Goodwin forms anti-racism advisory group
The May 25 death of George Floyd during an arrest in Minneapolis was a turning point for many western Travis County residents who responded by holding rallies to support Black Lives Matter. For State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, Floyd’s death made it “very apparent that we still have a long way to go to reach where we need to be with civil rights.”
As a result, Goodwin—whose House District 47 covers Lakeway, Bee Cave, Spicewood and some unincorporated Westbank areas—recently formed an Anti-Racism Advisory Group. With 15 members representing diverse neighborhoods and races, the group aims to improve race relations and address racism in the area.
Travis County delegates issue joint statement supporting peaceful protests, condemning violence
The members of the Travis County Delegation to the Texas House of Representatives have issued a joint statement supporting peaceful protests while condemning violence and destruction. The statement comes following days of growing anger and unrest over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Bowie High School band still fighting to get refund on trip cancelled by COVID-19
Goodwin wrote a letter to the airline. “I would like for British Airways to offer cash refunds for those who ask for them. There may be some who feel like they may use the credit in time so not everyone would ask for a cash refund but for those who do we feel like they should offer that,” she said.
FOX 7 Austin reached out to British Airways earlier this week with the concerns of these parents and students, and so far they’ve told us they are looking into it.
State Rep Vikki Goodwin on Austin homeless situation
Amid outrage over Austin's homeless policies, state lawmakers are preparing for the next legislative session, looking for ways to fix homeless issues across Texas.
New Hamilton Pool Road development vandalized
On Jan. 10, the monument sign at the front of the Provence neighborhood was defaced with the spray painted message “Keep the Hills Country.” Vandals also broke glass and removed front panel lettering. The matter was referred to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office the following day, but sheriff’s spokesperson Kristen Dark said the case has been suspended “due to lack of investigative leads.”
Rep. Goodwin outraises 5 GOP candidates in Travis County state House district
State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, raised more money during the second half of 2019 than each of the five Republicans seeking to challenge her. Goodwin, a real estate broker, raised $120,000, according to a campaign finance filing released Thursday by the Texas Ethics Commission. She spent $64,600 and has nearly $106,000 in cash on hand.
State representatives urge governor to allow refugees to settle in Texas
A letter signed by nine members of the Texas House of Representatives on Thursday had urged the governor to participate in the federal refugee resettlement program.
Billboards, traffic safety key issues
On December 17, Rep. Goodwin assembled a panel of local experts on topic of billboards and traffic safety along Highway 71. Acting as moderator, she posed questions to Epi Gonzalez, engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation; Bob Moore, executive assistant to Travis County Precinct 3 Commissioner Gerald Daugherty; Stacy Suits, Travis County Precinct 3 constable; and Sarah Tober, executive director of Scenic Texas.
Texas State Rep. Vikki Goodwin questions red-light camera ban after driver runs red light, T-bones her car
‘"If [drivers] know that there's a red-light camera, they might be more apt to stop at the red light," Goodwin said.
She's aware of the argument used by Abbott and others that red-light cameras may cause more rear-end crashes, but she said she recognizes the cameras are just one part of a bigger solution.’
Some TX lawmakers call for red flag laws and other changes, while others say ‘no’ to gun law reform
Goodwin said she fears losing even more innocent lives. The Texas Legislature doesn’t meet again for another year and a half.
“That’s such a long time from now. Anything can happen,” she said. “I’m afraid people are seeing what’s been happening and saying ‘Well, if that’s how someone else has handled their anger, maybe I need a gun, too,’ and we have sort of a copycat situations and that’s what scares me.”
A Decade of Democratic Gains in Central Texas
Eleven Texas House districts comprise the five-county Austin metro area: Travis has six, Williamson is split among three, Hays makes up most of one, and Bastrop and Caldwell together anchor another. (State House districts, unlike state Senate or U.S. congressional districts, are drawn to respect county lines.) When this map debuted in 2012, Republicans captured six of those 11 seats; today, Democrats hold nine, which between them include the entire city of Austin.
As traffic fatalities mount in the Lake Travis-Westlake area, residents are growing more vocal
Bee Cave City Council voted down a resolution seeking a speed study from the TX DoT. Also on the agenda was a resolution to endorse House Bill 2814, a bill from state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, that calls for safety corridors on certain segments of state roads deemed highly dangerous.
Passing the Bucks: Tax Caps, School Finance Trade Places
The careful choreography of the session's marquee budget, property tax, and school finance measures advanced Tuesday, April 30, with the House's approval of Senate Bill 2, the revenue cap plan opposed vociferously by local mayors, county judges, and other elected officials.
State representative introduces bill to establish traffic safety corridors
State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, introduced House Bill 2814 to the Legislature on March 1. It is a bill she said was inspired by a highway safety advocacy group called Safer71 based out of the Sweetwater area in western Travis County.
Austin Democrats see hope for gun-safety legislation
Operating in a Republican run Legislature that has been more interested in expanding gun rights, advocates for laws promoting firearm safety— including three Austin Democrats — said Tuesday that they have higher hopes for progress this session.
She Leads Texas: Vikki Goodwin
Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, joined the Texas House of Representatives in January as a political freshman. While she can turn to her fellow House women, her real preparation for the job comes from her years as a longtime campaign volunteer and a mother of three biological children and two stepchildren. This is how she leads Texas.
Bill could improve safety on Texas 71
Following her election in November, state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, said she was approached by constituents and traffic groups regarding how unsafe Texas 71, RM 620 and Bee Cave Road are in western Travis County. They asked for her help in looking for ways to make the roads safer.
Chamber Humanitarians Support Central Texas Food Bank
Texas House Representative Vikki Goodwin joined the Westlake Chamber of Commerce today for their first Humanitarian Services Project of 2019 to benefit Central Texas Food Bank.
Joined by Texas House Representative Vikki Goodwin and CEO Derrick Chubbs
Westlake Hills, TX (February 29, 2019) – Texas House Representative Vikki Goodwin joined the Westlake Chamber of Commerce today for their first Humanitarian Services Project of 2019 to benefit Central Texas Food Bank. Central Texas Food Bank President and CEO, Derrick Chubbs showed his appreciation for their support, “Our work is dependent on volunteers like those with the Westlake Chamber of Commerce who have enabled us to bring 45 million meals to our community last year and into the hands of families and local nonprofits that turn to us for help. Today with Representative Vikki Goodwin’s help, they helped us to serve 936 meals to after school programs for children in need.”
“Our kitchen is more than just a place to prepare these meals, we are a teaching kitchen. Under the direction of our Executive Chef, Kimberly Carter, we view ourselves as teachers and supervisors to guide volunteers in providing for our community needs,” said Line Chef Chris May. “I’m happy to be able to come and work with the Westlake Chamber today and see, first hand, this inspirational operation. The Central Texas Food Bank is such a smooth operation doing so much good for our community. I’m grateful to the Westlake Chamber for inviting me to join them in working for such a good cause,” said Texas House Representative Vikki Goodwin.
“Our Chamber is so proud to include our Humanitarian Services Committee,” said Cathy Hoover, Executive Director, Westlake Chamber of Commerce. “These volunteers believe that it’s our duty as business people to give back to our local community, and we are very happy to support the Central Texas Food Bank and the good work that they do for us all.”
More information about the Central Texas Food Bank can be found online: https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org
More information about the Westlake Chamber of Commerce can be found online: http://www.westlakechamber.com
Photo Cutline (Left to Right): Susan Nelson, Claire Wuygul, Lainey Melnick, Derrick Chubbs, Rep Vikki Goodwin, Donna Mitchell, Carla Glass, Rochelle Storin, Stefan Shilgalis.
About Westlake Chamber of Commerce
The Westlake Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1995, is dedicated to the economic stability and wellbeing of the greater Westlake community. Members of the chamber choose to contribute their time, expertise, and/or resources to supporting Chamber growth, the Westlake community, and philanthropic projects.
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Media Contact:
Cathy Hoover, choover@westlakechamber.com, 512-327-3088
Westlake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Member Spotlight: State Representative Vikki Goodwin
Impact Austin member and State Representative Vikki Goodwin believes we all have an obligation to serve our communities. Read about her inspiring perspective on service in this interview by Impact Austin.
Redoing recapture: What it means for Eanes, Lake Travis ISDs
Eanes ISD Superintendent Tom Leonard, State Senator Kirk Watson, State House Rep. Donna Howard and State House Rep. Vikki Goodwin were panelists at the Westlake Chamber of Commerce Community Luncheon, where they discussed state recapture.