Michelle Gwinn

What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

Mediators are trained to remain neutral, gather information and guide disputing parties to a mutually acceptable resolution. My experience working in JP small claims courts utilize that training. The main duties of a State Senator is be a intermediary between the citizens of the district and the State of Texas and to create laws that are inclusive and beneficial to all. Listening to the public's needs and finding solutions are key to the position . A Mediator encompasses those characteristics.

Article 7 of the Texas Constitution states that “it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.” What is your interpretation of what this clause requires of the legislature?

The duty of the legislature is to vote for increased funding for schools and to amend any tax laws that decrease funding. For public schools to remain "free" the legislature has to hold accountable the Texas Education Agency. Funding the districts creates opportunities for recruitment of teachers, librarians & support staff ( a school with no qualified teachers is a DAYCARE.) Taxes paid into the state budget need to stay with the public schools.

How will you ensure that Texas remains a leader in the energy sector through innovation and reliability?

Ensuring Texas remains a leader in the energy sector will require energy policy changes and creating laws that help reduce pollution while modernizing our energy systems to create economic growth. I will work closely with The Railroad Commission of Texas and its commissioners who are mandated by the Texas Constitution to protect Texas' natural resources.

What do you believe is the appropriate role of the State of Texas in ensuring that Texans have access to reproductive healthcare, family planning, and pregnancy care and postpartum services?

The appropriate role of the State of Texas is to be a steward of the money sent to us by the US government and ensuring those funds are allocated toward the agencies that are doing the work in providing the citizens of Texas the access they need to medical services. Rural communities especially need access to health care.

What other issues are high priorities for the people of your district? Please give specific examples of measurable actions that you will take to address these issues.

The residents of District 7 face many challenges everyday. A priority right now is making sure we are well prepared for the next weather event. I would create a bill that would help small business owners get loans/grants quickly without excessive paperwork. Right now so many business owners could use money to open back up after a storm without depleting their savings.