(AUSTIN) — Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, today (Tuesday) was appointed by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, R-Houston, to serve on the Senate Committees on Education and Higher Education. She will replace Senator Kirk Watson, D-Austin, who recently announced he would be resigning imminently (April 30) from the Texas Senate.

"I am grateful to Lt. Governor Patrick for the opportunity to serve again as a member of these important committees," Senator Zaffirini said. "Promoting excellence within—and increasing access to—Texas' institutions of higher learning always have been my passion, and I have long understood that the path to a college degree begins with quality early childhood education. We passed significant measures during the last legislative session that increased teacher salaries and promoted safety and transparency at our public schools and universities. We must build on this success if we are to ensure Texas has the best systems of public and higher education and all students achieve their academic goals."

An educator with 13 years of teaching experience, including at the college and university levels, Senator Zaffirini now serves on seven Senate committees. She is Vice Chair of the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee as well as the Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention and Community Safety. She also is a member of the Business and Commerce, State Affairs and Administration committees.

"I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House, my legislative colleagues, education leaders, students and everyone interested in championing excellence for all Texas institutions of public and higher education," said Senator Zaffirini. "I also urge my constituents to share their experiences, concerns and ideas for legislation during the interim as we prepare for the 2021 legislative session. Texas has some of the best schools, colleges and universities in the nation, and their continued success is critical to the future of our great state."

SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI, D-Laredo, was appointed to the Senate Committees on Education and Higher Education. Vice Chair of the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention and Community Safety, she also is a member of the Business and Commerce, State Affairs and Administration committees.

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