State Representative Veronica Gonzales Files For Re-election

December 4, 2009   For Immediate Release Contact: Ricardo Lopez-Guerra                 956-212-8950   STATE REPRESENTATIVE VERONICA GONZALES FILES FOR RE-ELECTION   McALLEN- State Representative Veronica Gonzales has filed to seek a fourth term representing District 41 in the Texas House.   "Texas faces some critical decisions in the next two years that will have a serious impact on the Rio Grande Valley. I am committed to fight to ensure our region receives adequate funding, legislative representation and has a voice in our State's decision making," Gonzales said. "Over the past five years, I have had the honor and privilege of working for and with people from all different backgrounds, occupations and political perspectives and I am looking forward to another term of serving District 41 in Austin."   Gonzales has received the support of McAllen Mayor Richard Cortez, Edinburg Mayor Richard Garcia, Mission Mayor Beto Salinas and Alton Mayor Salvador Vela. She has also been endorsed by the Texas Medical Association as well as numerous local business, medical and civic leaders.   Gonzales, who was first elected in 2004, is the first female to represent District 41 and has earned many accomplishments during her legislative career.  In the 81st Legislative Session, Speaker Joe Straus named Gonzales as Chair of the House Committee on Border & Intergovernmental Affairs. She is also serving a second term on the Public Health Committee and serves as General Counsel for the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.   Gonzales has passed numerous pieces of legislation to address the diverse needs of her district including: increasing regulations of the towing industry; attracting physicians to medically underserved areas by increasing their medical school loan forgiveness; improvements for colonia residents; protecting victims of abuse and helping students finish college sooner and pay their tuition in payments, among many other measures.   Gonzales, who was raised in San Marcos, Texas, has lived in the McAllen area since 1991. The first in her family to go to college, she graduated cum laude from Southwest Texas State University and earned her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas Law School. She is a name partner in the law firm of Kittleman, Thomas & Gonzales, L.L.P., and has earned many awards for legal career and her civic involvement.   ###