Allen Vaught, Texas State Representative—Serving east Dallas surrounding White Rock Lake, including Lakewood and parts of Lake Highlands, Garland, and Mesquite.

Rep. Vaught Receives Honor From Texas PTA

Office of Rep. Allen Vaught—March 1st, 2010

State Representative Allen Vaught (Dallas) received the Legislative Action Award from the Texas Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for his work passing the booster seat bill which was one of the PTA’s top legislative priorities for the 81st Legislative Session. Rep. Vaught was awarded during the PTA’s annual convention held in Corpus Christi, Texas this past weekend.

“The Texas PTA is proud to award Rep. Vaught with our Legislative Action Award for his dedication to protecting children and for leading the way in child safety,” said Jan Wilkerson, Texas PTA President. “Rep. Vaught is truly an advocate for children and we are honored to recognize him for his hard work.”

The Board of Directors of Texas PTA established the Legislative Action Award for the purpose of highlighting the commitment and dedication of elected officials who go above and beyond to ensure every child’s potential becomes reality. Bi-Annually an individual or individuals are selected who have demonstrated the passion for spearheading legislation and advocacy that improve the health, wellness and education of children in Texas.

Rep. Allen Vaught was the House sponsor of Senate Bill 61, and was instrumental in passing the bill through the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and on the House floor. Senate Bill 61 requires a child to be restrained in a booster seat until he or she reaches 4′9″ or the age of 8. Booster seat laws raise booster seat use by 40% and their use reduces the risk by 59% for severe head, spinal cord and internal organ injuries. A phase-in period is provided allowing time to educate Texans so that violations do not take effect until June 2010.

Focusing on the three purposes of parent education, parent involvement and advocacy, there are over 2,900 Local PTAs with more than 600,000 members across the state. The 101st Annual PTA Convention was held in Corpus Christi. For over a century, volunteers from around the state have gathered to debate, discuss and approve legislative positions and resolutions that guide their efforts in working for every child, with one voice.