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.

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• “I’m a Texan because of the can do attitude that permeates the culture. From my years in the non-profit world to my tenure in the legislature, I have firsthand knowledge that if we work hard enough – and together – we can affect needed change. Today’s economy dictates that we explore proactive approaches coupled with cost-cutting measures to address the significant issues facing our state.” – State Rep. Ellen Cohen

Businesses are attracted to states with an educated, healthy population and a quality of life that exemplifies values such as public safety, the environment and respect for all its citizens. With a strong economic base, we can focus on continuing to make life better for each individual residing in Texas.

We need innovative approaches to address our current gaps. One solution is to take full advantage of federally funded matching programs like Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and maximize every federal dollar available. Proactive and sound investments for both the short- and long-term are also critical.

Accountability will be key as we ensure that funds – like those collected from traffic violations for trauma care funding – are used for the designated purpose and not misdirected to other line items. We need to explore how preventive health care can save taxpayers millions of dollars in the years ahead. We must continue to streamline state agencies, eliminate waste, and make certain that Texans receive an acceptable return on every dollar spent.

A glance at Rep. Cohen’s record on the issue of the fiscal responsibility & accountability:

• Appointed to the Appropriations Committee which developed a budget that passed unanimously in the House
• Voted to limit the appraised taxable value of a residence homestead to 10% and to ensure that no taxable value could increase by more than 10%
• Coauthored a bill providing immediate tax relief for small businesses by changing the franchise tax exemption from $300,000 to $1,000,000 through December 2011 and then $600,0000 in 2012

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