Senator Eliot Shapleigh - El Paso, Texas

Javier Diaz el paso

Will the Texas Tech medical school have a vet center as part of this complex?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Some vets are served there now. However, El Paso does not have a full-fledged VA center. Our community needs to make a VA center a priority. We have contacted the VA in Washington. Senators Cornyn and Hutchison are working with legislators on moving that concept. With the 22,000 new troops at Ft. Bliss, our community will have one of the largest vet populations in the country. For sure, we need a VA Hospital to provide quality health care. Thanks for a great question, Javier!

Martha EP Texas

I'm 19 years old and aged out of the Medicaid program. So now I'm left without health insurance. What programs are out there to help me?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Please call the Texas Department of Insurance. Depending on income, you may qualify for other programs. There are also pools that insure riskier populations. Here's the number for the Texas Department of Insurance: 800-578-4677 (in Texas).

Jessica De Santiago El Paso

Immigration - where do you stand? How do you propose to fix the negative views/stereotypes Americans have about immigration?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

We invite you to look at our immigration report on this website, in the "Reporting to You" section. For 200 years, our great country has stood as a beacon of hope for the oppressed and for the poor all over the world. We need a fair and just federal immigration bill.

Madison El Paso

What was your horse's name when you had Little Joe in town?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Democrata!

Justin El Paso

I was wondering about the Billion budget surplus. Can we do anything for CHIP children?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Together, we can work to restore funding for the CHIP program. If we invest in our greatest resource, our children, Texas will be the state of the future. With a $14.3 billion surplus, where do we invest? Let’s put every Texas child who qualifies, into the CHIP program. You can help by writing lawmakers to let them know you strongly support CHIP.

linda El Paso

Will we get the medical school money?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Right now, El Paso has the medical school funding in the base budgets in the Senate and the House. As we move through the legislative process, we are on track for a four-year medical school for 2009.

T.J. Mabrey Lampasas, Texas

I believe it is imperative that Texas establish a state income tax. Will this topic be on anyone's agenda during this legislative session?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Bob Bullock used to say there are only three taxes: a tax on what you own , a tax on what you buy, and a tax on what you make. 43 out of 50 states have taxes on all three. Just a mile from where I now sit, typing my answer to you, New Mexico has had an income tax for almost one hundred years. In New Mexico, the property tax on your home is one-tenth of what it is in El Paso. Texas voters will realize some day that the high property taxes they pay are a result of not having a fair tax system that truly funds great schools.

Raymond Clark Leander, TX 78641

I applaud a ban on smoking in all public places, and private as well. I don't see why a waiter should be subject to my second hand smoke. Frankly, I'm better off. I agree with any and all bans on smoking, so long as I have the continued freedom to smoke in my car, in my house and on my land. I don't see the difference between a person smoking as they walk down a public street and the toxins released by cars and trucks. If the ban includes public areas, will the ban also require businesses to install filters so that occupants won't have to breath toxic automobile exhaust fumes? I think you can see the point.

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

I support Senator Ellis' bill. Years ago, when airlines had smoking, passengers were subjected to second-hand smoke for hours. Since then, we now know second-hand smoke hurts people, especially youngsters. Ellis' bill will get opposition from a number of special interests. You can help by writing lawmakers to let them know you strongly support a ban on smoking.

Priscila Chew el paso

How long is a senator's term?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Four years. After redistricting, Senators draw straws. Some will get a two-year term and some will get a four year term after redistricting.