Andy Veliz: Texas State Representative for District 47

Andy Veliz serves as the Texas State Representative for House District 47, covering parts of Houston and Spring Branch in Harris County. A Democrat, he has focused on education, healthcare, and climate action since his 2018 election.

Background

• Born and raised in Houston.
• B.A. Political Science, University of Houston.
• Former case manager, Houston ISD; policy advisor, Houston City Council.

Legislative Highlights

• School Finance Reform (2019): Co-authored $3B package increasing per-student funding, reducing property tax pressure (HB 3).
• Healthcare Access: Vice-Chair, House Public Health Committee; pushed Medicaid expansion, mental health funding, pre-existing condition protections.
• Early Childhood Education: Led bill establishing statewide pre-K program for working families.
• Climate & Energy: Sponsored renewable energy investment, efficiency standards, grid resilience bills.
• COVID-19 Response: Advocated testing, tracing, vaccines, small-business relief, eviction moratoriums.

Recognition

• Named "Rising Star" by Texas Democratic Party (2020).
• Endorsed by labor, environmental, education groups.

District 47 Profile

Diverse, urban-suburban; significant Hispanic, Asian, African American communities. Key issues: flooding (Addicks/Barker reservoirs), property taxes, healthcare access, school quality.

Veliz represents a new generation of Texas legislators: urban, progressive, policy-driven, and rooted in constituent service.