Senator Nelson Recognized for Work During Legislative Session

Now that the Texas Legislature has adjourned, political observers are weighing in on the results of the 81st Regular Session, including on the efforts of State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound.

The Dallas Morning News editorial board named Senator Nelson "The Fixer," recognizing her efforts to reform Texas' state schools for individuals with developmental disabilities. The board wrote: "At the session's beginning, Gov. Perry told legislators to upgrade state homes for the mentally disabled and do it fast. Sen. Jane Nelson, chair of Health and Human Services, got on it and produced legislation to improve the care at the facilities, where fight nights got them on the national news. The Flower Mound Republican once again proved herself a problem solver."

The Associated Press named Senator Nelson one of "the lawmakers who molded and shaped the Legislature," in its coverage. "Committee chairs are coveted seats because of the power they have to control which bills move forward and which ones die. Nelson's Health and Human Services Committee passed judgment on many of the session's hot-button issues from state school reforms to stem cell research and a potential smoking ban," the AP reported. "Nelson carried a host of health care legislation including a bill aimed at retaining nurses and one of Gov. Rick Perry's emergency items — reforms for the state's 13 large institutions for the developmentally disabled, which were facing allegations of widespread abuse and neglect."

Texans for Fiscal Responsibility rated Senator Nelson the Senate's most conservative member on fiscal issues. "State Sen. Nelson was one of the good guys this legislative session,” said Michael Quinn Sullivan, the organization's president. “Nelson is clearly a leader for Texas' taxpayers, working to ensure that sound fiscal principles trumped political expediency. Texans need more champions in the Senate like Jane Nelson. There is no doubt this would have been a better Session if more legislators voted like Jane Nelson.”

Capitol Inside, an online newsletter that covers Texas politics, gave Senator Nelson an "honorable mention" as one of the session's most influential lawmakers. "Jane Nelson is one of the Legislature's true superstars - and she had another outstanding session in 2009," he said. "No one is more effective when it comes to getting the job done on the issues that she considers to be her top priorities. Jane Nelson is definitely someone you want to have on your side in a fight.

Senator Nelson was the second most prolific bill passer of the Texas Legislature this session, sending 38 bills to the governor's desk. Seven other bills by Senator Nelson were sent to the governor in the form of amendments to other legislation. She also successfully guided 37 House bills to the governor's desk as the Senate sponsor.