January 28,2005 Elizabeth Pierson The Monitor AUSTIN — Three Rio Grande Valley lawmakers who pledged support last year for Republican Speaker Tom Craddick won spots Thursday on the powerful Texas House Appropriations Committee. A more senior member, state Rep. Jim Solis, D-Harlingen, was not reassigned to the committee. Solis voted against many of the massive human-services cuts the Appropriations Committee approved in 2003. Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, and Rep. Armando "Mando" Martinez, D-Weslaco, were assigned to Appropriations. Together, they have just four years of legislative experience, and none had held public office prior to becoming legislators. Martinez, in his third week as a legislator, said it was "a big surprise" to have an appointment not usually given to a freshman. He downplayed a suggestion that he and the others with little seniority from the Valley were chosen because they represent little threat to the Republican leaders on the committee.

"I can only say that maybe (Craddick) sees that we’re three hardworking individuals that care about our district, and he’s allowing us to make that commitment and to serve our district and Texas," Martinez said.

Solis said he didn’t know why he wasn’t reappointed, but suspects it had something to do with the fights he put up to stop human services from taking huge cuts.

"Call me a rabble rouser; I fought against these cuts so bad," he said. "If that cost me my position, then let it be."

The 29-member Appropriations Committee is powerful because its members must approve all spending bills.

They decide which programs get money and which don’t.

Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, is replacing Rep. Talmadge Heflin, R-Houston, as chairman of Appropriations. Heflin was defeated in November by 33 votes and is appealing the results.

Like most Valley lawmakers, Peña, Martinez and Guillen had their names on the list Craddick released in early November showing who had pledged to reelect him as speaker.

Solis’ name was not on that list. Solis, who voted for Craddick as speaker in 2003 and again earlier this month, said he didn’t know the list was circulating and thinks the November pledge list is an unlikely explanation for his removal from Appropriations.

Perhaps, rather, the leadership did not want the type of opposition Solis mounted against balancing the budget by cutting health and human services, he said.

"I think a lot had to do with (the fact) that we fought against the cuts, and I’m not sure that’s what they want again this session," Solis said.

Solis said Peña, Martinez and Guillen will have a big learning curve, but are smart and hardworking and will represent the Valley well on Appropriations.

He is thrilled to be on the Public Health Committee where he can work to restore the cuts made in 2003, he said.

"I think the border areas and the Valley really hit a home run," Solis said about the assignments. "If I’m going to make a difference anywhere, it’s to try to get on this (public health) committee and trying to restore these cuts."

Peña said he, Guillen and Martinez share many views on funding and might be able to vote as a bloc on some issues in Appropriations, even if they are in the minority.

"It was a pleasant surprise and a real opportunity for the Valley," Peña said. "As long as we prove ourselves and continue to gain seniority, we’ll be able to translate that into real, concrete benefits for the Valley."

Guillen was happy to have the assignment and said having three people from the Valley should help bring money there.

"I’m sure in the Appropriations process there’s difficulty and there are going to be attempts to cut this and that, but I think that we as a team will voice our opinions and try to sell the needs of our area."

The Appropriations Committee was his second choice for committee assignment, after Regulated Industries. He served on Regulated Industries last session, his freshman term, but was not reappointed on Thursday.

Craddick said the committee appointments were done "painstakingly" and with attention to diversity.
The Republican leader appointed 10 Democrats, 10 women, five Hispanics and three blacks to head committees, he said.

"It is essential that Texas government continually seeks to be diverse and representative of the various populations," Craddick said. "Like our state, I think this leadership team exemplifies a melting pot of talented men and women of all ages, races and backgrounds."

State Rep. Ismael "Kino " Flores, D-Mission, kept his spot as chairman of the Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee. He is the only Valley member to chair a committee.

House members make requests for committee assignments, but the ultimate decisions are left to the Speaker.

Craddick said he considered the interests and talents of each member as well as the needs of the House, in making appointments.

———Elizabeth Pierson covers the state capital for Valley Freedom Newspapers. She is based in Austin and can be reached at (512) 323-0622.