Best Southwest Legislative Breakfast Series

Representative Helen Giddings, who was a featured speaker, was warmly received by those in attendance at the TGIF Best Southwest Legislative Breakfast Series at Thornetree Country Club in DeSoto.  Representative Giddings was pleased to engage in a discussion with DeSoto Mayor Pro Tem, Carl Sherman, to talk about the accomplishments of the 81st Legislative Session.  Giddings touched on key issues that are important to southern Dallas county residents, such as higher education developments, the urban land bank, public transportation, and food banks.

When asked about the most important accomplishment of the session, Giddings remarked, "I passed legislation in 1995 to prevent liquor stores from opening within 1,000 feet of public schools, which came under threat this session by provisions in HB 1161. I recognized the impact this bill would have on the safety and welfare of children going to and from school. Students and their parents don't always have the resources to move or the power to change, so I as a legislator, feel obligated to be their voice when they have none."

Children's Health Insurance Program(CHIP)

Texas families with uninsured children may be able to get health insurance through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). A program that offers health care benefits, including regular checkups, dental care, vaccinations, eye exams and prescription drugs to children of all ages.CHIP is health insurance designed for families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, yet cannot afford to buy private health insurance. To get an idea if your children qualify for Children's Medicaid or CHIP please visit http://www.chipmedicaid.org/ to get more information or to apply.  

Representative Giddings speaks at a rally for Children's Health Insurance during the 80th Legislative Session. As a result of Giddings efforts, 127,000 more children are now eligible for CHIP.

                  Read To Succeed

In 1997, Representative Helen Giddings authored the legislation establishing the "Read to Succeed Program" which included then Governor George Bush's reading initiative. The program enabled Texas drivers' to order a special license plate, in which the proceeds provided financial support to the Texas school library of the driver's choice. The "Read to Succeed" license plate is the first Texas license plate designed by a child to benefit children across the state of Texas. Representative Giddings sponsored House Bill 3551 which redirected proceeds from the sale of "Read to Succeed" license plates from reading diagnostic projects to the purchase of school library materials. "Read to Succeed" license plates can be purchased through TxDOT. For more information on Read To Succeed or to fill out an application for a license plate please visit:
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/reading/news/rtosfaq.html or
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/reading/news/READTOSUCCEEDPLATES.pdf




Read to Succeed License Plates, legislation passed by Representative Helen Giddings, encourages reading across the state.

Representative Helen Giddings recently participated in a bridge building exchange with the National Conference of State Legislatures for a Women's Study Tour of South Africa. While visiting South Africa, Giddings took the opportunity to deliver a $10,000 check to the Nelson Mandela Foundation in honor of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT). An important initiative of the Mandela Foundation is the Stick To One Partner (STOP) HIV campaign, created to curb the spread of HIV and to accelerate efforts on prevention.

Giddings said, "Although there are many differences between the United States and South Africa, the plight of women, the struggle of the poor, and threat of HIV/AIDS speaks a universal language that is understood by all." Rep. Giddings has visited the country over a dozen times focused on improving international relations between South Africa and the U.S. "I am pleased to deliver this generous donation in honor of the DBDT to the Mandela Foundation," stated Giddings.

Giddings presents $10K check to Achmat Dangor, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation

Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

Did you know that by 2010, approximately one in 35 Texans will lose their home to foreclosure? Earlier this year, Giddings hosted a Homeowner Preservation Workshop to inform citizens in North Texas that there may be help available. HUD approved counselors were on site assisting homeowners with options to keep their homes. If you were unable to attend, you can call the HOPE Hotline, counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Dial 1-888-995-HOPE