State Rep. Garnet F. Coleman is gearing up for his 19th year in office. HOUSTON-  Democratic State Representative Garnet F. Coleman filed for reelection for a 10th term representing the people of Texas House District 147.  Rep. Coleman currently serves as the Chairman of the County Affairs Committee, as a senior ranking member of the Public Health Committee, and as a member of the Calendars Committee.  He has served as one of three elected Democratic leaders of the House Democratic Campaign Committee for the past seven years.  Rep. Coleman also serves as co-chair of the Progressive States Network, a national progressive policy group, and on the board of directors of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

“It has been an honor and privilege serving the people of House District 147, and I look forward to continuing the push to better the lives of the hardworking families of Houston.” During the 81st Regular Session, Coleman successfully passed 31 pieces of legislation covering topics as diverse as improving health care, expanding access to higher education, addressing the damage caused by Hurricane Ike, protecting the environment, safeguarding children, reforming the criminal justice system, making county government more effective and efficient, and promoting economic development in Houston.

He has been a vocal advocate for health care reform during his 18 years in office, and has continued that role this year by serving as a member of President Obama’s White House Working Group of State Legislators for Health Reform. Coleman was one of the original authors of the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides low-cost health coverage to working families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but still can’t afford private insurance. 
Since the program’s inception, he has fiercely fought to preserve and expand the program to cover more uninsured children.

He said, “Texas, and Houston in particular, has the highest number of uninsured and underinsured in the nation.  Working families and small businesses in Texas deserve quality health care. No one should die or be forced into bankruptcy because they can’t afford treatment for an illness.”

Coleman also serves as the Chair of the Legislative Study Group, a non-partisan House Caucus dedicated to analyzing the impacts of proposed legislation on Texas families.  He has the honor of being a past chairman and current member of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.  In addition, he is also a member of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.Rep. Coleman and his wife, Angelique, reside in Houston’s 3rd Ward with their two children, Austin and Evan. 
For more information visit www.garnetcoleman.com.