Early Life and Education
Lampson is a lifelong resident of southeast Texas and a second-generation Italian-American. His grandparents came to the United States from Italy nearly one hundred years ago and settled in Stafford, where they had farms and were founding members of their church. His parents grew up, met, and married in Fort Bend County. The Lampson children spent a great deal of time on their grandparents' farms working the fields. Lampson's mother and father eventually moved a few miles away to Beaumont, where Lampson was born.
Lampson was one of six children born to a welder and a homemaker. His father died when he was 12 years old, and Lampson took his first job at that young age sweeping floors to supplement the family's income. Lampson's mother received $19 dollars per month from Social Security to supplement their income as long as he stayed in school. This money helped his family stay together in those difficult years. Lampson has steadfastly protected Social Security throughout his time in government.
Though Lampson's mother had only a fifth grade education, she encouraged her children in school, and all six graduated from college with at least one degree. His mother earned her GED on her 80th birthday. Lampson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a master's degree in education from Lamar University. He taught high school science before entering politics.
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