Biography

Name: Paul C. Moreno

Age: 76

Occupation: Attorney

Website: www.PaulMoreno.org

Residence: Central

Relevant Experience:

Representative Moreno has 39 years of service to the Texas House of Representatives and has been a member of many key legislative committees. Representative Moreno is presently the “Dean of the House”. He has fought tirelessly to improve our public schools, make healthcare more attainable and provide affordable college tuition for all Texans.

Issues

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

The funding of our public education system. A quality public education is the key to the success of every child, and to the future of our state. Education is the responsibility of both local and state governments. But the state must do its job to adequately fund our schools so that all of our children have access to a quality public school. I believe that our 2006 solution to our school finance problem was only a band-aid- a temporary fix for our schools. We must constantly to work to permanently find a successful funding solution for our public schools.

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

The El Paso delegation is an independent group and we jointly fight for common goals that positively affect El Paso County and the state. The challenge we have faced previously is identifying these goals and marshalling our efforts in support of them.

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?

Yes, I would commit to regular meetings with the legislators and our staff. In fact, once re-elected I will call for a delegation meeting to ensure we identify El Paso's priorities early and work from day one to see those priorities passed.

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

No. In no way, shape or form do I support toll roads.

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

When state government works, it is community development. From fully funding our public school system, to ensuring health care access for all of its residents, to creating a fair and just taxation system- all of these issues positively effect and move our communities forward. I will help make community development happen in El Paso by not only supporting and voting for sound public policy ideas in the state legislature, but also by being ever vigilant against proposals that would harm our community.

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

For the past five years, I have been a vocal critic of Speaker Craddick. I do not foresee that changing anytime soon. When Democrats take back the House in 2008, I will forcefully cast my vote for a Democratic Speaker.

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

Yes, I fully support the expansion of CHIP. Due to mean-spirited, Republican budget cuts, over 200,000 children were kicked off the CHIP rolls in 2003. In 2007, we took a step forward by expanding the program and allowing over 100,000 children back on the CHIP rosters. But it was not nearly big enough. When re-elected, I will fight to restore the CHIP benefits of those still not back on the program, while also seeing that CHIP is expanded to every eligible child.

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 new margins tax has opened the eyes of many a businessman. It is an "Income Tax on Businesses". A personal income tax is the route Texas should take. Sales taxes are regressive, hurting our poor and elderly the most, while so many of our home owners fall victim to “Appraisal Creep” every year. Additionally, the state sales tax is highly volatile, causing our state government to have an excess of money one year and a shortage of money the next. A state personal income tax, alongside a proportional reduction in our state sales tax and property taxes, could be the solution to many of our fiscal problems.

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

Yes I would support the re-opening.