About Us
Texans for Economic Progress is an Austin-based, non-profit advocacy group that monitors the competitive process in key sectors of the Texas economy. TEP keeps its finger on the pulse of Texans and works closely with elected officials and regulators at the local, state, and federal level to further educate them on issues impacting competition in communications. TEP also works to generate public awareness of how Texans’ lives and finances are impacted by decisions made on these issues by our policy-makers.
Texans for Economic Progress was founded in part by Sandra Haverlah, President of the Texas Consumer Association and one of the state’s most respected and well-known consumer advocates.
Texans for Economic Progress Board Members
Robert Howden, Executive Director, Texans for Economic Progress
Robert Howden is a former senior adviser to Governor Rick Perry and a government relations veteran. In his role as senior adviser to Perry, Howden assisted the governor on a variety of issues, including economic development, and served as the governor’s liaison to the Governor’s Task Force on Economic Growth, chaired by Ross Perot, Jr. Howden was the governor’s official representative to hundreds of events throughout the state, which earned him the unofficial title, “Mayor of Texas.”
Before serving as senior adviser to Perry, Howden was communications director for the governor.
Prior to joining Perry’s staff, Howden was the Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business/Texas (NFIB/Texas), a position held for more than 10 years. In that position he was political and legislative leader for more than 40,000 small business members. At NFIB/Texas, Howden worked on numerous legislative issues such as the small business franchise tax exemption.
An Austin native, Robert holds a BA in Advertising from the University of Texas. Currently he in on the Helping Hand Home for Children Community Advisory Board and is on the Advisory Board of the Junior League of Austin. He was formally served on the UT Athletic Foundation and on the board of his alma mater’s alumni association (Texas Exes). He and his wife Jana have three children who attend Austin public schools. A community volunteer, Jana was a PTA President and a past Governor Perry appointee to the Texas Motor Vehicle Board.
Sandra Haverlah, President, Texas Consumer Association
Sandra Haverlah is a founding Board member of Texans for Economic Progress and has been working on consumer pocketbook issues with the Texas Consumer Association (TCA) since 1988. She has served as President of TCA for the last decade. She currently serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations representing individuals on environmental, consumer rights, civil justice and utility issues. Her career has included representing consumers on Board of the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan and as a funded consumer representative at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Bachelor of Science in Business and Master of Public Administration.
Oscar Garcia, Silver Haired Legislators
Oscar Garcia is a native of Laredo, Texas and a graduate of Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Muriel, have five children and six grandchildren. Oscar retired from the insurance industry after 27 years and is currently serving his third term in the Texas Silver Haired Legislature.
Current volunteer activities include:
- Delegate to 2005 White House Conference on Aging
- Member National Silver Haired Congress
- Chairman Texas Delegation to NSHC
- TSHL Chairman Technology Committee.
- TSHL Member Executive Committee
- TSHL Member Legislative Action Committee
Current Community Service
- Tarrant County AAA Advisory Council
- Public Policy Committee of the United Way of Tarrant County
- Senior Impact Council of the United Way of Tarrant County
- Board of Directors Senior Citizens Services
- North East Tarrant County Leadership Forum
- Congressman Joe Barton’s Hispanic Advisory
- Medicare-Carrier Advisory Committee
- Precinct Chairman Pct. # 1437
- Election Judge
