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House Membership
Article By: by
Texas State Rep. Larry Phillips
Posted: 1/11/2013 Views: 1548 Impressions: 10679
Categories: Government: State, Politics
Posted: 1/11/2013 Views: 1548 Impressions: 10679
Categories: Government: State, Politics
As we have discussed over the last few weeks, the 83rd Legislative Session began on January 8. The start of the legislative session is a very busy time for returning and new legislative members. While each member is there to do the same job of representing the needs of his or her constituency, each legislator's background is unique. Through other members, legislators learn about issues facing Texans across the state that may be specific to their areas. The Texas House consists of 150 members; this year there are 43 new members, or 29% of the total membership. There are 113 incumbents returning from last session, 36 of which are entering their second session as members.
This coming week, members will take up changes to the House Rules, and will also submit their committee preferences to the Speaker. The backgrounds of the legislators are important in deciding on which committees they will serve. Occupation, community activities, and the geographical location of the district help the Speaker determine to which committees members can most effectively contribute.The diverse occupations of members make the legislature a truly unique atmosphere. While many of the legislators are attorneys, there are also veterinarians, ranchers, farmers, insurance agents, doctors, nurses, small business owners, teachers, and engineers. The age of members also varies widely; there are 3 members under the age of 30, and 3 over the age of seventy. A majority of the members are between forty and seventy years of age.
Members' districts are as diverse as the individual members, ranging from large rural areas to densely populated urban areas. The largest House district in terms of square mileage is represented by Rep. Pancho Nevarez in West Texas. His district is composed of 12 counties and encompasses over 36,884 square miles. The smallest House district is represented by Gene Wu, of Houston, and is only 18.3 square miles. By comparison our district, comprised of Delta, Fannin, and Grayson Counties, contains 2150 square miles.
You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us. My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.
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