Joe Deshotel
TX State Representative, 22nd District
Cutting the Red Tape
I want to make sure you get the proper response in a timely manner and explained the most common types of requests in seeking help from a state or federal official. To better serve you, here are some checklists that will help organize your information and solve the problem faster. By working together, we can make things work.
State Agency Issues
Agency related problems are those that pertain to a private or state governmental agency or an agency contracted by the state. Some examples of state agencies: Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, or a public university like Lamar University. Representative Deshotel is experienced in handling agency matters on a regular basis.
If you are experiencing a problem with a state agency, Representative Deshotel may be able to help. Letters that facilitate a quick and satisfactory solution are those that have:
• A clear concise account of your problem
• Copy of any correspondence the agency has written to you
• Copy of any correspondence you have written to the agency
• A statement of what you would like to see done
You can contact me by hitting the above contact bar.
House or Simple Resolutions
Constituents can commemorate a person or event by requesting a resolution to be passed by either the Texas House of Representatives or signed by Representative Deshotel.
In order to have a well-written resolution, please include the following information when making your request.
- Requests should be made at least two-three weeks prior to the event
- Background and support information (biography, summery etc.) regarding the person or event should be included
- Similar bills or drafts from current or previous sessions
- Related newspaper or periodical articles
After the request is made, it typically takes one-two weeks for a resolution to be completed.
Certificates
Constituents can commemorate a person or event by requesting a certificate signed by Representative Deshotel. In order to process certificate requests, please forward the following information in writing:
- Requests should be made at least one week before or after the event;
- Information should include the person's name, title (if appropriate) and reason for the commemoration;
- Related newspaper or periodical articles;
Please remember to inform us of contact information including the name, address, and phone number of the person to call for questions.
Child Support Issues
Child support problems are those dealing with obtaining child support from a former spouse or significant other. If you are experiencing a problem with child support, Representative Deshotel can help in many cases. We will need for you to gather some information including:
- A clear concise account of the issue at hand.
- The name of the child.
- The name of the former spouse or significant other.
- The name of the caseworker at the Attorney’s General Office, if there is one.
- The case number, if one has been issued.
- Copy of any correspondence the agency has written to you.
- Copy of any correspondence you have written to the agency.
Flag Requests
Often constituents would like to commemorate an event with a State of Texas flag flown over the Capitol. Representative Deshotel will facilitate such a request. In order to better serve you and ensure proper time for the flag to be flown over the Capitol, the following should be considered:
Requests should be made in writing at least one week prior to the event
Information regarding the event should be given
Information regarding a contact person, address and phone numbers should be included
Checks should be made out to the Texas House of Representatives
The House of Representatives cannot process a request until payment has been received
All information and payment should be sent to Rep. Deshotel's Austin Office.
A certificate signed by the Representative will accompany the flag.
Legislative Requests
Often times there are requests for Representative Deshotel to sponsor legislation regarding a particular issue. The following procedure should be taken so that careful and informed consideration is made:
- A statement of the issue to be addressed
- Goal of the legislation
- A statement as to who benefits
- A statement as to who is affected
- A statement of purpose of the legislation
- Background of the legislation
Other helpful information that would streamline the process includes:
- Current statues, constitutional provisions or administrative rules involved
- Court cases/attorney general opinions involved
- Similar bills or drafts from current or previous sessions
- Similar statues in other states
- Related newspaper or periodical articles
Honorary Sergeant-for-a-Day (Session Only)
The honorary sergeant program is an opportunity for children to receive a unique perspective and learning experience in the “back hall” operations of state government. Children are paired with an employee of the House Chief Sergeant who helps them in their duties for a half day. Those duties primarily consist of running errands for representatives to all parts of the Capitol, Capitol extension, and the state office buildings immediately surrounding the Capitol. Additionally, it involves being on the House Floor if the legislature is in session to observe and to assist the members of the legislature while they are on the floor.
- Children must be between the ages of 6 and 18 to participate.
- A Dress Code is strictly enforced. Boys must wear a coat and tie. Girls must wear a dress or skirt.
- An Honorary Sergeant may only serve for one half-day shift during a legislative session. Shifts begin at either 8:30 a.m. to 12:30pm or 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 pm Monday through Thursday.
- The Honorary Sergeant program is free. However, parents are responsible for transportation to and from Austin, lodging, and meals.
- Parents drop off and pick up their children from the Representative’s office in the Capitol Extension, Room E2.408.
- Parents must request, complete and return the Honorary Sergeant for a Day form.
State Official
A state official can help with the following matters dealing with a state-funded agency, a law passed by the state and most state matters:
- Health & Human Services Commission
- Department of Public Safety
- Any State funded university
- Child support
- State prison system
- State laws and procedures
- Public education
Federal Official
Congressman Ted Poe is the federal official for Jefferson County. A federal official deals with matters at the federal level. The following are the most common types of concerns that a federal official typically deals with:
- Federally funded agencies and programs
- Federal laws Social Security
- Immigration
- Federal prison system
You can contact his Beaumont office at:
Office of Congressman Ted Poe
2615 Calder, Suite 100
Beaumont, TX 77702
409-212-1997
