The Texas Senate took a moment today to remember the life of Waco Mayor Mae Jackson who died of a heart attack Friday. Dr. Jackson was a life-long political activist who was elected to the Waco city council in 2000, where she served two terms. In 2004, she became the first African-American to serve as Mayor of Waco. "She was committed to education, committed to her community, she was committed to the quality of water in Central Texas," said Senator Kip Averitt, who represents Waco. "She fought these battles all of her life and succeeded." Dr. Jackson was a tireless advocate for women and the disadvantaged, serving on the boards of directors for the Center for Action Against Sexual Assault, the Mental Health Association, and the family violence division of the Texas Department of Human Services. Many Legislators in both houses expressed grief at the loss of Dr. Jackson, especially since she was poised to serve in a position no African-American had held before. "Any time you lose a public servant at the beginning of a historic role as mayor of a city, it is a great loss to all of us," said Houston Senator Rodney Ellis.

The Senate will reconvene Tuesday, February 15th, at 11:00 A.M.

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