Biography

Name: Marisa Marquez

Age: 29

Occupation: Community Relations Manager

Website: www.VoteMarisa.com

Residence: Central

Relevant Experience:

 

1. What do you believe is the single largest priority for El Paso in the next legislative session?

 

Our community has numerous needs and opportunities in many areas of public policy related to transportation, public-higher education, and economic development to name a few.  I am interested in improving access to health care and the stateÕs health care system.  One in four Texans, roughly 5 million people, do not have health insurance, you cannot build a vibrant, globally competitive community or state if your population does not have rudimentary health care.  Specifically, I intend to file and support legislation relating to El Paso's uninsured, with a direct focus on seniors and children.  I believe in fully funding the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) but further, CHIPÕs bureaucratic process needs to be streamlined and responsive to those it serves.  My goal is to ensure that if a child is eligible, the application process should not prevent the child from receiving the care they need, while at the same time ensuring that taxpayers dollars are utilized to the fullest and most efficient extent possible.  Texas should be a leader and not dead last in provision of health care to children.  I will apply the same principals to senior health care by filing legislation that requires a comprehensive review of Medicaid provider reimbursement rate methodologies.  The reimbursement methodology affects the access to care, quality of care, and its value.   

 

2. Is there a leader of the El Paso delegation, should there be, and if so, who is it or who should it be?

 

I believe in coalition building but I recognize that each of our delegationÕs districts have their own unique characteristics and needs.  Overall I believe District 77 has had no engaged representation for some time at the state level but our litmus test should be El Paso.  El Paso first, and our individual districts second.  If El Paso benefits overall each of our districts will benefit in return.  Most of our delegation members have influence and expertise in certain areas or sit on key committees, and their opinions and direction are important whenever those issues arise.

 

3. How specifically would you work with the delegation on the El Paso agenda? Would you commit to regular meetings both with legislators and staff?

 

Again, I am a strong believer in coalitions.  Open communication is vital, especially during the short legislative sessions we have in Texas.  Availability, prompt responses and sharing of information on key issues are all important components of an effective and unified delegation.  Regular meetings are needed to ensure the delegation stays well informed and are something I would absolutely commit to. 

 

4. Do you support toll roads? Under what circumstances ought tolls be used? How would you fund roads and highways if not through tolls?

 

Toll roads as finance mechanisms work, but only when applied to new roads and only if there are similar free alternatives.  Of course, toll roads should only be used to alleviate traffic gridlock and congested areas, not simply to raise funds for the state or unfairly burden taxpayers.  

 

5. What is the role of state government in community development, and what will you do to make it happen?

 

Five Points is a prime example for urban revitalization-economic development.  Montana is a state highway- IH-10 is in close proximity- TxDOT should be approached for funding; there are historic buildings within the district- Tx Historical Commission should be engaged; Tx Parks and Wildlife has urban forestry programs for ambiance and landscaping; it is an ideal place for a public-private primary health care clinic.  I will pursue all of the above and not be limited to the ideas listed.  I envision a revitalized Five Points where people live, work and play.

 

6. Will you vote for Tom Craddick as House Speaker if he again is a candidate?

 

No. 

 

7. Do you support expansion of CHIP, and if so, how will you ensure more people sign up and the program is funded?

 

Yes.  Texas CHIP ought to be the example for the rest of the nation.  I support reducing barriers to enrollment, reducing bureaucratic impediments, and making the program more transparent for taxpayers, legislators, and the consumers it serves.  I will file legislation to augment and enhance these specific goals.  Holding the line on taxes, and making each tax dollar count is one way to ensure priority programs receive increased funding.  Besides enrollment, which El Paso is faring well in when compared to the rest of the state, our community suffers from high CHIP disenrollment and non-renew rates.  We need to identify the reasons and address them through legislation or at the agency level and ensure every eligible child is enrolled today and stays enrolled tomorrow.

 

8. How would you balance the tax burden between sales taxes and business taxes? Is there too much of one or the other, and which would you cut or raise?

 

The most efficient manner to solve the tax burden in Texas is to grow and expand our economy by making Texas the beacon state for business and industry re-location, expansion, and investment.  There must be a balance between consumer taxes and business taxes but in reality, the most efficient way to balance tax burden is to reduce government waste, create efficiency in government programs and increase business investment and jobs in Texas.  

 

9. Do you support the reopening of Speaking Rock, and what steps would you take to help it reopen?

 

Having worked with the Ysleta del Sur Tigua tribe in the past I wholeheartedly support the reopening of Speaking Rock.  I would serve any role the Tiguas would need me to fill and take further cues from other members.  Simply put, I would work as hard as possible to bring back one of our communityÕs greatest economic engines.