El Paso Matters – Meet the state representative candidates for District 77 in Democratic Primary

Homer Reza:I do not believe the state of Texas should be funding private schools with tax dollars. I believe every child should have an equal opportunity to receive a good education and taking away money from our already underfunded public schools would be very detrimental to our kids. We should concentrate on having our tax monies fund programs in public schools so that teachers and principals can succeed in establishing a ladder of opportunities for our children.

Norma Chávez: I support strong public schools. I will fight against school vouchers. Statistically, parents choose homes in public school areas they want their children to attend. The public education system should serve as a foundation for a productive life. We must identify & add new public school revenue streams to the current funding formula. Texas students must be prepared to continue into higher education/trade schools/ &/or the military. Public vouchers take dollars away from these fundamental goals. 

Vince Perez: El Paso does not have the private school infrastructure that other parts of Texas has and students here would see no benefit from vouchers. Funding for public schools would suffer. Texas currently spends $4,000 less than the national average in per-pupil spending. We should be leading the nation, not lagging behind it. The state would be better served by investing more in traditional public schools and increasing teacher pay to recruit and retain the best possible talent to educate our children.

Alexsandra Annello: I completely oppose the proposed school choice and school voucher program. This legislation is a direct attack on our public schools, our teachers, our students, and our families. These voucher programs will only serve to gut our already underfunded schools and work to hurt our communities and economies. It is unfortunate that state leadership has taken aim at these important institutions and I propose much greater investment and support of our schools, our teachers, and school employees.

Homer Reza: I would work at both levels to come up with steps that will enhance the opportunities for students to succeed. I would look at providing teachers with ongoing support and enhanced training so that students can succeed. Also, by providing a safe and inclusive environment to students, they can achieve greater success. And I would also support incorporating technology effectively coupled with human interaction so that the student can have a wealth of educational resources.

Norma Chávez: Increased revenue funding streams must be identified for public schools. Property taxes are not enough $$ for education. Teacher retention is vital as they leave the public sector for the private sector because of pay differential. Enhanced critical thinking skills are vital and fundamental to student success at K-12 & college levels, not just test-taking requirements. Tests focus on passing and then they forget. The arts, music, & speech are equally important as English/mathematics/sciences.

Vince Perez: Expanding the availability of dual credit courses in our high schools would significantly increase the number of students who are college ready in El Paso and improve college completion rates. This also requires increasing the number of teachers who are certified to teach dual credit courses. Currently, only 18% of El Paso 8th graders go on to complete a college degree within 10 years. This is an alarming stat that needs to drastically improve if El Paso is to reach its true economic potential.

Alexsandra Annello: Increase the basic allotment, raise teacher and staff pay by the statutory mandate. Revamp our accountability and assessment system to more accurately reflect on student progress and remove the penalties, especially when it comes to faulty data. Remove all educational mandates regarding book banning/CRT. In higher ed, I would streamline the development of Tier 1 institutions, support student faculty and staff diversity in order to ensure we are preparing our future needs.

Homer Reza: The governor should concentrate on working with the federal government to enforce federal immigration laws. This is a federal issue not a state issue. He should open communication lines so that clear guidelines that are in line with federal immigration laws are followed. The state should work with other states and local governments to address the humanitarian side of this issue. We should treat all human beings with respect.

Norma Chávez: I supported the law that made racial profiling illegal in Texas. Now we ask local TX/officers w/out training/funding to start targeting certain people. The issue is polarized by partisan rhetoric with no real steps toward relief. Texas should lead the nation in advocating for the swearing-in of 20+ new immigration judges at the border, implementing state strategies to address humanitarian needs, and ensuring that criminal migrants are caught & deported immediately. Collaboration fed/state/local. 

Vince Perez: Operation Lone Star is a hefty cost to Texas taxpayers with $10 billion spent and allocated since 2021. For context, the cost to fully fund the expansion of medicaid in Texas and insure 1 million Texans would cost the state less than $1 billion a year ($650 million) and would force the feds to pick up the remaining 90% of the tab, sending $6 billion to Texas every year. The state’s endeavor to take over federal border security is a financial drain that has been ineffective in improving public safety.

Alexsandra Annello: The state’s efforts to enforce immigration laws and border enforcement measures are unconstitutional. This is a role clearly spelled out for the federal government to oversee and regulate. The state certainly has a responsibility to protect communities, but that includes a more comprehensive approach that includes greater collaborations with the immigrant community, with immigrant advocacy groups, with local law enforcement, our schools, churches, and communities.

Homer Reza: I think this law will be difficult to enforce and troublesome for our communities. The only way an officer can identify an illegal immigrant is by racially profiling and finding some probable cause to stop the person or persons. It will have a very negative effect on our border cities both socially and economically. Local law enforcement should concentrate on enforcing the laws that protect us and not do what the Border Patrol, a federal agency, was created to do, protect our borders. 

Norma Chávez: I passed the first state human trafficking law in Texas. Human trafficking has a drastic effect on all governments local, state, & federal. Questions include bonding laws. The practical application of laws for local law enforcement has yet to be determined. Our sheriffs/police/commissioned peace officers are not trained to be immigration law enforcement agents. They are overburdened and understaffed & trying to address all the safety needs of the city and county of El Paso. Expect lawsuits.

Vince Perez: SB 4 is clearly unconstitutional and will likely be struck down by the courts before it takes effect. Only the federal government can pass laws regulating immigration. Aside from the fact that it is unconstitutional, it would have a detrimental local impact on our courts, our county jail, and would make El Paso less safe. Our misdemeanor and felony courts would be overwhelmed with prosecutions by the state for non-violent offenses. More serious cases for violent offenders would be delayed.

Alexsandra Annello: The enforcement measures under SB 4 are cruel and I sincerely worry they will lead to profiling and human rights abuses. In a border community, like El Paso, many residents may face the consequences of this poor piece of legislation. Laws like this will only serve to frighten our community and negatively impact our economy, our workforce, and our schools and universities. This is no role that local law enforcement should have a place in. 

Homer Reza: First step should be to eliminate weapons of war like the AR-15 rifle from being purchased by private individuals.  They have no place in society.  Secondly, the state should strengthen background checks to ensure persons with a history of violence or mental issues are unable to purchase a weapon.  And thirdly, work with federal agencies to improve sharing of information to monitor individuals with a history of violence.

Norma Chávez: El Paso has been the victim of a violent massacre in our city. Shootings at house parties/bars/events/homes are increasing because of easy access to firearms legal & illegal. Critical information about mental health, drug addiction, past criminal history, and age are relevant to responsible gun ownership. Texas should pass a “red flag” law considering the above.

Vince Perez: As a gun owner and former license-to-carry holder, I don’t believe that residents should have access to military-style assault weapons that were designed for the battlefield and have been used in almost every horrific mass shooting, including El Paso on August 3. The overwhelming majority of Texans also support laws that give family members, law enforcement, and others the means to ask a judge for a temporary order to restrict a person’s access to guns if they pose a risk to themselves or others.

Alexsandra Annello: The rise of mass shootings across the nation and state are growing more and more common. The state should take much greater effort in enforcing universal background checks for all firearm purchases or transfers. We need to raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm. And equally important is the need to have the availability and funding of mental health and substance abuse treatment in all of our communities.