The 87th Texas Legislature convened January 12, 2021 under the chaotic and threatening conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the session is proceeding while conducting Covid-19 tests, wearing masks, plastic shields, distancing and confusion as to how the press, the public and others can have access. During this challenging environment, the Legislature will have to pass a two-year budget while facing a substantial deficit, draw new Congressonal and legislative districts, seek legislative solutions to the health and economic consequences of the Covid-19 as well as the usual challenges of funding public education and health and human services of a growing population. In addition, Austin faces the threats of Governor Abbott for the State of Texas to take over the Austin Police Department and regulate the Austin homeless issues. The presentation by Senator Eckhardt will be very enlightening and interesting.
About our Speaker:
Sarah Eckhardt is honored to have been elected the Senator for Bastrop and Travis Counties in July of 2020.
Senator Eckhardt has deep roots in Central Texas and deep commitment to improving opportunity for all Texans. After receiving an LBJ School Master of Public Affairs and law degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998, Eckhardt worked for eight years as an Assistant Travis County Attorney. From 2006-2013 she served as Travis County Commissioner representing 300,000 people. From 2015-2020 she served as the Travis County Judge presiding over the Commissioners Court and representing 1.3 million people.
Senator Eckhardt believes that elective office is a temporary trust bestowed by the people who elect her. She values policy above politics. And she believes that government exists to assure that opportunity is within reach of every Texan.
Eckhardt's public service experience includes emergency response, health care, workforce and economic development, criminal justice, water policy, budget and finance. Some of her previous accomplishments include curtailing the spread of COVID-19 in Central Texas through early and decisive region-wide orders, preserving more than 30,000 acres of green space, building a multi-county collaboration for the preservation of groundwater, maintaining a vibrant construction economy while raising safety standards for workers, establishing a Travis County Public Defender's Office, and instituting jail and arrest diversion programs that support justice and public safety.
Senator Eckhardt learned public service from her mother and father and is inspired to continue serving by her son and daughter. Her mother Nadine Eckhardt and her father Congressman Bob Eckhardt served Texas and especially the most vulnerable Texans in the halls of the State Capitol and the US Capitol. Her children Nadine (high school senior) and Hank (college sophomore) inspire her daily to make Texas a better place for generations to come.
How to Attend this meeting via Zoom using your computer:
