Rep. Aaron Pena’s Under The Dome

[Constituant Newsletter From Rep. Aaron Pena (D-Edinburg)]

UNDER THE DOME
Rep. Aaron Peña

February 2007, Issue 8
News Under The Dome
Welcome to Another Issue of Under The Dome
Rep. Peña Named Chair of House Criminal Jurisprudence
February 8th is Edinburg Day at the Capitol
Epilepsy Foundation to Host Legislative Workshop
Peña Calls for Emergency Designation of Child Predator Laws

Welcome to Another Issue of Under The Dome

It is my pleasure to present another issue of Under The Dome. This monthly newsletter is meant to compliment our website and my blog in communicating issues and ideas important to the people of our district and your State Capitol.

Rep. Peña Named Chair of House Criminal Jurisprudence

Representative Aaron Peña has been appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence.

The committee is charged with writing our criminal laws, prohibitions, standards, and penalties. It also has jurisdiction over probation, parole and criminal procedure in the courts of Texas. The committee maintains sole control over any changes made to the Texas Penal Code, which determines punishment for our most serious crimes.

Peña will also be serving on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

All tax bills must originate in the House and face the scrutiny of the committee. It oversees all bills required to raise state revenue, to levy state taxes or other fees, and the manner in which they are collected. The committee also maintains oversight over the State Comptroller of Public Accounts.

February 8th is Edinburg Day at the Capitol
McAllen Leaders in Austin Feb. 6th and Community Calendar

Civic, community and business leaders from the City of Edinburg will be in Austin to celebrate Edinburg Day at the Capitol on February 8th. Legislators and state leaders will have an opportunity to hear concerns, recommendations and accomplishments of the community.

The Edinburg delegation will spend the morning of the 8th meeting with legislative leaders, dropping off packets of information about the community at legislators’ offices and will then receive a special recognition in the House and Senate Chamber.

Capitol Welcomes McAllen Feb. 6th

Community members from the City of McAllen will be in Austin days before to commemorate McAllen Day at the Capitol. City leaders will be in town to lobby on behalf of their community on Feb. 6th.

Edinburg Community Calendar

South Texans are invited to participate in Edinburg’s 25th Annual All-America 10K Run/Walk on February 3rd. The event will feature a family friendly 2k Run/Walk which begins at 11:00 am. The 10k Run/Walk at 1:00 pm is a competitive race that will award a top prize of $2500 for the 1st place male and female. For more information please visit the Official Race Site.

On February 10th the Rotary Club of Edinburg and the Service Over Self Foundation will host Cajun Fest 2007 at the Echo Hotel. Festivities include authentic Cajun cuisine, a silent and live auction, and live music. Doors open at 6:00 pm. For more information please contact JP English at 956/383-6289 or 956/607-0022.

The 39th Annual Fiesta Edinburg is scheduled for February 22-25. Festivities include food, drink and children’s exhibits at the World Birding Center’s Coastal Expo. There will be fireworks, live music and the Heart of America Carnival at the Edinburg Municipal Park. The parade is set for Feb. 24 and will begin at 10:00 am from the County Courthouse.

Epilepsy Foundation to Host Legislative Workshop
Rep. Peña to Serve as Keynote Speaker

The Epilepsy Foundation is hosting a legislative training workshop for advocates of epilepsy awareness on February 17th. The workshop will feature tips on how to communicate effectively with legislators, training on how to testify before a committee and will provide a general overview on how the legislative process works.

Representative Peña will serve as the keynote speaker for the conference. It is scheduled from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and will be held at the ITT Building on the campus of the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg. For more information please contact Marsha Catron at marsha@santosalliances.com

Peña Calls for Emergency Designation of Child Predator Laws

Representative Peña is asking the Governor to add sexual assault of children to the emergency call of the 80th Legislative Session. Adding an item to the emergency call allows the issue to come before the legislature as a priority. The emergency designation would give legislators an opportunity to begin work on the issue before the constitutionally mandated 60 day hold on bill consideration.

As Chair of Criminal Jurisprudence, Representative Peña would lead the committee to be charged with investigating this important issue.
Thank you once again for reading another issue of Under The Dome.

Sincerely,

Aaron Peña, Jr.
State Representative