State Rep. Betty Brown has filed for re-election to serve Henderson and Kaufman counties in the Texas House of Representatives.

Brown said she wants to return to Austin so she can continue to "cut wasteful spending and give District 4 a voice in re-districting."

"In the next session, the main issue will be redistricting, " Brown said. "I have been through redistricting, and Austin rewards someone with tenure. If we elect a freshman, our area will not have a voice in the process.

Brown filed for re-election in Austin on the first day possible, on Dec. 3.

"The support I am receiving is encouraging, so I was ready to file the first day," Brown said. "Small business owners and families that live in this district know that I drive to Austin to give them a voice. I believe in limited government and I vote for limited government."

Brown said the economy in Texas is strong compared to the other states.

"Texas created more jobs last year than all other states combined," she said. "This didn't happen by accident. We in the Legislature made tough decisions, just like families across Texas had to. I work to balance the budget and cut wasteful spending, just like Ron and I do at home. Unfortunately, not all of my colleagues feel that way."

Brown said the Obama administration is trying to force excessive mandates on Texas.

"I will continue to fight to keep Washington, D.C., liberals from forcing their bad ideas, such as this health-care takeover, on Texas," Brown said. "I'm thankful that we have an ally, Congressman Jeb Hensarling, in Washington helping us."

Brown said she plans to re-file voter photo ID legislation in the next session. The bill did not pass this last session after Democrats filibustered and prevented the bill from receiving a vote.

"Voter fraud is real," Brown said. "I am determined to make sure that only those here legally can vote, and that they only vote once."

Brown has been recognized for her conservative voting record by Texas Right to Life, Texas Association of Business, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, Texas Medical Association, National Rifle Association, Texas Municipal Police Association, Texas Farm Bureau and other leading groups.

Voting will begin in the Republican primary in February.