Greetings,

In the most recent election cycle, Equality Texas endorsed and supported 12 candidates for the Texas House of Representatives.  We stressed the importance of these State House races because they could lead to a change in the leadership of the House.

11 of our 12 endorsed candidates were victorious. 

The Texas House has its most bipartisan compositition in eight years, with 76 Republicans and 74 Democrats.

And now, the Texas House of Representatives will have a new Speaker.

Events have unfolded quickly over the last several days.  And nothing is certain until the members actually cast their ballots when the 81st Regular Session convenes on January 13th.  However, it now appears that State Representative Joe Straus (R - San Antonio) will replace Tom Craddick as Speaker of the Texas House.

While it is impossible to predict what a Straus-led House will do, we want to share with our members and supporters what we know at this point.

• Straus' ascendancy to the speakership is a result of bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats.  Support that includes virtually all of our strongest allies in the House.
• The issue of fairness seems to have been a driving factor.  As Straus stated on Sunday, "Having received the commitment of a strong majority of my colleagues, it is my goal to restore civility, fairness and transparency to the House of Representatives and its public-policy making process."
• We are hopeful that the new leadership will move away from divisive, wedge-issue politics.  We are hopeful that members of the House will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to address the real issues facing the citizens of Texas. 
• However, we are unable to point to a single pro-equality vote by Straus since he was first elected in 2005.  In 2005, Straus voted in favor of HJR6, the anti-gay marriage amendment, and voted to table the Dignity for All Students Act. Straus was absent for several key votes, including Robert Talton's amendment to SB6 seeking to ban gays and lesbians from serving as foster parents. To his credit, Straus had the following statement added to the legislative record on the Talton amendment vote, "I was in the house but away from my desk. I would have voted no."  For a more detailed review of Straus' voting record on equality issues, please click here.
• Still, new leadership is good for Texas.  Indeed, we fully expect more debates on substantive issues.  We expect new leadership in key House committees.  We expect members to be allowed greater opportunity to represent the needs and will of their respective districts.

Make sure that you stay informed as Equality Texas works to advance our legislative agenda in the 81st Regular Session.

• Unsure who represents you? Don't know their voting record?  Find out here.
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The legislative session begins in one week and runs until June 1st.  Please get engaged in the movement for equality in Texas.

Sincerely,

Paul Scott, Executive Director