Message From State Representative Jerry Madden

Dear Friends,

It is with a heavy, but happy heart, that I have decided I will not seek re-election to Texas House of Representatives in Senate in District 67.

It has been my honor to serve the citizens of House District 67 for the past nineteen years. I believe that I have reached the pinnacle of achievement for a State Representative. This year I was chosen as the 2011 American Legislation Exchange Conference (ALEC) Legislator of year nationally for my work on Corrections, in 2010 I was honored by Governing Magazine as their Public Officials of the Year for my work on changing the Corrections system in Texas and was previously chosen one of the 10 Best Legislators in Texas in 2007.

These honors, and the national respect of my peers that lead to them, are the highlight of my career.

As the national spokesman for Texas I have had the honor of spreading our Conservative, Smart Texas response on Criminal Justice to the nation. We have become national experts on justice reinvestment and on Right on Crime. As Chairman of the Criminal Justice committee my efforts saved the taxpayers of Texas over $240 Million dollars in this session alone.

A few of the bills I am the most proud to have authored or sponsored in the House are the Judicial Campaign Finance Bill, the overhaul of Juvenile Justice in SB103 in 2007, the expansion of Drug Courts, the consolidation of the Juvenile Probation and Youth Commission, and the development of the Nurse Family Partnership.

I love Texas and together we have accomplished a great many things that make me proud to be a Texan. This would not have been possible without the help of so many people across our state. I could not have done it without a great staff, three whom have been with me since the beginning: Mark Hey, Karin Tucker and Denise Voss, and more recent additions Marsha McClain and Teri Avery.

It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to serve the citizens of Plano, Richardson, Dallas and most of Collin County for almost 20 years. It has been a privilege few have received and I thank all of the citizens of District 67 for the faith and trust they have placed in me. Having accomplished more than I imagined possible when I first took office, I now look forward to spending a lot more time with my wonderful wife Barbara and on working on what has become the passion of my life, the changes we have made in the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems in Texas and being the spokesman nationally for programs in Criminal Justice.

While it is with a sense of nostalgia I close the door on my years of service in the Texas House, it is an exciting challenge to discover the many doors that have opened to me to continue my work on a national level.

My term in the Texas House does not end until January 2013. I will continue to serve you at my District and Austin Capitol offices until that time, so please do not hesitate to contact me.
I am grateful to the citizens of Collin County and other Texans, who chose to work with me to make the changes that have made Texas an even better place to live, raise a family and grow a business. I have been blessed with the opportunities that came my way, the work I have been able to accomplish and the friends I have made along the way.
Sincerely,

Jerry

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STATE REPRESENTATIVE MADDEN HONORED AS “LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR” BY ALEC

(Austin, TX) The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) honored State Representative Jerry Madden with the prestigious "Legislator of the Year" award at the organization's 38th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday, August 5, 2011.

“I am pleased to recognize Rep. Madden as a Legislator of the Year, and would like to thank him for his outstanding dedication to our organization,” said ALEC National Chairman, Rep. Noble Ellington (LA). "Representative Madden is to be commended for his leadership, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such committed individuals like Rep. Madden over the past year.” The “Legislator of the Year” Award is given to state legislators who are ALEC members in good standing and have distinguished themselves by taking a leadership role in advancing, introducing and/or enacting policies based on the fundamental Jeffersonian principles of free markets, limited government, federalism and individual liberty. “I am honored to accept this award which is a testament to the dividends being reaped by Texas in wake of adoption of progressive and cost-effective criminal justice policies over the last four years,” said Rep. Madden. “I am proud of the support from my colleagues in the Texas Legislature and appreciative of the work by the leadership and staff at ALEC which have helped foster and advocate creative and evidence-based programs and practices in the field of corrections.”

Representative Madden has been an ALEC member since first being elected to the Texas House in 1993. He was named Chairman of the House Committee on Corrections in 2005, and since then has testified before Congress and been invited by policy formulating organizations and/or various state legislators to explain reforms in both the adult and juvenile criminal justice systems implemented by Texas in a bi-partisan fashion under his and Senator John Whitmire’s leadership. Owing to their joint success in changing the Texas tough “lock-em up and throw away the key” approach which didn’t deliver entirely constructive outcomes other than “construction” of more prisons, Whitmire (a Democrat) and Madden (a Republican) were named by Governing magazine as one of eight Public Officials of the Year in 2010. As a consequence of probation and parole changes and investments in substance abuse treatment and similar diversion programs which began in 2007, a state prison will be closed for the first time in Texas history by the end of August. “As a state representative and committee chairman, Jerry has served his constituents and the state with a pragmatic determination and conservative approach to governing. I am proud to continue to support Jerry’s policy agenda for the state’s corrections program that has become an example for the nation to follow,” said former Speaker of the Texas House and Immediate Past National Chair of ALEC, Rep. Tom Craddick. “He has earned the respect of myself and his colleagues with his guided leadership and decision-making abilities that make him an excellent choice for ALEC’s 2011 Legislator of the Year. I am elated that my friend, fellow member and House chairman is being recognized with this prestigious award.” "Jerry is a dedicated public servant who puts service over politics,” said ALEC Texas State Chair, Rep. Jim Jackson. “I am proud that he is getting this award, as it is well-deserved." State Senator Florence Shapiro remarked, "Jerry and I have worked together as a team on many important bills, such as a statewide ban on K2 during the 2011 Legislative Session, creating and implementing the Nurse Family Partnership program in our state, and our development of the Texas Virtual School Network. He is a great partner and friend, and the ALEC award is highly deserved.”"Jerry is our local Richardson Representative who is known nationally for his work. It is my pleasure to serve in the Texas House alongside him, and see how effective he is,” said Rep. Angie Button. “This formal acknowledgment of his accomplishments is well deserved, and I am very proud of him."

ALEC offers state legislators the opportunity to interact with some of America's most influential public and private sector leaders to discuss critical issues facing the states and nation today. It is the nation's largest nonpartisan, individual membership association of state legislators with over 2,000 members representing all fifty states, with almost 80 alumni who are either serving presently in the U.S. Congress, or are sitting or former governors. Mark HeyLegislative Aide to Rep. Jerry Madden

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REP JERRY MADDEN HONORED WITH A MAJOR NATIONAL AWARD
Governing Magazine Releases Public Officials of the Year List

State Representative Jerry Madden from Texas is among the 8 individuals honored by Governing magazine as they announced their Public Officials of the Year for 2010. The magazine has honored individual state and local government officials for outstanding accomplishment annually since 1994.

“I am honored to be recognized by GOVERNING, and want to express my gratitude to my colleagues who nominated me, to the panel who voted, and especially to the people who worked alongside of me including my good friend Senator John Whitmire who is also an honoree,” said Madden. “This award brings the national spotlight to the innovative and successful progress that Texas has made in the Criminal Justice arena.”

"In the Texas House, Jerry is an experienced, trusted voice on criminal justice issues," said Speaker Joe Straus. "My colleagues and I value Rep. Madden's efforts to improve our state, and this award from Governing Magazine is well-deserved recognition for one of our state's most effective representatives."

“Jerry Madden and John Whitmire formed one of the most effective teams I have ever seen in the Texas Legislature. They have truly shown what can be done for our state by those dedicated to work for the best interests of our state,” Texas State Senator Florence Shapiro. “We all look to them on issues of Criminal Justice. Rep Madden has been a great teammate for me in our work in Education and with the breaking of the cycle of violence with our Ashley's Law and with our Nurse Family Partnership. This award is richly deserved and I am so proud to work with Jerry in the Legislature,” continued Shapiro.

“I have known Jerry – and sought advice and friendship from him for the last twenty years. He is a special guy – knowledgeable, capable and always a friend,” said Congressman Ralph Hall.

“I have known Rep Madden for over a quarter of a century. I have seen him rise from a local leader to the national spokesperson for Texas on Criminal Justice,” said Congressman Sam Johnson. “I can vouch for the testimony he has given Congress and know the respect that national organizations have for his work. I am honored to call him my friend and to second the other leaders in our area in saying thank you for a job so well done,” stated Johnson.

“I have worked with Rep Madden for almost 18 years in the Legislature. I have seen him grow from a rookie legislator to a good legislator to a recognized leader and a true statesman,” said Brian McCall, Chancellor of the Texas State University System. “I have witnessed his great efforts in Criminal Justice here in Texas and true appreciate his efforts as a national spokesman telling the country about what we did together in Texas. I know of no one more deserving of this national recognition” said McCall.

Rep Madden has been a great spokesman for Texas in the Criminal Justice arena. What we have done together has made our state safer and led the nation in the wise use of our state funds,” said State Representative Jodie Laubenberg. “I have been honored to work with Rep Madden on these and many other issues and am truly honored to call him my friend. This award shows the level of national respect there is for our Collin County leadership,” said Laubenberg.

Rep Madden and I share the common West Point background. We share a common love for our country and for the people of our state and county. The leadership Rep Madden has shown in Criminal Justice is a true inspiration for all of us,” said Collin County Judge Keith Self. “His devotion to duty honor and country makes us all proud and this award is truly deserved,” stated Self.

In addition to Madden the list also includes Mick Cornett the Mayor of Oklahoma City, John Covington Superintendent in Kansas City – Missouri Public Schools, Steve Fletcher Chief Information Officer – State of Utah, Ana Gelabert-Sanchez City Planner – City of Miami Florida, Sonny Perdue Governor of Georgia, Diana Urban State Representative in Connecticut and John Whitmire State Senator in Texas.

Since their inception, the Public Officials of the Year awards have become the nation's preeminent honor for state and local officials. The awards are regularly cited by journalists, governmental leaders and the winners themselves
Elected, appointed and career officials from any branch of state or local government are eligible. The Public Officials of the Year will be honored at an awards banquet in Washington, and their profiles appear in the November issue of GOVERNING.

Representative Madden to Chair Redistricting Hearing in Richardson

SEPTEMBER 22, 2010 - University of Texas at Dallas

Date: June 3, 2010

State Representative Jerry Madden will chair the Redistricting Hearing to be held by the Joint Committees on Redistricting and Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. The hearing will be held September 22nd, 2010 on the campus of the University of Texas at Dallas. The hearing will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will continue throughtout the day.

There will be hearings held in other parts of the state to include:

June 21, 2010 - San Antonio
July 19-21, 2010 - McAllen, Laredo, Corpus Christi
August 16-18, 2010 - El Paso, Lubbock
September 20-22, 2010 - Dallas, Richardson, Fort Worth
October 18-20, 2010 - Beaumont, Marshall
November 15-17, 2010 - Houston, Austin

Again, please note these dates on your calendar for planning purposes. Dates and locations are subject to change by the Chairmen of the Committees in cooperation with the Speaker's office.

Representative Jerry Madden Among Leaders Testifying at Congressional Hearing on Justice Reinvestment

Washington, DC— Texas State Representative Jerry Madden (R-Plano), vice chair of the House Corrections Committee, was among the expert witnesses requested to speak about “justice reinvestment” before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security last week. Madden joined several government leaders and corrections experts to testify at the May 11 congressional hearing on the Criminal Justice Reinvestment Act of 2009. The act would establish a grant program to help states and local jurisdictions reduce spending on corrections, control growth in the prison and jail populations, and increase public safety.

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Business as Usual Not A Wise Choice When Better

Model with Proven Track Record Exists Washington, DC----Today, Rep. Madden appeared before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee’s Sub-committee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security to promote enactment of HR 4080, the Criminal Justice Reinvestment Act of 2009, and HR 4055, the Honest Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) Initiative Act of 2009.

Rep. Madden took the opportunity to use this national platform to tell the story of how Texas is refocusing its criminal justice policies which has produced numerous positive outcomes for society and the state’s fiscal posture. For the better part of a decade, Texas had engaged in a massive prison expansion endeavor to the tune of billions of dollars, with the end result being “if you build it, they will come.” In 2007, the state’s prison population was again projected to grow sizably over the next five years (14,000 to 17,000 new inmates), requiring the construction of possibly three new prisons ($2 billion anticipated to only build these facilities, not including operating and staffing expenses, outlays for food, medical care, and other necessities for inmates, and ongoing maintenance).

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Key Legislators Meet with UT Dallas Students and Administrators

This spring, five key state legislators visited The University of Texas at Dallas to teach “Campaigns and Elections,” an undergraduate honors course offered by the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. Several of the legislators also had the opportunity to tour campus and learn about some of the University’s hallmark programs.

Visiting legislators included:

•Representative Ellen Cohen from Houston.
•Representative Rob Eissler from The Woodlands.
•Representative Carol Kent from Dallas.
•Representative Jerry Madden from Richardson.
•Representative Michael Villarreal from San Antonio.

“Our students are so lucky to get to spend time with these leaders face to face. The skills they develop in communicating with important people will serve them well in the rest of their academic and professional careers.”

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STATE LAWMAKERS HONORED FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF DWI COURTS

National Center for DWI Courts and Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. Thank Rep. Madden and Sen. Seliger for Their Work to Prevent Drunk Driving

WHAT:
• The National Center for DWI Courts, judges, law enforcement and Beam Global executives unite to support DWI Court and honor Rep. Madden and Sen. Seliger for their work passing H.B. 530
• DWI Courts successfully address hardcore and repeat drunk driving offenders by providing long-term, ongoing accountability and rehabilitation, in addition to conviction.
• Since the passage of H.B. 530 the number of DWI courts has tripled in Texas.

WHO:
• Representative Jerry Madden, District 67
• Senator Kel Seliger, District 31
• The Honorable Elixateth A. Earle, Travis County Court #7
• David Wallace, director, National Center for DWI Courts
• Matt Stanton, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Beam Global Spirits & Wine

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PRESS RELEASE

Explosive growth in the number of people on probation or parole has propelled the population of the American corrections system to more than 7.3 million. The Department of Justice reports that one of every 15 people in this country will serve a prison term during their lifetime and one in 31 individuals is currently in prison, on probation or parole. Of those released, 67.5% will be rearrested within three years. Having a meaningful job with a livable wage and reducing the barriers to employment has proven to reduce the likelihood of re-offending. By networking with others throughout the nation, all attendees have the opportunity to learn better practices and implement them in their home communities.

The Defendant/Offender Workforce Development (DOWD) Awards Committee announces the awardees for the 2010 DOWD National Awards for their outstanding chievements in prisoner reentry. The Awards will be presented at the 2010 DOWD Conference in Dallas (TX) at the downtown Hyatt Regency.

This year’s awardees include:

JUSTICE REINVESTMENT-STATE CHAMPION AWARD - Texas Representative Jerry Madden from Plano (TX)

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