New state representative to focus on lowering utility rates, tuition/Thibaut says children’s health plan needs a look
Houston Chronicle—January 15th, 2009
State Rep. Kristi Thibaut, D-District 133, pledged to work on lowering college tuition and utility rates during this Legislative session but acknowledged her freshman status probably won’t allow her to do as much as she would like. In the midst of searching for a nanny for her 7-month-old son, Thibaut answered questions about what she hopes to achieve in the upcoming session and throughout her term.
Q: Have you filed any bills yet?
A: I have already pre-filed a bill that calls for a freeze on tuition for entering freshman for four years at a four-year college or university and for two years at a community college. I’m still working on a bill to lower utility rates. These are the issues I will work hardest on.
Q: Why focus on these issues?
A: College tuition is a major expense. This is a small step, but it’ll make a difference. It gives parents the ability to plan a bit better and not have to cope with yearly tuition hikes.
Q: What other issues are important to you?
A: I want to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program. I’m talking with Ellen Cohen (D-Houston) on a bill that would allow parents who earn income above the limit to buy into the program. Anything that improves health care for kids and improves public school is important to me.
Q: Who are your constituents?
A: I represent a highly diverse population – Asian, African-American, Hispanic, Anglo -in the Alief area and southwest Houston, and three school districts – Alief, Houston and Spring Branch.
Q: What do your constituents want?
A: They want help cutting through the bureaucracy. I think constituent services is one thing I will do better than my predecessor (Republican Jim Murphy, whom Thibaut narrowly beat in November).
Q: Can you provide an example?
A: A constituent called me and wanted to open an English language school for adults who don’t speak English, and they needed a letter from the state of Texas to say they wouldn’t be teaching school-age kids. I was able to get the letter in time so they could open up their school.