AARP Eye Center
Nine legislators honored for legislative efforts on behalf of older Texans
HOUSTON, TEXAS--AARP Texas is recognizing the work of State Representative Sylvester Turner of Houston by presenting him with a 2013 Legislative Leadership Award.
The award recognizes Rep. Turner's leadership in ensuring Texans receive electricity assistance funds originally intended for them. While the state's System Benefit Fund and the LITE UP Texas electricity assistance program will phase out over the next few years, Rep. Turner’s efforts in the Texas Legislature ensured that the fund's hundreds of millions of dollars get to Texans in need.
"Thanks to Representative Sylvester Turner, this money will no longer be sitting in state coffers but will go to help Texans keep their lights on during our sweltering summers. We applaud his leadership," said Bob Jackson, AARP Texas director.
AARP is also honoring several other legislators for their work on behalf of Texans age 50+, including:
- Representative Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) and Senator Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso) for protecting seniors from financial abuse through power of attorney legislation
- Senate Robert Duncan (R-Lubbock) and Representative Bill Callegari (R-Katy) for work to strengthen the retirement systems for teachers and state employees
- Representative John Zerwas (R-Richmond) for leadership in improving services for seniors
- Representative Tom Craddick (R-Midland) for leadership on payday and auto title lending reform
- Representative Linda Harper Brown (R-Irving) and Senate Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) for leadership towards providing more transportation options for older Texans
Awards will be presented to legislators at ceremonies in their hometowns. AARP presents these awards every two years, after each state legislative session.
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