrose.

Also in this newsletter…

• Interns Assist in Accomplishing Interim Research

An Update from Representative Cohen

Frequently, I’m asked, “What do you do when you’re not in session?” The answer is as diverse as District 134. My activities include meeting with constituents; interacting with various civic and special interest groups; touring key facilities, nonprofits, and institutions in the District . . . and crafting new legislation.

Through letters, phone calls, and meetings, I continue to hear that the issues to which I’m committed — education, healthcare, public safety, the environment, and personal life decisions — remain important to the District. Fiscal responsiblity is, of course, a critical component in all areas.

Pre-filing for bills of the 82nd Legislature begins in November 2010. While a year may seem like plenty of time to research and craft legislation, the process is intensive and time-consuming.

To author legislation that represents District 134 effectively, I need to hear from you. I urge you to contact my office so we can get together. If you are concerned about an issue or want to share your support for a cause, email or call to make an appointment and let’s talk. For our time together to be most effective, please consider the following:

1. Documentation is key. A critical first step is providing facts regarding your issue, as well as what supporters and opponents would say.
2. Include all known resources. As a result of your involvement with the issue, you will be aware of individuals and organizations who share your concern or who may take the opposing view. Contact information on all such resources is extremely valuable.
3. The initial meeting may be the first of many. More than likely, our first meeting will take place in the District. Later you may be needed in Austin for hearings.
4. Realize that accomplishing the task may take a while. Many bills require more than one session to pass.

How bills become laws is another conversation but they all begin as an idea. And now is the time for sharing your ideas.

As always, I also welcome your email or phone calls (713.627.0134).

State Representative Ellen Cohen

Rep. Cohen Nominated to Participate in NCSL Symposium

The Symposium for Emerging Leaders is an invitation only meeting hosted by the National Conference of State Legislators. Speaker Joe Straus nominated Rep. Cohen to attend the event.

The curriculum is designed for legislators who “show outstanding leadership promise and the ability to effect change.” For four days in Chicago, Illinois, participants explored the paths and challenges to leadership through seminars, lectures, case studies and discussions. Professor James Clawson of the Darden Business School at the University of Virginia was a featured presenter.

Interns Assist in Accomplishing Interim Research

Diane Tran (left) and Janae Williams (right) are serving as interns in the District Office responding to constituent needs and researching past and potential legislative matters.

Diane began her internship in August of this year and will continue through December. She will graduate in 2012 from Washington and Lee University with a double major in political science and philosophy. Janae joined us in September for a semester-long experience. She’s a Junior at the University of Houston majoring in political science with a minor in health communications. Both women plan to enter law school after graduation.

For more information on interning with the District or Capitol offices, please email info@ellencohen.org or call 713-627-0134.

Ellen In the District

More than 100 individuals turned out for the Informational Forum on October 14. Deborah Cartwright of the Comptroller’s Office, Barbara Stanley from UofH, Jim Darwin of the Texas Land Office, Howard Katz of Coveler & Katz, and Asmara Tekle from TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law did an outstanding job of summarizing the 11 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. My thanks to them for helping us be better informed for the early vote or for Election Day, November 3.

For early voting locations and times, click here. For where to vote on November 3, use the online search option provided at www.harrisvotes.org. Helpful resources analyzing the proposed amendments can be found by clicking on the following links:

• Texas Legislative Council’s analysis of the amendments
• House Research Organization’s summary of the propositions

Texas Tomorrow Fund Deadline Extended to November 30

As many of you are aware, what was once known as the Texas Tomorrow Fund recently made changes in the pre-paid college tuition plan. Please note, if you have bought into what is now called the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan and are planning to use those funds for your children’s college education, nothing changes.

The Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board has changed the refund rule for unused tuition hours when a Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan contract is canceled or a refund is requested after Nov. 1, 2009. For those not planning on using the funds for education, when the funds are withdrawn you will receive no interest and a monthly maintenance fee will be deducted. Participants may cancel their contracts until 5 p.m. on November 30.

For more information on rules, options, and for assistance, go to www.tgtp.org.