The late State Representative Joe E. Moreno (Houston) was born in Houston, Texas on August 12, 1964. The first of three children, Joe Moreno grew to love his community and the Houston area. He graduated from St. Thomas High School, and later attended the University of St. Thomas and Texas Southern University. He was elected in November 1998 to serve in the Texas Legislature from House District 143.

Representative Moreno had experience both as a legislator and staff member in the Texas House of Representatives. He previously worked as a Legislative Aide for former District 143 State Representative Al Luna, as well as serving as Chief of Staff and Campaign Manager for State Representative Jessica Farrar (Houston).

Representative Moreno's priority for the 79th legislative session was working on ways to clean up Houston's air. He filed the much publicized House Bill 2792 which sought to require daily fence line monitoring of major air pollutants. Representative Moreno continually advocated on the House floor for provisions that would seek to clean up Houston's air.

As a member of the Texas Legislature, Representative Moreno served on the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee and the Borders and International Affairs during the 79th Legislative Session. He has held positions on the House Insurance Committee, House Licensing and Regulation Committee, and the House Rules and Regulations Committee, the House Committee on Business and Industry and the House Committee on Juvenile Justice and Family Issues. He also served as Vice-Chair before becoming Chair of the Harris County Delegation, which is made up of 25 State Representatives, all of whom represent districts within Harris County. There are 14 Republicans and 11 Democrats in the caucus.

Representative Moreno considered it a privilege and honor to serve the residents of District 143 and looks forward to using his experience in the Legislature to provide the highest level of representation for the people of Southeast Harris County. Representative Moreno, who is currently serving his fourth term in the Texas House, resides in Denver Harbor and also represents Magnolia, Manchester, Jacinto City, Galena Park, and parts of Pasadena and North Shore.

Representative Moreno died in a tragic automobile accident during the 79th Legislative session. Representative Moreno was very committed to encouraging and supporting youth to seek attend institutions of higher education. His colleagues, family and friends honored him by carrying on this commitment and setting up the Joe E. Moreno Scholarship Fund.