University Star

There is no better person to represent Texas State in the United States Congress than Lloyd Doggett.

As our current Congressman, Lloyd Doggett has persistently fought for Texas State students and the university.  He has expanded financial aid opportunities for students and shown a deep and sincere fondness for Texas State. In Washington, Doggett represents the progressive and good-natured values of the Hill Country.

Texas will hold its primary elections on May 29. It is extremely important students turn out to vote and support Doggett.  He gives a voice in  congress to the interests and concerns of Texas State students.

Unfortunately, this election will not be easy for students. The election will be held after Memorial Day. Early voting will not begin until after finals, on May 14, and there will be no polling locations on campus. The polling site for the Texas State’s voting district will be in Kyle. However, Texas State students must not be deterred. They must realize that this means that every vote will matter.

Visitors to Doggett’s Washington office pass below a Texas State banner hanging above the door.  In many ways, this banner symbolizes the relationship between him and Texas State. Throughout the years, he has been a familiar face on campus, giving speeches to university organizations and at events. Only last week, he spoke to Texas State students at “Intern San Marcos” about the importance of public service.

Doggett has a record of standing up for the pocketbooks of Texas State students.  His American Opportunity tax credit was included in the Recovery Act of 2009. This tax cut allowed families to take off up to $2,500 from their federal tax bill. The policy is meant to offset student spending on tuition, textbooks and course materials and has been very successful. In fact, President Obama has called for an extension of this tax cut, which is estimated to provide $9 billion dollars in tax relief this year alone. The policy is good for $10,000 over four years, an enormous help to higher education students and their families.

Doggett has been a permanent supporter of higher education, standing up for programs like Americorps and Pell Grants, making it possible for many students to attend Texas State. Doggett co-authored legislation that simplified the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The amendment reduced the number of questions in the form and strengthened student privacy by eliminating the need for schools to stockpile sensitive financial information. Doggett has co-sponsored the Dream Act four times, understanding the humane and economic importance of this bill.

The political maneuvering of Governor Rick Perry and the republican state legislature should not deprive Texas State of its most effective representative. Last year, Republicans in the legislature redistricted Doggett in order to defeat him. Now, the primary election is set at a time and place creating a disadvantage for students. Bobcats should turn out for the vote because there are thousands of Texas students who can have an impact on this election.

Doggett has consistently fought for Texas State students and the university. This is why he is the best candidate to represent Texas State in Congress.  Now, it is the students’ turn to show their support for Doggett by showing up in the polling station and voting.

The primary election for Congressional District 35 will take place on May 29. Early voting will begin on May 14 and last until May 25.  Early voting will available at the County Elections Administration Office on 712 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos.