HARLINGEN, Texas – Senator Morgan LaMantia says a lot more state lawmakers and chiefs of staff would have liked to have participate on the Valley tour but missed the deadline.
The legislative tour is being hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and is happening this weekend. According to RGVP around 48 state representatives and senators are on the tour. This is a record. Usually there are around 30.
Speaking at a packed Coffee With the Mayor event hosted by Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda, LaMantia said this time demand outstripped supply.
“We do have a lot of representatives and senators from Austin here in the Valley this weekend. I believe we have 48 different elected offices represented here in the Valley this weekend and there were 40 more that wanted to come but couldn’t come because we just didn’t have the room with the airfare, hotels, and everything,” LaMantia said.
LaMantia said the feedback she is getting from her legislative colleagues is overwhelmingly positive.
“There is so much interest in what is going on here in the Valley. And they want to learn about what we’re doing because they hear about it all the time and they want to replicate that in other parts of the state. We know they can’t but they want to try,” LaMantia said.
“Last night we were at the Harlingen Collegiate High School. Many of them were completely shocked and awed and inspired. I mean, it’s one of the most gorgeous high schools I’ve been in and they just loved it and couldn’t believe that it was here in the Valley. We also have members from the Valley who had never been there before and were shocked by it. So we are highlighting those gems throughout District 27, showing them what we can do and telling them that with a little bit more support we will change the state of Texas.”
The Coffee with the Mayor event was held at Girl of All Trades Tea and Coffee House on W. Jackson Avenue in Harlingen. Here is a video recording of LaMantia’s remarks at the event:
Video
Interview with Sen. LaMantia
The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service secured an exclusive audio interview with LaMantia following her remarks at the Coffee with the Mayor event. In the interview, LaMantia was asked why she thought the Valley Legislative Tour was so popular. She also spoke about her Senate committee assignments and the first piece of legislation she has filed. Here is the interview:
Audio
Mayor Sepulveda’s remarks
Sepulveda’s Coffee with the Mayor event is slated to be held each month. Before introducing LaMantia, Sepulveda spoke about wanting to hear about the concerns of city residents, the quality of City of Harlingen staff and the legislative tour. Here are her remarks:
Audio
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