Every other year officials and organizations from Deep East Texas hold a “get acquainted” reception for their newly elected legislative delegation and state officials. “Given the range of issues, including the state budget, this year it is especially important the region show its unity and get re-acquainted with state officials and legislators in Austin,” said Past-President of the Deep East Texas County Commissioner’s and Judges Association, Jasper County Judge, Mark Allen. “The large number and variety of sponsors for the Deep East Texas Reception is an indication of the unity of local governments, non-profits, the private sector, regional associations and social service organizations in our region.”
The 2017 Deep East Texas Reception is scheduled for the evening of Monday, January 9th at the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel in downtown Austin. The legislative session begins the next day with swearing in ceremonies for legislators and state officials.
“The legislative process in Texas is intense because it only meets for five months every two years and it starts the state’s two year budget cycle,” said DETCOG Executive Director Lonnie Hunt. “A large number of bills have been pre-filed for this session so we will have to work hard to see that those promoting the growth and development of Deep East Texas get considered.”
Officially the reception is to honor the State Officials and Legislators from the Deep East Texas area. A special presentation of “Deep East Texas Legislator of the Year” is scheduled to be made to Texas State Representative Trent Ashby his work on behalf of the people of Deep East Texas. DETCOG President, Lufkin City Councilmember, Lynn Torres will make the presentation.
The sponsors for the 2017 reception include the Deep East Texas County Commissioners and Judges Association; the Deep East Texas Council of Governments; Burke; the Texas Forestry Association; East Texas Support Services; Polk County; Jasper County; Tyler County; Houston County; Nacogdoches County; Sabine County; Angelina County; San Augustine County; Newton County; Trinity County; San Jacinto County; the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas; the City of Lufkin; the City of Nacogdoches; the City of San Augustine; the City of Goodrich; East Texas Electric Cooperative; Stephen F. Austin State University; Georgia-Pacific; the Lower Neches Valley Authority; First Bank & Trust East Texas; Ray Van & Associates; McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC; Timberlands Healthcare; Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLC; Shelby Savings Bank; PerdueBrandonFielderCollins&Mott and the Sabine River Authority.
The Deep East Texas Reception is scheduled for Monday, January 9th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel at 701 Congress Avenue in Austin. Everyone from Deep East Texas is invited to attend. Anyone needing information concerning the event may contact the Deep East Texas Council of Governments at 409-384-5704.
Story by Bob Bashaw
