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Philip earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a doctorate in educational administration/leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. He lives in San Antonio with his wife, Debbie, and their child.

Philip previously worked as a financial advisor and marketing/public relations director. He served for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a staff sergeant.

Philip Cortez is a state representative in State House District 117. He has served 5 terms, first from 2013-2015 and since 2017.

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Rep. Cortez, Philip - District 117

As a legislator, sponsored legislation to prevent small businesses from losing billions in federal funding and supported Port San Antonio.

Sponsored legislation to stop small businesses from losing federal funding.

Supports providing comprehensive support for veterans in employment, funding, and tax relief.

Supported increasing funding for the Texas Veterans Commission and amending the state constitution to lower property taxes for veterans.

Co-authored legislation that would legalize sports betting.

- Sponsored legislation to stop small businesses from losing federal funding.
- Supported increasing funding for the Texas Veterans Commission and amending the state constitution to lower property taxes for veterans.
- Co-authored legislation that would legalize sports betting.

Economy

Co-authored legislation that would create criminal penalties for creating or supplying drugs that caused serious injury to someone.

- Co-authored legislation that would create criminal penalties for creating or supplying drugs that caused serious injury to someone.

Public Safety

Supports legislation to reduce burdens on seniors receiving Medicaid and prevent abuse in home health care.

Authored legislation that would require health insurance plans to cover telehealth services from out-of-state providers.

- Supports legislation to reduce burdens on seniors receiving Medicaid and prevent abuse in home health care.
- Authored legislation that would require health insurance plans to cover telehealth services from out-of-state providers.

Healthcare

Supports providing resources for teachers and creating successful classrooms for students.

Supported legislation to restore public school funding that had been cut.

- Supported legislation to restore public school funding that had been cut.

Education

As of September 7, 2024, Philip Cortez’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Energy & the Environment

Authored legislation that would require runoff election ballots to be sent to people voting by mail.

- Authored legislation that would require runoff election ballots to be sent to people voting by mail.

Voting & Elections

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Philip Cortez

Philip holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a doctorate in educational administration/leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. He lives in San Antonio with his wife, Debbie, and their child.

Philip previously worked as a financial advisor and marketing/public relations director. He served for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Staff Sergeant.

Philip Cortez currently serves as the state representative for District 117. He has served 5 terms, first from 2013-2015 and since 2017.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Urban Affairs, Cortez oversaw municipalities and shaped urban cities’ goals and objectives.

As Vice-Chairman of the House Elections Committee, supported property rights through annexation reform.

Believes "our nation’s finest" (referring to police officers) put their lives on the line every day to protect families and uphold freedoms.

Believes in safeguarding healthcare for senior citizens.

Believes education is "the great equalizer" and aims to strengthen Texans' knowledge.

Plans to address postsecondary education issues as a member of the Higher Education Committee.

Supports increasing teacher pay, reducing class sizes, and providing more resources for students and teachers.

Philip Cortez is married to Debbie Cruz-Cortez, J.D., who is a prosecutor in the Bexar County District Attorney’s office. They are proud to serve the residents of House District 117.

Philip Cortez is a State Representative who has served on various committees, including the House Appropriations Committee, Statewide Health Care Costs Select Committee, House Resolution Calendar Committee, and as Vice-Chairman of the House Elections Committee. He was appointed as the Chairman of the House Committee on Urban Affairs and serves on the Higher Education Committee.

Philip Cortez has served as a state representative and has been a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Statewide Health Care Costs Select Committee, House Resolution Calendar Committee, and Vice-Chairman of the House Elections Committee. He was appointed as the Chairman of the House Committee on Urban Affairs and serves on the Higher Education Committee. He was also appointed to the Texas Legislative Council during the 2020 interim.

- Your state representative represents the interests of your local district in the Texas House of Representatives. The State House of Representatives, along with the State Senate, makes up your state lawmaking body: the Texas State Legislature
- Your state representative can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws. 
- There are 150 members of the Texas House of Representatives, each representing a single district. Representatives must be at least 21 years old and reside in the state for at least two years before their election. 
- State representatives are elected to two-year terms during even-numbered years. There are no term limits. 
- State representatives make $7,200 annually in addition to a $221 payment per day during legislative sessions and mileage reimbursements.

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