Straus: “Bold, Substantial” Action on Water Needed

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – After overcoming a challenge from an East Texan, House Speaker Joe Straus (pictured) has started his third term in the powerful post by calling public education the priority of the new Texas Legislature. Straus also said Tuesday that lawmakers must take “bold, substantial action” in the next 140 days to address a mounting water crisis in the face of a rapidly growing population. Straus won re-election unopposed Tuesday after tea party favorite David Simpson of Longview withdrew his speaker candidacy during a defiant 10-minute speech to a packed House floor before bowing out. Simpson told lawmakers the House should operate without a “fear of retribution” from leaders in the chamber.

Straus is presiding over the most inexperienced House chamber in four decades. More than a quarter of the 150-member body are freshmen. One of those freshmen, Republican Matt Schaefer of Tyler, remarked, “If Rep. Simpson had been on the ballot, I would have voted for him. He pursued my vote with zeal, and I was persuaded by Rep. Simpson’s strength of character, conservative philosophy, and fresh ideas.” But in a statement, Schaefer continued, “The will of the House has been exercised and it is now time to move on, work together, and do the people’s business. I truly believe that Speaker Straus listened to the concerns raised by Rep. Simpson and those that supported him, and it is my hope that he will take those concerns to heart as we move forward.”