Janette Sexton for State Representative, District 144

Background:

I am a technical writer and formerly worked in the administrative field. I went back to school at the age of 44 and obtained a degree, which has made a tremendous difference in my income and quality of life.

I was activated by the Dean for America presidential campaign in June 2003, and I decided to run when Governor Dean dropped out of the race in early 2004. Since that time, I have been extremely active on the grassroots level.

Goals:

I am running because I want to serve my constituents, give back to my community, and help people.

I want to keep bad bills from passing, and to, hopefully, put forward bills that will have a positive impact on my constituents' lives. I am especially interested in providing adequate funding for education, so that all Texas' children can receive an excellent public education and teachers will receive just compensation. Also, the Texas Fund, which provides college scholarships for deserving youths, is bankrupt, and I want to ensure restoration of the fund.

For the past few years, I have been very interested in environmental issues. The Texas Gulf Coast has the highest incidence of cancer and respiratory disease in the country, and our legislature lacks the political will to hold polluters accountable. I believe that good environmental policy is the same as good economical policy, and I want to ensure that the air quality goals in the Houston area are attained sooner rather than later.

I am also interested in adding more children to the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and ensuring that all Texans have better access to behavorial and health care.

Issues:

1. Quality, affordable education
2. Cleaning up air pollution without sacrificing jobs
3. Affordable healthcare

Grassroots Support:

The grassroots will play a very large role in my campaign. I am a member of many groups, organizations, clubs, and have contacts in DFA, DFT, DFH, Progressive Action Alliance (PAA), Texas Progressive Populist (TPP) Caucus, Houston Equal Rights Alliance (HERA), Area 5 Democrats, Battleground Democrats, Bay Area New Democrats, San Jacinto Democratic Veterans Brigade, America's Last Patrol, Harris County Democratic Party, Harris County Tejano Democrats, Harris County Women's Political Caucus (HCWPC), League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Help Democrats Get Elected (HDGE), and the Texas Democratic Party.

I continue to seek the endorsement of the Harris County AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the Sierra Club (5-year member).

DFA Values:

I believe that budgets should be balanced but not at the expense of our most vulnerable. The poor should not bear a disproportionate tax burden while well-to-do citizens and businesses pay little or nothing. I would support fair and equitable tax reform.

I see everyone as a human being, deserving of dignity and respect. If elected, I will oppose any attempt to write hate and discrimination into the Texas Constitution.