Marisela "Mj" Jimenez

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

I have worked in government, higher education, corporate, and non-profit organizations, serving as Consultant, Director, and Manager. My education comprises of a PhD in Management and Organizational Leadership, Master's in Management an Public Administration, and a Bachelor's in Corporate Communication. With an extensive understanding about human and business needs, I am qualified for this position to realize real solutions impacting constituents, small businesses, and school districts.

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 legislature is required to ensure relevant policies for the well-being of public free schools, so students can have access to education, helping them to learn, gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their life as citizens. Therefore, the legislature is highly responsible for securing the support for public free schools and to promote their ability to accomplish the goals in education while preserving the values and freedoms to teach students in a safe environment.

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

While there are many solutions to this problem, the most important one is to create a comprehensive understanding of the problem among all Texas residents. Resources are limited, regardless of their abundance in Texas. Therefore, by deploying the most innovative technologies in the world and scientifically supported, the Texas energy sector can remain a leader, but regulatory reform may be necessary as well as diversification of renewable energy sources.

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 State of Texas should continue supporting accessible, comprehensive reproductive healthcare services to promote well-being and informed family planning decisions. By doing this, Texans will experience quality of life, have more productive work experiences, and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. I believe that by enhancing postpartum care for all women, their children can more closely bond with their mom. Women should have access to healthcare options to make informed decisions.

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.

District 150 remains vulnerable to decline, with an unreliable infrastructure, impacting housing, economic development, and public safety. To address many of these issues, constituents’ engagement is required, ensuring that they understand how their taxes are being appropriated for all projects designed to improve their neighborhoods. For example, I will work with the County Commissioner, MUD Boards, and other stakeholders responsible for ensuring that constituents are represented.