SD 11 SREC: E-Newletter from State Representative Dennis Paul

ABBOTT PROCLAIMS MAY 7-13 AS TEXAS TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK

This celebrates the impact of one of the state's top economic drivers as one of the most visited states in the nation

The travel and tourism industry continues to create jobs and state and local revenue. Travel and tourism truly impacts every county in Texas.

To learn more about how tourism positively impacts the economy of Texas and our district, please visit the travel industry website: www.travel.texas.gov. There you will also find information about Texas Tourism -- a program in the Office of the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism.

Our district, the Houston Bay Area, celebrates great attractions and events which draw visitors year round. I invite everyone to take time to explore your community this week, and visit places like the Houston Space Center, the Kemah Boardwalk, or the Sylvan Beach Park. From all of us in House District 129, we greatly appreciate the tourism industry in our area that helps make us, and I am proud to represent the area.

If you have any questions about Texas Travel and Tourism Week and the Tourism program, please contact the state Tourism Director, at (512) 936-0437.

ASIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY AT THE CAPITOL

On May 3, legislators invited and celebrated Asian American heritage with an all day event with a reception and legislative speakers

Rep. Paul along with Representatives Button, Wu, and Vo posed with constituents present on Asian American Heritage Day.

CLEAR BROOK HIGH SCHOOL TRIUMPHS IN UIL COMPETITION

Clear Brook High School's marching band went to theUIL State Competition. All three concert groups received "Superior" 1st-division ratings at the Concert and Sightreading contest. The Wind Ensemble won

Sweepstakes. The Winter Guard took first in State Competition and Indoor Drum Line placed first in state and second place in World Competition.

A picture of CBHS competing.

Click here to read more.

GULF FREEWAY TO SHUT DOWN THIS WEEKEND

Two freeway closures will cause heavy traffic from Scarsdale to Dickson

HOUSTON - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will continue work this weekend on I-45 Gulf Freeway from FM 528 to Scarsdale Blvd. as crews work towards substantial completion of the I-45 South project, which will open the remaining two northbound lanes mid-May.

Beginning at 9 p.m., Friday, May 5^th until 5 a.m., Monday, May 8^th, the following will be closed. Crews will close two northbound lanes on I-45 Gulf Freeway between FM 528 and Scarsdale Blvd. The work will take a phased approach with crews working on and opening one section at a time to minimize impact to the traveling public.

TPC GROUP MARK OF EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Since 2005, Texas Petrochemicals Group has awarded more than $635,000 in academic scholarships to graduating seniors planning to pursue a post-secondary education. We congratulate all of the recipients for their hard work and hope the best for their future.

Mark of Excellence recipients: Conner Alexander, Brandon Chacon, Jonathan Gutierrez, Lorena Martinez, Edgar Ruiz, and Cody Sasser.

Sons and Daughters recipients: Brandon Casper, Alexis LaBure, Mia Moreno, Varsha Mullangi, Meghan Park, and Samantha Santana

Genesys Works recipients: Reggie Huerta, George Cruz, Lorena Gutierrez

Capitol Visitor Information

My staff and I welcome everyone to visit our office as well as the historic Capitol building. If you are planning a trip to the Capitol be sure to stop by our office, Room E2.814. Here are some helpful tips for your visit:

- Texas Capitol Visitor Center

- Texas State Preservation Board

- The Bullock Texas State History Museum

For Austin scheduling inquiries during legislative session, contact: kathy.haigler@house.texas.gov