Press Releases

This morning, City Council voted to approve the creation of the Washington Parking Benefit District (PBD), a pilot program that seeks to bring order to the congested parking situation  along Washington Avenue. Continue Reading »

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Today, Houston City Council passed an ordinance that seeks to address the City of Houston’s backlog of 4,000-6,000 rape kits. These kits, which have not been tested due to lack of resources, contain vital pieces of evidence that can be used to apprehend violent criminals. Continue Reading »

Today, Council Member Ellen Cohen proposed a budget amendment that seeks to address the city of Houston’s rape kit backlog. These kits, which have not been tested due to lack of resources, contain vital pieces of evidence that can be used to apprehend violent criminals. Continue Reading »

Good evening. For those of you I haven’t had the opportunity to meet, I’m Ellen Cohen, your new District C City Council Member. Thank you all for being here and for bringing your passion and concerns front and center. Continue Reading »

(Houston) – Ellen Cohen filed the official paper work with the Mayor’s office this morning for Houston City Council District C. Today marks the first day that candidates can file their application for a place on the November 8^th ballot.  Cohen, accompanied by her treasurer Jackie Martin, was the first candidate to file at City Hall this morning.

“I feel confident about my race and our numbers look good,” said Cohen.  A recent poll shows Cohen with a solid 35 point lead and she was the leader across the board in every region of the district.  In the portion of the district that covers Cohen’s former legislative seat, she earns an impressive 59% of the vote.  “I am thrilled by the outpouring of support enforcing my strong commitment to serving the citizens of Houston and District C.  These numbers reflect the excitement and enthusiasm for my race.” 

Cohen is well on her way to winning a majority in November and taking her place on Houston City Council.  

Cohen previously served in the Texas Legislature as the State Representative for House District 134.  She was the President and CEO of the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) for 18 years.  Prior to her role at HAWC, she was the Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) for 10 years.

(Houston) – Ellen Cohen announced that she is running for Houston City Council, District C. She will officially launch her campaign on Wednesday, March 23 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Sonoma’s located at 2720 Richmond.

“For 33 years Houston has been home and my recent experience as a State Legislator ignited in me a deep commitment and passion for public service,” said Cohen. “In keeping with that spirit, I am excited to announce my candidacy for Houston City Council, District C. It would be and honor and a privilege to serve on Houston City Council.”

Cohen previously served in the Texas Legislator as the State Representative for House District 134. She was the President & CEO of the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) for 18 years. Prior to her role at HAWC, she was the Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) for 10 years.

“The City of Houston faces many challenges such as the budget shortfall and aging infrastructure,” said Cohen. “We can address these issues and others with reasoned solutions that will contribute to the strength of our great city. Now is the time for us to work together for the city that we all believe in.”

District C includes much of the constituency Cohen served in her previous role as State Representative. District C, like other council districts, will undergo redistricting as mandated by the City of Houston Charter. For more information about the City of Houston redistricting process, visit www.houstontx.gov/planning/2011/.

(Houston) — State Representative Ellen Cohen has been chosen as the 2010 Legislator of the Year by the Texas RehabACTion Network (TRAN).  Cohen, a member of the Appropriations Committee, was recognized for her work in carrying the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) budget during the 81^st Legislative Session.  Cohen was instrumental in helping her colleagues understand the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program, and fought to achieve DARS’ funding needs.  The Vocational Rehabilitation Program helps individuals with physical or mental disabilities prepare for, find or keep employment.

Cohen received the award at the TRAN Annual Conference, held in San Marcos, Texas on December 7.  TRAN, with more than 700 active members, is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to advocating for and promoting the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program.  The organization educates communities about the return on investments gained from public vocational rehabilitation and promotes the program’s ability to provide employment services and disability related solutions to the business community.  Cheryl Guide, who serves on TRAN’s Advocacy and Legislative Committee, noted, “Rep. Cohen is the perfect example of the type of legislator who truly understands the dual customer approach – that public vocational rehabilitation not only changes the lives of people with disabilities by making it possible for them to be employed, but doing that very thing strengthens private businesses by providing them with excellent employees.”

Speaking to the audience, Cohen stated, “It is always great to be recognized for your work, but to receive an honor from an organization with such an amazing mission is truly rewarding. Many people take the opportunity to become a productive member of society for granted.  Yet individuals with disabilities so often encounter countless barriers when trying to achieve that dream.  Eliminating those obstacles is just one of the many reasons it is important to make sure that funding for vocational rehabilitation will continue to be a priority in Texas.”

State Representative Ellen Cohen is honored to receive the endorsement of the Houston Chronicle. The daily newspaper, the nation’s seventh largest, and its online website have an estimated seven-day readership of more than 2.3 million adults. In acknowledging the editorial board’s endorsement, Cohen said, “The Houston Chronicle endorsement is critically important for any race in Houston. Houstonians rely on the judgment and political acumen of the Chronicle Editorial Board. I am honored that the Chronicle, by virtue of this endorsement, recognizes my work on behalf of District 134 and the State of Texas.”

The Houston Chronicle Editorial Board said in their endorsement that “Ellen Cohen, the two-term Democratic incumbent, is our choice to represent this highly educated, politically active district that includes the Rice University area and the small cities of West University Place, Southside Place and Bellaire. The former head of the Houston Area Women’s Center has a long record of community involvement and a welcome background dealing with budgets. She is well attuned to the interests of her district, which, she says, include access to higher education and concerns about the environment. We like her big picture for the future of Texas: healthy, well educated and globally competitive. She is coming into her own in Austin, and her district and the region stand to benefit.” Visit the Houston Chronicle’s website for the text of the endorsement.