JOE THE SPEAKER: Straus Takes The Helm Of Texas House Of Representatives

Becoming only the second Republican to hold the post since Reconstruction, State Rep. Joe Straus of San Antonio became the 84th Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Tuesday.

Elected by acclimation to lead the 150-member lower chamber of the Texas Legislature, Straus is a relative newcomer to the Texas Legislature. He is also the first Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives to represent a predominantly urban district since Gib Lewis, a Fort Worth Democrat, held the office from 1983 until 1993. Although unseated House Speaker Tom Craddick represented part of Midland, his district was predominantly rural in nature. 

Invoking presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan in a brief address to a chamber that has been fractured following three sessions under former House Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland), Straus reminded legislators that, “the Texas House of Representatives cannot conduct the people’s business if it is divided,” and implored members not to build walls to progress in the House. 

The full text of Speaker Straus’ inaugural address, as reprinted in the House Journal is below:

Chief Justice Jefferson, thank you for being here today to administer this oath. For each of us, the oaths just taken represent the hope, the promise, the stewardship, the future of Texas.

 

Madam Secretary, Hope, a dear friend of my family for more than 25 years, thank you for chairing our proceedings today.

 

To our state and federal officials, distinguished guests, welcome all. Thank you for honoring the house of representatives with your presence today.

 

To Senfronia, Jim, Burt, José, John, and Veronica, thank you for your generous words and warm sentiments. You heaped high praise on me. But I stand on your shoulders, and on the shoulders of all the members of this great body. I am truly humbled by the broad-based support of my house colleagues.

 

I would also like to thank Tom and Nadine Craddick for their historic service to Texas. Tom has served the people of Midland and Ector Counties for 40 years. He cares about this state and I honor him. We also are grateful to Nadine for her extraordinary work for the people of Texas. Our families are friends and will remain so.

 

To my family, thank you for standing with me. Mother and Dad, thank you for showing me by your examples the importance of service to the community. Dad, you’re my best friend. Mom, I guess I didn’t follow the advice given to our friend, Secretary Jim Baker, by his grandfather, and used as the title of his recent book: Work Hard, Study.i.i. and Keep Out of Politics! Well, two out of three ain’t bad.

 

Julie, Sara, and Robyn, I may be speaker of this house, but it is sometimes hard to get in a word at home. But you know I love it, and I love you.

 

And to my extended family of colleagues in the house, thank you for putting your faith and trust in me. It is a privilege to be here with you in this place of history and service.

 

Last Saturday, I was at the State Cemetery for the burial of a friend’s father. Listening to flags snapping in a strong breeze and the crack of the Ross Volunteers’ rifle salute made me reflect on all who have come before us in leading this great state. We follow in their footsteps. Let us come together as colleagues and servants to do what is right for Texas. Collaboration is the key to success in this session.

 

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” This statement, that originated in the Bible, has been preached by Sam Houston and Abraham Lincoln, and it is appropriately used here today. The Texas House of Representatives cannot conduct the people’s business if it is divided. And this is why I became a candidate for speaker.

 

Our challenges this session are great, yet our opportunities are endless. Together, we will build a house where members have an opportunity to express their views and a chance to do something great for their districts and for Texas. We will create an atmosphere where everyone’s voice can and should be heard. A place where we respect each other’s points of view, Democrat and Republican, urban and rural, liberal and conservative. I know we will disagree at times. On a daily basis, we will debate. These disagreements and debates are necessary because the end result will be stronger and better laws.

 

I will try my best to empower members so that they can do what is right for their constituents and for the people of Texas. After all, that is why we are here.

 

Our top priority, of course, is to write the state’s budget, to review each revenue and spending decision as if it impacted the pocketbooks of every Texan—because it does. We must work to provide quality education at all levels for our children and create opportunities for them to succeed. They are the future of Texas. We must continue to improve access to healthcare; we must improve our transportation system and make it more transparent; we must continue to work to bring jobs to Texas and invigorate our economy; we must be better stewards of our natural resources and our environment.

 

I know that every member of this house has something unique to offer and that together, we will rise to the challenge. There is much wisdom and experience amongst the members who have served far longer than I. Your guidance is essential. Likewise, I am eager to hear the fresh ideas and perspectives which our new colleagues will bring. There is much talent in this room.

 

For the next 140 days, the 150 of us have the important responsibility of representing 24 million Texans. Let us reach across the aisle, then reach across the rotunda to build a better future for Texas.

 

 

Let me offer, in closing, what another great President, Ronald Reagan, said in his first inaugural address: “There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect.” Let’s promise ourselves, let there be no walls in this house.

 

May God bless the State of Texas, and keep her brave and strong.

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