Texas House District 132 candidates answer Q&A

Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Texas House District 132

*Incumbent
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Gina Calanni* D
Occupation: comptroller at a tech company
Experience: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Edward's University; Paralegal Certificate from University of North Texas
Contact: www.ginacalanni.com

Why are you running to represent District 132?

GC: I'm running for re-election to be a voice for everyday Texans and continue fighting for the issues that matter most: guaranteeing access to affordable healthcare, addressing rising property taxes, providing all kids with a high-quality public education, defeating the plague of human trafficking, and ensuring our community is equipped to handle future disasters. Last session, I passed more bills than any Democratic freshman; I'm ready to go back to Austin and fight for our community.

How would you address COVID-19 response and economic recovery efforts during the 87th Legislature?

GC: I have connected with constituents in District 132 regularly to help them navigate small business loan applications and the unemployment claims process. We must be prepared for every possible catastrophe. During the next legislative session, I will work to pass more proactive legislation to get our state ready for future disasters, help small businesses and working families recover from the COVID-19 disaster, and expand broadband access across the state.

If elected, what would you do to address chronic flooding in District 132?

GC: Flooding from Harvey forced my family to leave our home, just like so many others. That's why last session we invested over $1.6 billion into flood control projects and continued Harvey recovery efforts. Next session, I will work to pass more legislation that prepares Texans for natural disasters and funds critical flood infrastructure projects. We need to create ways to avoid flooding and ensure developers are not building homes and businesses in flood-prone areas.
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Following landmark school finance legislation in the 86th session, what are your top priorities regarding public education?

GC: We can have great public education without raising property taxes. I was proud to co-author HB 3 because it transformed our school finance system, gave our teachers and support staff a much-needed pay raise, and provided property tax relief to Texas families. As a result, Cy-Fair ISD received a $47 million increase. My priority is protecting the progress we made, but I will keep fighting to bring more resources into our classrooms.

As the northwest Houston population becomes larger and more diverse, how do you plan to meet the health care needs of your constituents?

GC: A top priority in the 87th Legislative Session is to expand Medicaid so all Texans have access to affordable healthcare. COVID-19 has made clear the staggering inequity in access to healthcare especially considering that those who lost their jobs because of this pandemic also lost health insurance tied to their employment. All Texans deserve to have high-quality, preventative healthcare options, and Medicaid expansion would provide over 1 million more Texans with real access to healthcare.

Mike Schofield R
Occupation: Candidate did not submit responses by press time.
Experience: Candidate did not submit responses by press time.
Contact: www.mikeschofield.com

Why are you running to represent District 132?

MS: Candidate did not submit responses by press time.
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How would you address COVID-19 response and economic recovery efforts during the 87th Legislature?

MS: Candidate did not submit responses by press time.

If elected, what would you do to address chronic flooding in District 132?

MS: Candidate did not submit responses by press time.

Following landmark school finance legislation in the 86th session, what are your top priorities regarding public education?

MS: Candidate did not submit responses by press time.

As the northwest Houston population becomes larger and more diverse, how do you plan to meet the health care needs of your constituents?

MS: Candidate did not submit responses by press time.

This article comes from our ABC13 partners at Community Impact Newspapers.