Rep. Homer said, "I am proud to introduce my friend, Bill White, to the retired educators in Paris and surrounding cities. In our community, we know the important role that educators play in preparing our kids for good jobs, jobs of the future."

"I hope you will come learn more about Bill's approach to education and what he plans to do to make Texas a place where our kids and our grandkids will thrive," Rep. Homer continued.

The son of San Antonio schoolteachers, White helped build a law firm and managed a successful business before being elected Houston's mayor in 2003. He was re-elected twice with 91% and 86% of the vote. During White's administration, the Houston area led the nation cities in job growth and added more jobs than 37 states combined. At the same time, he cut property tax rates five years in a row and helped seniors with tax relief. White started a special initiative to give returning veterans the welcome they deserve with coordinated social services, reductions in red tape, and employment opportunities. After Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike, Bill White mobilized effective disaster responses including first responders, businesses and churches. For his compassionate, hands-on leadership after Katrina, White received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2007. Previously, he served as Deputy Secretary of Energy of the United States.