Texas Builder, May/June 2016

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12 Texas Association of Builders May/June 2016
Speaking Out
Senator Sylvia R. Garcia
I have always wanted to help others. I have a
passion for getting at the root of the problem,
and as a social worker I was able to do just
that. There is a personal relationship that
is formed through working with those
who are in need of help. My education and
background allowed me to relate and help
solve those problems. A lot of hard work,
scholarships, loans and the support of my
family allowed me to attend college and law
school. I have worked my whole adult life
to make sure that all Texans have that same
opportunity available to them.
Thank you for co-authoring a bill that,
as passed, requires the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board to ensure
curriculum is aligned with student interest,
academic and industry needs (House
Bill 2628, 84th Legislative Session). The
demand for housing continues to increase
as the population of our state rises. In
order to meet the housing demand, our
industry needs more skilled individuals
to work the various construction trades.
As a member of the Senate Committee on
Education, what do you recommend can be
done at a state or local level to increase the
availability of a skilled workforce?
My work on the Senate Education Committee
has been centered on taking down barriers that
stand in the way of students continuing their
education. Building a competitive workforce is
essential for Texas to continue competing in a
global economy. We have seen a clear shift in
the demand for post-secondary education, so
it is our responsibility to ensure that students
have a clear pathway toward college and skill-
based training. It takes input from the business
industry and regular review of our education
system to evaluate the needs for a skilled
workforce for today and for the future.
You formerly served as City Controller
– the second highest elected official in
Houston – and worked to establish a
transparent and accountable taxing
system for the city. The state’s property tax
system and tax relief efforts have been a
leading topic in Texas since last session. Do
you foresee tax reform to be an ongoing
discussion for the 85th Legislative Session?
Last session we chose to spend a great
portion for property tax relief. However, I
think the conversation should be shifted to
how we are evaluating property as a whole.
In many parts of our state, those who have
to shoulder the unfair burden are residential
homeowners and Texas families who have
seen their property taxes continue to climb
for years, while large commercial properties
get to pay far less than what they should.
The issue of property tax is so concerning,
because this is the primary method by which
school districts are funded. School districts
require a certain level of funding to fulfill
their duties and responsibilities. This means
that if we continue to give temporary fixes
without resolving the underlying problems,
districts will either raise the tax rate that
families will have to pay or the state will
have to appropriate enough to cover the tax
cut. This conversation will surely continue
well into next session, but I encourage my
colleagues to study the foundation by which
all property taxes are evaluated and help shift
the advantage to hard working Texas families.
TAB and our members are passionate
about giving back to the communities that
we build in, whether providing student
scholarships through TAB’s Texas Builders
Foundation, re-building towns after
natural or accidental disasters, or donating
custom homes to disabled veterans. TAB
actively supported a bill that you voted for
during your first session. The bill, as passed,
allows a disabled veteran, or the surviving
spouse of a disabled veteran, to receive
a homestead tax exemption on a home
that was donated by 501(c)(3) charitable
organization (House Bill 97, 83rd
Legislative Session). As a member of the
Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and
Military Installations, what can the state
of Texas do to help ensure our dedicated
servicemen have access to sustainable
careers and affordable homes?
I proudly sit on the Senate Veterans Affairs and
Military Installation Committee that ensures
our beloved veterans are given the same type of
unwavering support that they have given us. An
example of this was a bill that I proposed and
passed during the 84th Legislative Session. Texas
Since you’ve been elected to the Senate
in 2013, you’ve been a champion for
your district, economic opportunity and
education. What initially inspired you to
become involved with public service?
Growing up poor in a small farming
community in South Texas and being the
eighth of 10 children, I was able to see the
difficulties, first hand, that my parents had to
endure to provide for our family. Because they
wanted something better for their children,
they stressed education as the key for success.
I have to credit my time as a social worker for
inspiring me to get involved in public service.
As a social worker, I had the opportunity to
serve people from all backgrounds facing
many different challenges. It's here where I
learned to listen to people about the problems
and issues that were impacting them and
their families. I have taken these early lessons
and experiences with me throughout my
professional career so that I can bring these
narratives to light as we shape public policy.
TAB members value access to educational
opportunities and the rewards of hard
work. Considering your background,
you too are an example of hard work
and determination. Your career began in
social work, then you earned a law degree
and entered public service with the City
of Houston. How has your background
influenced your role at the Capitol?