State Rep. Donna Howard plans to run for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives.[/caption] State Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, announced Sept. 23 she would seek re-election to House District 48, which encompasses western parts of Austin, Rollingwood, West Lake Hills and Sunset Valley. "It has been my great honor to represent the people of House District 48," Howard said in a news release. "I am proud of the work that we have been able to accomplish together and excited to continue as their voice at the Capitol. We share a deep commitment to public education, affordable health care and the vibrant Texas economy, and I hope they will support my bid for another term." Howard was first elected in 2006. In the 84th Legislature, she was one of only 52 democrats in the 150-member Texas House of Representatives. In a separate statement, released Sept. 21, Howard called the most recent legislative session “an exercise in missed opportunities.” Howard is hosting four town hall meetings throughout the district to informally discuss the actions of the Legislature with constituents. “I hope that district residents will use these informal gatherings as an opportunity to ask questions, exchange information, and share their best ideas for meeting the challenges we face here in Travis County and throughout Texas,” Howard said. Howard is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Administration Committee, and she is vice chairwoman of the Higher Education Committee. During the 84th Legislature, Howard secured funding for the children of members of the military to have access to additional counseling and support services in Texas public schools. She also directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop recommendations for work-study partnerships between community colleges and private companies, according to the news releases. Howard helped increase access to long-acting reversible contraceptives and establish a Women's Health Advisory Committee to provide recommendations on the state's consolidation of women's health programs. "If re-elected, I will continue to use my understanding of the budget process and to work collaboratively with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to represent the House District 48 values of healthy families, equal opportunity and responsible government," Howard said in a news statement. Howard and her husband, attorney Derek Howard, live in Austin.