Lifelong Texan

Chris Turner is a lifelong Texan who has spent his adult life working for the basic principles of the Democratic Party: expanding opportunity for all Texans to have access to good jobs, quality schools and affordable health care and protecting the civil rights and workers rights of all Americans.

The son of a teacher and grocer, Chris grew up in a middle class family in Dallas.  Chris attained the rank of Eagle Scout at 16 and attended Skyline High School, where he served as senior class president.  Chris knew early on that he was drawn to public service, so he majored in government in college and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.  It was at UT that Chris worked on his first of many Democratic campaigns.

Working for Democratic Principles

Not long after graduating, Turner returned to North Texas to become the executive director of the Tarrant County Democratic Party.   It was in Arlington that he met Lisa, whom he would marry in 1999.  Lisa and Chris lived the better part of a decade in South Arlington and their two kids graduated from Mansfield Summit High School.

Chris served as a campaign manager for Congressman Chet Edwards in four tough elections – successfully directing the campaigns that gave Edwards the distinction of representing the most Republican district in America to be held by a Democrat.  Chris also served as Edwards’ district director in his congressional office.

Serving Tarrant County in the State House

In 2008, Chris ran for the Texas House of Representatives in southern Tarrant County and unseated a three-term incumbent in a district that had been in GOP hands for two decades.  As a state representative, Chris’s priorities included reforming our insurance system to protect the interests of consumers, providing veterans the benefits they have earned, fighting for better funding for public schools, making college more affordable, strengthening DWI laws to protect families from repeat offenders, and lowering utility rates for Texas families.

Making a Difference for Texas Families

Chris had significant legislative successes in his first session: he passed the landmark law that established a dedicated lottery scratch off ticket to benefit the Permanent Fund for Veterans Assistance, generating up to $9 million per year to pay for much-needed benefits for Texas veterans and returning soldiers. Chris also wrote the law that requires electric utility companies to provide notice to consumers when their contract is about to expire.

His work on veterans’ issues led to Chris receiving numerous awards including: “Legislator of the Year” by the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars, “Legislator of the Year” by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Texas State Council and the bi-partisan Legislative Veterans’ Caucus’ “Freshman of the Year.”  He was also given the “Leadership Award” by the Texas Veterans Commission.

In addition, Chris was named “Freshman of the Year,” by Texas Watch for his work on consumer protection issues and “Best of the House” by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT).

Chris’s primary focus as a representative was attending to the needs of his constituents and district.  He attended hundreds of community meetings in his term in office and he hosted numerous town halls and seminars to provide constituents with information on how to pay for college, lower utility bills and get help with veterans benefits.

AUSTIN – Today State Representative Chris Turner was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). With over 90,000 members and 403 posts across the state, the Texas VFW is the largest veterans organization in the state. The award was presented during the opening joint session of the annual VFW state convention.

According to the Texas VFW, Turner is the first freshman legislator to receive this award.

“Representative Chris Turner has been a staunch advocate for our state’s veterans and their families,” said Roy Grona, Texas VFW State Adjutant-Quartermaster. “Because of his work and leadership on veterans issues, more Texas veterans are getting the help they need and deserve.”

“I am incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition,” Turner said. “The Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars are the true heroes to the 1.7 million veterans in our state. I am proud of the work we did to pass the lottery scratch-off bill, which is benefitting countless veterans across the state of Texas.”

During the 81st Legislative Session, Representative Turner authored and passed several pieces of legislation benefitting veterans and their families. Most notably, Turner authored House Bill 1299, creating a scratch-off lottery ticket to benefit the Permanent Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA). The FVA provides grants to aid veterans and their families in times of financial need and support PTSD counseling and other veterans’ services. The lottery ticket was released on November 9, 2009 and has raised over $5.5 million for the FVA.

Turner, who was named “Freshman of the Year” by the bipartisan House Veterans Caucus and given the “Leadership Award” from the Texas Veterans Commission and “Legislator of the Year” by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Texas State Council, also passed legislation requiring institutions of higher education to designate a financial aid specialist to be trained on issues related to veterans’ programs, including the GI Bill and the Hazelwood Act.

He was also the House sponsor of legislation to allow state employees, who are members of military reserves or National Guard, to continue to accrue their sick and vacation leave time while they are on active military duty.

(L-R) Duncan McGhee, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC); Charles Buerschinger, TVC; State Rep. Chris Turner (HD96); John Miterko, Texas Coalition of Veteran Organizations; James Nier, TVC; Roy Grona, VFW of Texas; Morgan Little, Texas Coalition of Veteran Organizations

AUSTIN – Today State Representative Chris Turner was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Texas State Council. Turner is the only member of the Texas House of Representatives to receive the honor.

“Representative Chris Turner proved to be a staunch advocate for Texas veterans during the 81st Texas Legislature,” said John Miterko, Legislative Liaison, Texas Coalition of Veteran Organizations. ”Turner has placed the well-being of Texas veterans and their families as his number one priority for which we are all grateful, and which makes him the uncontested choice for the Vietnam Veterans of America, Texas State Council, Texas House Legislator of the Year Award for 2010.”

“I am incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition,” Turner said.  “The Vietnam Veterans of America worked hard to pass the veterans lottery bill and it is they and other veterans leaders who really deserve the credit for its success. I am just happy I could be part of this important effort that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many veterans across Texas.”

The award reads: “VVA Texas State Council, 2010 Legislator of the Year, Presented to State Representative Chris Turner, In Appreciation For Your Work For The Texas Vietnam Veterans.”

During the 81st Legislative Session, Representative Turner authored and passed several pieces of legislation benefitting veterans and their families. Most notably, Turner authored House Bill 1299, creating a scratch-off lottery ticket to benefit the Permanent Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA).  The FVA provides grants to aid veterans and their families in times of financial need and support PTSD counseling and other veterans’ services.  The lottery ticket was released on November 9, 2009 and has raised over $5.2 million for the FVA.

Turner, who was named “Freshman of the Year” by the bipartisan House Veterans Caucus and given the “Leadership Award” from the Texas Veterans Commission, also passed legislation requiring institutions of higher education to designate a financial aid specialist to be trained on issues related to veterans’ programs, including the GI Bill and the Hazelwood Act.

He was also the House sponsor of legislation to allow state employees, who are members of military reserves or National Guard, to continue to accrue their sick and vacation leave time while they are on active military duty.

(From Right to Left) State Representative Chris Turner receiving CLEAT's "Best of House" award from Arlington Police Association President Randle Meadows, Charley Wilkison, CLEAT's Director of Public Affairs, and Tony Molina, Vice President of the Arlington Police Association.

ARLINGTON - Yesterday State Representative Chris Turner received the “Best of the House” award from the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) in recognition for his work to protect Texas families and support public safety officers. Turner is among a small group of members of the Legislature to be named “Best of the House.”

“It is truly an honor to be named ‘Best of the House’ by the largest law enforcement association in the State of Texas,” said Turner. “It is an even greater honor to represent so many brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect Tarrant County families every day.”

“Representative Turner has always been a strong advocate of the law enforcement community,” said Charley Wilkison, Director of Public Affairs at CLEAT. “His deep commitment and support of law enforcement legislation included landmark legislation toughening penalties for criminals.

“We consider Representative Turner a true friend of law enforcement, and look forward to working with him next session in not only looking after the rights of officers, but also continuing to ensure that our communities are kept safe,” continued Wilkison.

Wilkison and Randle Meadows, President of the Arlington Police Association (APA) presented Turner with the award at the Thursday, May 27th APA meeting.

Major (Ret) Eliseo "Al" Cantu of the Texas Veterans' Commission stands with State Representative Chris Turner in front of a mock-up of the first Texas Lottery's Veterans Scratch-off game, which will be released on November 9, 2009. Also pictured are State Senators Leticia Van De Putte and Wendy Davis.

IRVING – Today State Representative Chris Turner was presented with the Texas Veterans Commission’s Leadership Award in appreciation for his efforts in passing the measure to create a lottery game to benefit Texas veterans. Turner was given the award after speaking to over 500 people attending the Texas Veterans Commission annual statewide training conference in Irving.

Texas Veterans’ Commission Executive Director James E. Nier  presented Turner with the award, which reads: “His leadership on veterans’ issues has inspired the respect of the entire veterans’ community… his capable, diligent and continued leadership in the Texas House has enhanced the lives of Texas veterans and their families.”

“I am honored and humbled by this recognition, ” Turner said.  “The passage of the veterans lottery bill was a testament to the hard work of every veteran organization in the state, and I am just happy I could be part of this important effort that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many veterans across Texas.”

Eventually amended to Senate Bill 1655, Turner’s House Bill 1299 created a single scratch off lottery ticket to benefit the Permanent Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA).  The FVA will provide grants to aid veterans and their families in times of financial need and support PTSD counseling and other veterans’ services.  The lottery ticket will be released on November 9 and the expected revenue will be over $8 million per year. This one was on the top priorities for veterans’ organizations in Texas.

Turner, who was named “Freshman of the Year” by the bipartisan House Veterans Caucus, also passed legislation requiring institutions of higher education to designate a financial aid specialist to be trained on issues related to veterans’ programs, including the GI Bill and the Hazelwood Act.  He was also the House sponsor of legislation allowing state employees who are members of military reserves or National Guard to continue to accrue their sick and vacation leave time while they are on active military duty.

Arlington – Today, State Representative Chris Turner received the endorsement of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT). This endorsement comes just weeks after Turner was named “Freshman of the Year” by both Texas Watch, a pro-consumer group, and the bi-partisan Legislative Veterans Caucus.  Combined with these recognitions and the Turner Campaign’s impressive fundraising  – the campaign already has over $100,000 in the bank — the CLEAT endorsement is the latest indication that Turner begins the 2010 election cycle with strong support and momentum.

“During the 81^st Legislative Session, Chris Turner stood by Texas police officers and never stopped working on our behalf,” said Charley Wilkison, CLEAT Political Director. “Now we are standing strong with him during his bid for re-election in 2010. We need Chris Turner to remain in office to continue to be a strong voice for the law enforcement community in Southern Tarrant County and across our state.”  With over 15,000 members across Texas, CLEAT is the largest police officers’ association in the state.

“I am honored and humbled to have received CLEAT’s endorsement,” said Turner. “Since I was elected, I have made it a priority to work hard for the families of Southern Tarrant County, including the men and women who protect our families and our communities day in and day out.”

Turner joint authored legislation requiring homeless sex offenders to register with local law enforcement once every two weeks. Oftentimes sex offenders evade registration by claiming to be homeless in order to live in locations prohibited by their sentence, including in the home of their victim. This legislation will aid in protecting families and children from dangerous sexual predators. He also authored legislation requiring computer technicians to report the discovery of child pornography found during the course of their job duties. This measure had strong support from law enforcement and passed the House, however it failed to pass in the Senate.

Turner was elected in 2008 to serve Southern Tarrant County’s House District 96, which includes Crowley, Kennedale, and portions of Arlington, Burleson, Mansfield, and Fort Worth. During the 81^st Legislative Session, Turner was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Urban Affairs and the House Committee of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs.

]]> http://votechristurner.com/2009/08/rep-chris-turner-receives-endorsement-of-texas%e2%80%99-largest-police-officers%e2%80%99-organization/feed/ 0 http://votechristurner.com/2009/08/turner-named-freshman-of-the-year-by-the-bi-partisan-legislative-veterans-caucus/ http://votechristurner.com/2009/08/turner-named-freshman-of-the-year-by-the-bi-partisan-legislative-veterans-caucus/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:41:18 +0000 admin http://votechristurner.com/dev/?p=428 As a result of Turner’s effective work on veterans’ issues, the bipartisan Veterans’ Caucus named Turner its “Freshman of the Year” for the 81st Legislative Session.

“I am humbled to have received this tremendous honor from my colleagues, and I intend to keep fighting for Texas veterans and their families,” Turner said.

Turner passed several key measures to aid Texas veterans and their families:

Turner filed and passed legislation that will generate up to $14 million over the next two years to pay for critical services for Texas veterans. This measure, which establishes a dedicated lottery scratch-off game to benefit the Permanent Fund for Veterans Assistance, was a top legislative priority for leading veterans’ organizations.  Services that will be made possible with this bill include PTSD counseling, transportation assistance to VA health care facilities and job placement assistance.

Turner also passed legislation that will help ensure that our veterans and their family members are able to take full advantage of the educational benefits which they have earned by guaranteeing that there is a trained veteran’s aid specialist at every public Texas college and university.

Turner successfully passed legislation to allow state employees who take a leave of absence for military service to continue to accrue vacation and sick leave.

Finally, Turner’s measure to expand the Hazelwood college financial aid program to the spouses of service members who are killed or completely disabled as a result of their service is on its way to the Governor’s desk.

“With over 1.7 million veterans in Texas, I was honored to fight for our veterans to ensure that they receive the benefits they have earned and deserve,” said Turner. “With thousands of Texans fighting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we must do all we can to make sure that they will receive the help they need when they return home.”

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.