STATE LEADERS

Texas Representative Stands For Equal Opportunity

As an advocate for small businesses owned by women and minorities, Texas State Representative Dawnna Dukes (Flemming Fellow `95) of Austin brings issues of social justice not only into the legislative, but also to the public attention. Dukes has taken firm stands on issues important to working people and minority communities, specifically the preservation of affirmative action and ensuring equal opportunity both in admissions to higher education institutions and in procurement practices. Last month Dukes spoke at Student and Community Forum on Affirmative Action in Miami. Utilizing facts, and personal stories, she illustrated how equal opportunity levels the playing field. Equal opportunity "is crucial because of the racism and sexism that is still prevalent in our society," Dukes told the students. Dukes incorporates her values into her legislative agenda. Last session, she introduced a bill to create a "Mentor-Protégé Program" which serves to foster long-term relationships between prime contractors and historically underutilized businesses. Her current legislative projects include advocating for consumers and victims of telemarketing fraud, and protecting injured workers through workers compensation, increasing access to health care, building more low-income housing and improving existing housing programs.