FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019
Contact: Michelle Grose, Communications Director
Phone: 214-850-4529
Email: [email protected]
Texas Young Republicans Announce James White Second Chance Scholarship
The Texas Young Republican Federation (TYRF) has launched its first ever scholarship to promote criminal justice reform in Texas. The scholarship is named the James White Second Chance Scholarship to commemorate the leadership of Rep. James White, Texas House of Representatives District 19.
This last legislative session, the Texas Young Republicans supported nearly 100 bills out of the thousands filed, the majority of which were focused on criminal justice reform. Rep. White filed 16 of those bills.
The scholarship grants up to $500 to a first time offender and recent mother in order to assist in continuing education, starting a business or taking a technical course.
“The scholarship is a celebration of second chances and is meant to shine a light on Rep. White’s efforts to drastically reform the justice system for women,” said Jason Vaughn, TYRF Policy Director.
Last session, White introduced and passed House Bill 650 to ensure better nutrition and medical treatment for women who give birth in Texas prisons. It also severely limits the use of restraints and solitary confinement for pregnant women.
“We are proud to be leaders on criminal justice reform and have partnered with other conservative groups to make these reforms a priority for Republican Party of Texas and in the Texas Capitol. This is one way we wish to honor legislators who are championing reform,” Vaughn added.
With the bipartisan criminal justice caucus formed in the House for the next session, the Texas Young Republicans are hopeful of even greater reform in the next session.
The scholarship will be awarded in late September and announced at the TYRF Convention.