Veliz was born and raised in Houston. He graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in political science. After college, he worked as a case manager for the Houston Independent School District and as a policy advisor to the Houston City Council. Veliz was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2018.
As a state representative, Veliz has championed legislation to increase access to affordable healthcare, improve public education, and combat climate change. Veliz's work has earned him recognition as a leader in the Democratic Party of Texas, including being named one of the "Rising Stars" of Texas politics in 2020.
Here are some specific accomplishments of Andy Veliz:
* Authored and passed legislation to create a $3 billion school finance reform package that increased funding for public education and reduced property taxes.
* Served as vice-chair of the House Committee on Public Health, working to expand access to healthcare for Texans, including mental health services and coverage for pre-existing conditions.
* Led the effort to pass legislation to establish a statewide early childhood education program, providing access to high-quality childcare for working families.
* Sponsored legislation to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency, promote conservation, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Veliz has also been a leader in the fight against COVID-19, advocating for increased testing, contact tracing, and vaccinations. He has also called for economic recovery measures to support businesses and workers impacted by the pandemic.
