Gervin-Hawkins is seeking her fourth term in the Texas House. An educator and construction company owner, she serves as vice chair of the Culture, Recreation, and Tourism Committee, as well as the Defense and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Hear from the candidate
The rainy day fund increased by a billion dollars since April to $13.6 billion – is it time to spend some of that money, and if so, where?
Yes, it’s time to spend money in critical places such as Medicaid expansion, public education, property tax reduction, mental health, homeless initiatives, Child Protective Services programs, ensuring pension plans are strong and giving retired educators a 13th check and an annual cost of living increase for at least the next five years at a minimum. Texas needs to invest in its people, not just brick-and-mortar projects.
What would you like to see the Legislature do to make Texas cities better places to live? In what ways could state officials work better with local officials?
The Legislature can work closer with city leadership closer as to have a better handle on the priority needs.
What do you consider the top challenge facing Texas and how would you address it?
The top challenge facing Texas is the polarization that is separating folks with different points of view. Until we respect the various views and work together surrounding critical issues such as gun safety, Medicaid expansion and many more critical issues, and how we respect the various views, many more important issues will not be addressed. Therefore, we need to work in a bipartisan manner to do what’s best for the people.
We live in a time of deep polarization. If elected, how do you see your responsibility to represent all your constituents, even those who didn’t vote for you?
I’ve always worked with everyone, even the people that didn’t vote for me. I believe it’s my responsibility to bring the folks that didn’t vote for me under the tent. I want to gain their trust and eventually their respect as a bridge builder, not as a divider. I will continue to talk with them, support their events, meet with them and let them know how important they are to the district.
Texas is losing thousands of teachers to burnout, political division and a perceived inability to do their jobs. How should the state respond to ensure our children get a quality education?
I would like to see the state develop a marketing plan that celebrates, highlights and brings the teaching profession into a higher value profession. The state should actively work with districts to ensure they have the resources to attract high caliber talent and assist with recruitment efforts.
