By Anita Curtis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Highland Springs residents welcomed Texas State Senator Florence Shapiro to their campus and heard the inside story on the legislative process recently.

Shapiro represents 800,000 constituents in her district, including Highland Springs. Speaking to a full house, Shapiro said, “This is the fi rst time I have been here and I am very impressed with this community. You should be very proud that you’ve chosen such a great place to live.”

Addressing the issues
Shapiro covered a range of topics including illegal immigration, health care, air quality, water and gas reserves, transportation, education, casinos, and  lotteries. “You will be happy to know that your Texas lottery funds education, although by the time we divide the amount, it is spread pretty thin to all the school programs,” she said.

In Texas the outlook is bright. “We have not had a downturn in our economy as in many states,” she said. “So casinos will probably not be a consideration anytime soon.” Although more than 7,000 bills are presented each session, only around 1,000 actually pass, Shapiro said.

“In earlier days, laws passed from a more rural perspective, but as populations  increase we have become a more urban society, with transportation being a major issue for North Texas yet not so much for West Texas. So we have to address issues that speak to all,” said the 15-year Senate member.

Changing population, same great people
As she toured the Highland Springs community, Shapiro recalled an earlier time in her political career as a mayor of neighboring Plano when she served a younger, growing population.

“We had no retirement community then, no place for the older adults to go; but the population has changed. I never dreamed we would have a wonderful facility like this,” she said.