Rep. Chris Turner Named House Freshman of the Year by Texas Watch

Consumer Organization Lauds Turner for Commitment to Strong Homeowners Insurance Reforms

AUSTIN – The nonprofit citizens’ organization Texas Watch has named Rep. Chris Turner (Burleson) its House Freshman of the Year for his dedication to strong consumer protections designed to benefit Texas homeowners, families, and small business owners during the 81st Legislative Session.

“Rep. Chris Turner is a tireless advocate for the interests of Texas families, consumers, and workers. During his first term in the Texas House, Rep. Turner showed that he is not afraid to stand up for the needs of homeowners and small businesses,” said Alex Winslow, Texas Watch’s Executive Director. “The people of Tarrant County and all of Texas are better off because Chris Turner is fighting on their behalf.”

Texas Watch is a citizens’ organization with 10,000 activist members that advocate for issues from homeowner rights and insurance reform to worker safety and access to the civil justice system.

“We have a long way to go before Texas policyholders, consumers, patients, and small business owners are on a level playing field with the insurance and corporate special interests, but with Chris Turner’s help we are well on our way,” said Winslow. “We are proud to name him our House Freshman of the Year and look forward to working with him in the future to make meaningful insurance reform a reality for Texas families.”

During this year’s legislative session, Texas Watch had a complete agenda of consumer reforms, including:

• HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE REFORM. Texas Watch fought for comprehensive homeowners insurance reforms that were designed to improve the value of individual insurance policies by reining in costs while improving coverage and claims handling.
• ABOLISHING THE TRCC. Along with a coalition of dedicated homeowners and consumer organizations, Texas Watch helped to bring an end to the Texas Residential Construction Commission. The agency served as a blockade for homeowners to hold builders accountable for shoddy construction.
• RESTORE LOST LEGAL RIGHTS. Over the last 20+ years, Texans have seen their rights stripped by insurance lobbyists and powerful special interests. Texas Watch fought to restore the rights of workers and policyholders so that they are able to exercise the accountability protections guaranteed by our Constitution

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Texas Watch currently has 10,000 grassroots activist members across the state. It is considered to be one of the most influential consumer voices in Texas. To learn more about Texas Watch, go to www.TexasWatch.org. To join the TexasWatch online network, go to www.Facebook.com/TexasWatch or www.Twitter.com/TexasWatch.