Rep. Schaefer Applauds the Decision of Joe Straus

TYLER – Republican Texas House Speaker Joe Straus has announced he will not seek re-election. He will step aside in December of next year when his term ends. Tyler Republican State Representative Matt Schaefer was pleased with Straus’ decision. Scahefer said we have had conservative leadership from Governor Abbott and Lt. Governor Patrick. But he said, “we have had a speaker of the house who has stood in opposition to much of what conservatives have been asking for.”

Schaefer said his first thought when he heard of Straus’ decision was “relief.” Schaefer said we now have a chance to get conservative leadership again, which is important to the people living in this area. He said things like property tax reform have been blocked because they could not get passed through the Texas House. Schaefer said the Governor and Lt. Governor need a conservative partner as speaker of the house instead of someone who will work against them.