The Texas State Senate: District 26

Occupation: Pharmacist
Education: University of Texas at Austin, B.S., 1979
Legislative Experience: House Member, 1990 - 1999; Senate Member, 1999 - present
Hometown: San Antonio
Party: Democrat

Senator Leticia Van de Putte, a pharmacist for more than 30 years, represents a large portion of San Antonio and Bexar County. A former five-term state representative, she is now serving her fifth term as a Texas State Senator for District 26.

Senator Van de Putte is a strong advocate for children, veterans, and quality public education. She currently serves as Chair of the Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee, and serves as a member of the Senate Committees on Education, State Affairs, and Business and Commerce. She is also the Chair of the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus.

She has been honored by many national civic and community organizations for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the people she represents, including: the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials' (NALEO) "Edward R. Roybal Award;" the Vietnam Veterans of America's "Legislator of the Year Award;" and the Center for Policy Alternative's "Arthur S. Fleming Leadership Award." Following the 81st Legislative Session, she was chosen as one of Texas Insider's Top Ten Legislators for her work on behalf of veterans and their families. She was also selected by Texas Watch for their Legislative Honor Roll for her work on behalf of Texas consumers and homeowners.

Nationally, Senator Van de Putte served as co-chair of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, joining the ranks of Texas women, such as Barbara Jordan and Ann Richards. She has been actively involved in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), serving as President from 2006 to 2007. Senator Van de Putte is a member of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, where she served as President from 2003 to 2005. She also currently serves on the American Legacy Foundation Board, which oversees the settlements of 46 states with the tobacco industry, and she is the subject of a book written by Dr. Sharon Navarro titled, "Latina Legislator: Leticia Van de Putte and the Road to Leadership."

Senator Van de Putte received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, and she is a 1973 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas. She was also a Kellogg Fellow at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1993. Senator Van de Putte currently lives in San Antonio with her husband of 32 years, Pete, and has six children: Nichole, Vanessa, Henry, Gregory, Isabella, and Paul. She is also the proud grandmother of two adorable grandsons, Julian Claiborne and Jove Sebastian Stiles.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act


Senator Van de Putte with George Enriquez a student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. George graduated from Clark High School and was able to attend SMU due to a Tuition Equalization Grant. The Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) is a state grant program for residents. The TEG is provided to help offset some of the difference in cost for students attending private universities in Texas. These provide an opportunity for students to attend some of our great private institutions who might otherwise be unable to attend.

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Senator Van de Putte with the winners of the Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Military Child Month Art and Poetry Contest. The Art and Poetry Contest was sponsored as part of a celebration of Military Child Month at the Texas Capitol. The Contest was open to children whose parents currently serve in the military or who have separated/retired in the past four years from the military.

On October 22, 2008, the Walmart Foundation and Lexmark joined Senator Van de Putte and Haven for Hope in developing a computer lab at the American GI Forum, to aid homeless veterans in workforce development.

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"Through the efforts of the American GI Forum, Haven for Hope, Lexmark and Walmart, we have the opportunity to help homeless Veterans get their lives back on track," said Van de Putte. "We owe so much to our men and women who generation after generation, have answered the call to proudly serve in our military. I am humbled and honored to have been chosen as the namesake for this critical project."

On October 21, 2008 DPT Laboratories received the "Texas Treasure Business Award." In 2005, Van de Putte authored SB 920, creating the award, which is administered by the Texas Historical Commission. The award honors businesses that have been in Texas for over 50 years, and that have remained dedicated to our state for generations. These businesses have strengthened the fabric and vibrancy of our community by creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
Senator Van de Putte accompanied by Paul Johnson and John Feik
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"DPT has been a strong corporate citizen in San Antonio," said Van de Putte. "The company is part of this community’s growing $15 billion healthcare and biomedical industry and its $14 billion manufacturing industry. Their commitment to San Antonio is commendable, and we are excited to see the growth of DPT continue for many years."

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July 31, 2009
Texas Increases Higher Education Benefits for Veterans and Their Families

July 14, 2009
Senator Van de Putte and Representative Naishtat Create Legislative Committee on Aging

June 1, 2009
Press Conference regarding the end of the 81st Regular Legislative Session

THE TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS INVESTMENT ACT

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THE TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS INVESTMENT ACT

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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

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Press Room [Press Archives: 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000]

THE TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS INVESTMENT ACT

E-Mail Form

Office Information

81st Session Committee Membership

District Analysis: District 26

Press Room
[Press Archives: 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000]