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Bailes
Deep East Texas will be in the spotlight in Austin on the eve of the 88th Session of the Texas Legislature for the 2023 Deep East Texas Legislative Reception on Monday, Jan. 9, from 5:30–7 p.m. in the Trademark Room of the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown. The Texas Legislature opens the following day at noon.
The biennial reception is presented by the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) and the Deep East Texas County Commissioners and Judges Association, with support from many other sponsors.
A highlight of the reception will be the presentation of the Deep East Texas Legislator of the Year Award to District 18 Representative Ernest Bailes (R-Shepherd), who is beginning his fourth term in the Texas House. He represents all of Hardin, Liberty and San Jacinto counties, plus a portion of Montgomery County. He serves on two committees of vital importance to the region – the Committee on Agriculture and Livestock and the Committee on Corrections.
“Ernest Bailes has been an effective voice for Deep East Texas and he is very deserving of this recognition,” said Hardin County Pct. 2 Commissioner Chris Kirkendall, past president of the Deep East Texas County Commissioners and Judges Association. “He is knowledgeable about our needs and responsive to his constituents. We are fortunate to have him working for us in Austin.”