(AUSTIN)—Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick today (Monday) re-appointed Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development (NRED) and a member of the Senate Committees on Business and Commerce, Finance, State Affairs and Special Committee on Redistricting.

"Having served on these committees before," Senator Zaffirini said, "I understand their importance to the families I represent. These assignments truly will facilitate my addressing our highest legislative priorities.

"I am grateful to Lt. Gov. Patrick and look forward to continuing to work with him and my legislative colleagues while championing legislation and funding that will benefit Texans."

As a member of the Senate Finance Committee that will make recommendations regarding a historic $33 billion surplus, Senator Zaffirini will prioritize funding that provides property tax relief; expands access to health care, including mental health; enhances education, particularly pre-k and higher education; and helps rebuild infrastructure, especially regarding water, energy and broadband.

Also a previous member of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce, she looks forward to using her expertise to improve the reliability of the electrical grid and promote Texan businesses. The committee also will examine issues such as digital accessibility, insurance, cybersecurity, blockchain and virtual currency regulation, technology advances, and supply chain efficiency.

Representing the majority of the Eagle Ford Shale region, the senator remains well-positioned to advocate for balancing industrial interests with responsible environmental stewardship on the NRED committee. She has served as vice chair of this important committee since 2017.

Her reappointment to the State Affairs committee will give Senator Zaffirini the opportunity to remain focused on judicial issues, as well as on elections administration, human trafficking, public safety and pension fund investment strategies.

She also serves as the lieutenant governor’s designee on the Texas Judicial Council and the Texas Access to Justice Commission.

First elected in 1986, the senator has received more than 1,000 awards and honors for her legislative, public service, and professional work. She is known for her 100 percent voting record in the Texas Senate, where she has cast 67,923 consecutive votes since 1987. In the 2021 Republican-dominated Texas Legislature, she passed 106—more than any other legislator for the fourth consecutive session. In fact, she has passed more bills than any other legislator in the history of the state.

Senator Zaffirini maintains an open-door policy and constituents may contact her or her staff to share their perspectives about legislation or request assistance with a state agency via Judith.Zaffirini@senate.texas.gov and her district office (956/722-2293) or her Capitol office (512/463-0121).

SECOND IN SENIORITY IN THE 31-MEMBER TEXAS SENATE, Senator Judith Zaffirini is the first Hispanic woman elected to the Texas Senate, the second highest-ranking senator, and the highest-ranking woman and Hispanic senator.

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