Born and raised in North Dallas by a single mom who was a Dallas public school teacher, Congressman Colin Allred was student body president at Hillcrest High School and earned a full-ride football scholarship to Baylor University.
Diploma in hand and prepared to attend law school, Colin deferred his acceptance to play in the NFL. He was a linebacker for five seasons before sustaining a career-ending injury that opened the door for him to fulfill his other dream -- becoming a civil rights attorney.
Colin served in the General Counsel's office at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Colin later returned home to Dallas and decided to run for office to represent the district he grew up in.
We've begun to dig out of the financial crisis of 2008, but even as jobs have come back, wages have fallen behind. Too many middle class families are working harder than ever and not seeing any gains, and fewer people are able to work their way into the middle class.
Strengthening the middle class is key to building a robust economy and making sure that everyone has a chance at the American Dream. That is why Congressman Allred is working to raise wages, invest in job training programs and small businesses, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and expanding paid family leave. Working families make up the backbone of our economy. It is imperative that we help them prosper, so our country prospers.