HOUSE JOURNAL


EIGHTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION


PROCEEDINGS

FIRST DAY –– TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2015

In accordance with the laws and Constitution of the State of Texas, the members-elect of the house of representatives assembled this day in the hall of the house of representatives in the city of Austin at 12 noon. The Honorable Nandita Berry, secretary of state of the State of Texas, called the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas to order.

Secretary Berry recognized the Honorable José Menéndez of Bexar County who introduced Colonel Steven A. Schaick, command chaplain, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, who offered the invocation.

Secretary Berry recognized members of the Vocal Majority chorus who sang the national anthem.

Secretary Berry recognized the Honorable Rick Miller of Fort Bend County who led the house in the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag.

Secretary Berry recognized the Honorable Ana Hernandez of Harris County who led the house in the pledge of allegiance to the Texas flag.

ADDRESS BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE

The Honorable Nandita Berry, secretary of state of the State of Texas, addressed the house, speaking as follows:

As is tradition as secretary of state, I will offer a few words as we prepare to begin this, the 84th Legislative Session for the State of Texas. Before I begin, I want to make sure and thank Governor Perry for the opportunity to serve you and the state as the 109th Texas Secretary of State.
Gathered here today, you comprise the 84th Legislature of the state that entered the Union in 1846. Prior to that, as you know, Texas operated as a republic for nine years. There are only 150 members here, empowered with the constitutional authority to represent the entire State of Texas, and we all know what a big state it is. Texas has 268,000 square miles, second only to Alaska. Orange, Texas, is closer to Jacksonville, Florida, than it is to El Paso, and El Paso is closer to Los Angeles, California, than it is to Orange. If you drove from Manhattan in New York to Charleston, South Carolina, imagine how diverse the people and businesses would be. The many accents, the ethnic and religious backgrounds. From New York to South Carolina, from America's north to its deep south. Well, that is a shorter distance than driving from Orange to El Paso. It's the same distance to drive from Chicago to Texarkana as it is to drive from Amarillo to Brownsville.
But you're not here to represent roads and buildings, rivers and valleys. You are here to represent 26.5 million people. They are the ones who trusted you to be their voice and their vote in this august chamber. You represent Texans whose families preceded statehood, and you represent Texans who just arrived from foreign lands. My husband was born in Orange, but I was born in India, and our sons were born in Ethiopia. And that is Texas.
While you gather here in Austin in this historic Capitol, what you represent is a glorious group of Texans from the far-flung reaches of our state. There are 1,262 school districts with 8,700 schools teaching 5 million students. Representative Sylvester Turner represents students in three of the 10 largest districts. And new representative Andrew Murr represents the smallest school district in the state known as Divide ISD. There, Bill Bacon drives the school bus for the 10 students this year who will learn in one of the few remaining one-room schoolhouses in America. Mr. Bacon will also teach third through sixth grade as well as special education. But he can't send a misbehaving student to the principal because he is also the principal and the superintendent.
Representative Dennis Paul from Clear Lake represents real rocket scientists, as the United Space Alliance and NASA are turning space technology into practical uses here on Earth. Representatives Ana Hernandez and Gilbert Peña represent the Port of Houston, which is the number one port in America for imports as well as the number one port in America for exports. Several of you represent the $15 billion petrochemical complex just east of Houston. Two of America's four largest chemical plants are there. One of those is the ExxonMobil plant in Baytown, represented by Representative Wayne Smith. Representative John Raney represents the main campus of Texas A&M University, where they are leading the world in agricultural research, which may mean we'll all be eating maroon food in the near future. But let's not forget that Texas A&M released a study showing that the fat found in brisket is actually good for your heart. Now that's good news. Representative Garnet Coleman represents my alma mater, the University of Houston, where an energy research center is leading the way in finding cheaper, more efficient, more abundant sources to fuel our growth. Representative Sarah Davis, a cancer survivor herself, represents the Texas Medical Center, which leads the world in the treatment of cancer. Representative Doc Anderson represents the oldest continuously operating university in the state, Baylor University, which is the newest in the ranks of national research universities. They are turning heads in the classroom, on the court, and on the football field, and I must say, Representative Anderson, both Baylor and TCU should have made the cut for the four schools in the FBS playoff. Samsung Semiconductor makes parts for all the Apple products my kids keep buying. The plant is part of Austin represented by Celia Israel.
As Texas representatives, you represent the most fascinating people in America. During the past year, I've enjoyed traveling through your districts and seeing and sampling some of the best of Texas. For example, Representative James White, I learned that pink sauce makes everything taste better at Shrimp Boat Manny's. Representative Stuart Spitzer, I learned that some of the world's best coffee cake can be found in Forney at Crumbzz bakery. And Crumbzz bakery is a good story. It was started by a New Yorker who came to Texas because he believed he could build a better business in the Lone Star State. In fact, last year, 157,000 new business entities were formed in Texas. We added more than 1,000 new people to the state every single day. In Representative Geanie Morrison's district in Victoria, Caterpillar is building the heavy equipment that is building new homes, offices, schools, and hospitals in Texas. But Representative Morrison, I learned that Caterpillar won't let an amateur operate one of the newly built excavators, even if you are the secretary of state.
Representatives John Smithee and Four Price, I learned to look for beautifully painted quarter horse statues all over Amarillo, home to the American Quarter Horse Association. Representative Susan King, I learned that the sidewalks in downtown Abilene sparkle and McKay's Bakery makes a fantastic thumbprint cookie. Representatives John Frullo and Dustin Burrows, I learned that within the city of Lubbock is a town just for prairie dogs. And, as your chief election officer, I have checked, and no, they cannot vote for you unless they have a valid form of photo ID. Representatives Mary González, Cesar Blanco, Marisa Márquez, Joe Moody, and Joe Pickett, I learned that H&H Carwash and Coffee Shop is the best place for cheese enchiladas and colorful political commentary. Representative Armando Martinez, I learned how to cut some leather for those famous Rios of Mercedes boots, the oldest bootmaker in Texas.
From bootmakers to automakers, we turn to the San Antonio delegation where Toyota has been making Tundras for years. But before we talk about building trucks, how about how Mi Tierra builds an enchilada, or how Chris Madrid's spreads refried beans across a burger and makes a little slice of heaven. San Antonio has been home to Toyota's truck manufacturing for a few years, but in April we learned that they would relocate their U.S. headquarters to Plano where they'll also be represented by Representatives Matt Shaheen, Jeff Leach, and Jodie Laubenberg.
Now if Senator Lois Kolkhorst was here and not across the Capitol, I would tell her that being secretary of state of Texas doesn't impress my seven and nine-year-old, but a tour of the Blue Bell creamery sure does. Representative Trent Ashby, I learned that Chick-O-Sticks, made in your district in Lufkin, are a great afternoon snack when you're driving across Texas. Representatives Rick Miller, Ron Reynolds, John Zerwas, and Phil Stephenson, I learned that Fort Bend County---the most ethnically diverse county in the nation---is experiencing so much growth that it took a helicopter ride to see it all.
Representatives Todd Hunter, Abel Herrero, and J. M. Lozano, I learned that while Whataburger tastes great all over the state, there's something special about going back to Corpus Christi where it all started. One of the best places to be in Texas is on Shoreline Drive, overlooking the Corpus Christi Bay that Robert Earl Keen sang about, with a number one with cheese, supersized fries, and a Coke. And a shake. Representatives Bryan Hughes and Matt Schaefer, I now know that Tyler isn't just the "Rose Capital of the World" and the birthplace of Earl Campbell. It's also a good place to have a craving for ribs, because Stanley's are incredible. Representatives Tracy King and Richard Peña Raymond, I learned never to turn down the opportunity to stop at Taco Palenque, and I know my Tex-Mex because I live very close to the original Ninfa's in my friend Carol Alvarado's district.
It has been my honor to serve as secretary of state of Texas, just as it has been my privilege to live in Texas for the past 25 years. This is a state where you can write your own story, so it seems fitting that one of America's most accomplished storytellers, John Steinbeck, wrote extensively about our state. We are a state very proud of our individualism, but Steinbeck wrote about what brings us together. He wrote:

"For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study and the passionate possession of all Texans."

During the next 140 days, there will be squabbles. There will be contention, but guided by the unifying passion for Texas, I know you will continue to make the Texas story great. I have served as your 109th secretary of state, but I turn now to the words of our first secretary of state, Stephen F. Austin, the man Sam Houston called the "Father of Texas." Stephen F. Austin said, "The prosperity of Texas has been the object of my labors, the idol of my existence; it has assumed the character of religion, for the guidance of my thoughts and actions, for fifteen years." You have come here to create the framework for modern Texans to pursue their own prosperity, to write their own story. Members, as you begin your work, supported by your friends and family, may God bless your endeavors, and, of course, may God bless Texas.

APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

Secretary Berry recognized the reading clerk, who announced the temporary officers and employees for the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas.

Parliamentarian
Chris Griesel
Chief Clerk
Robert Haney
Journal Clerk
Jennifer Teigen Doran
Sergeant-at-Arms
Rod Welsh
Voting Clerk
Scottie Hagen
Committee Coordinator
Stacey Nicchio
Chaplains
Colonel Steven A. Schaick and Bishop Michael Mulvey
Doorkeeper
Alana Hays

HOUSE NOTIFIED

A committee from the senate was announced at the door of the house and, being admitted, notified the house that the senate is organized and ready to transact business.

ROLL OF MEMBERS-ELECT SHOWING
DISTRICTS REPRESENTED

Secretary Berry directed the chief clerk to call the roll of members-elect of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas, according to representative districts.

The roll was called as follows:

DISTRICT
NAME
District 1
Gary VanDeaver
District 2
Dan Flynn
District 3
Cecil Bell, Jr.
District 4
Stuart Spitzer
District 5
Bryan Hughes
District 6
Matt Schaefer
District 7
David Simpson
District 8
Byron Cook
District 9
Chris Paddie
District 10
John Wray
District 11
Travis Clardy
District 12
Kyle Kacal
District 13
(vacant)
District 14
John Raney
District 15
Mark Keough
District 16
Will Metcalf
District 17
Tim Kleinschmidt
District 18
John Otto
District 19
James E. White
District 20
Marsha Farney
District 21
Dade Phelan
District 22
Joe Deshotel
District 23
Wayne Faircloth
District 24
Greg Bonnen
District 25
Dennis Bonnen
District 26
D. F. "Rick" Miller
District 27
Ron Reynolds
District 28
John Zerwas
District 29
Ed Thompson
District 30
Geanie W. Morrison
District 31
Ryan Guillen
District 32
Todd Hunter
District 33
E. Scott Turner
District 34
Abel Herrero
District 35
Oscar Longoria
District 36
Sergio Muñoz, Jr.
District 37
René O. Oliveira
District 38
Eddie Lucio III
District 39
Armando "Mando" Martinez
District 40
Terry Canales
District 41
Bobby Guerra
District 42
Richard Peña Raymond
District 43
J. M. Lozano
District 44
John Kuempel
District 45
Jason A. Isaac
District 46
Dawnna Dukes
District 47
Paul D. Workman
District 48
Donna Howard
District 49
Elliott Naishtat
District 50
Celia Israel
District 51
Eddie Rodriguez
District 52
Larry Gonzales
District 53
Andrew S. Murr
District 54
Jimmie Don Aycock
District 55
Molly S. White
District 56
Charles "Doc" Anderson
District 57
Trent Ashby
District 58
DeWayne Burns
District 59
J. D. Sheffield
District 60
James L. "Jim" Keffer
District 61
Phil King
District 62
Larry Phillips
District 63
Tan Parker
District 64
Myra Crownover
District 65
Ron Simmons
District 66
Matt Shaheen
District 67
Jeff Leach
District 68
Drew Springer
District 69
James Frank
District 70
Scott Sanford
District 71
Susan L. King
District 72
Drew Darby
District 73
Doug Miller
District 74
Poncho Nevárez
District 75
Mary E. González
District 76
Cesar Blanco
District 77
Marisa Márquez
District 78
Joe Moody
District 79
Joe C. Pickett
District 80
Tracy O. King
District 81
Brooks Landgraf
District 82
Tom Craddick
(absent)
District 83
Dustin Burrows
District 84
John Frullo
District 85
Phil Stephenson
District 86
John Smithee
District 87
Four Price
District 88
Ken King
District 89
Jodie Laubenberg
District 90
Ramon Romero, Jr.
District 91
Stephanie Klick
District 92
Jonathan Stickland
District 93
Matt Krause
District 94
Tony Tinderholt
District 95
Nicole Collier
District 96
Bill Zedler
District 97
Craig Goldman
District 98
Giovanni Capriglione
District 99
Charlie Geren
District 100
Eric Johnson
District 101
Chris Turner
District 102
Linda Koop
District 103
Rafael M. Anchia
District 104
Roberto R. Alonzo
District 105
Rodney Anderson
District 106
Pat Fallon
District 107
Kenneth Sheets
District 108
Morgan Meyer
District 109
Helen Giddings
District 110
Toni Rose
District 111
Yvonne Davis
District 112
Angie Chen Button
District 113
Cindy Burkett
District 114
Jason Villalba
District 115
Matt Rinaldi
District 116
Trey Martinez Fischer
District 117
Rick Galindo
District 118
Joe Farias
District 119
Roland Gutierrez
District 120
Ruth Jones McClendon
District 121
Joe Straus
District 122
Lyle Larson
District 123
(vacant)
District 124
José Menéndez
District 125
Justin Rodriguez
District 126
Patricia Harless
District 127
Dan Huberty
District 128
Wayne Smith
District 129
Dennis Paul
District 130
Allen Fletcher
District 131
Alma A. Allen
District 132
Mike Schofield
District 133
Jim Murphy
District 134
Sarah Davis
District 135
Gary Elkins
District 136
Tony Dale
District 137
Gene Wu
District 138
Dwayne Bohac
District 139
Sylvester Turner
District 140
Armando Lucio Walle
District 141
Senfronia Thompson
District 142
Harold V. Dutton, Jr.
District 143
Ana Hernandez
District 144
Gilbert Peña
District 145
Carol Alvarado
District 146
Borris L. Miles
District 147
Garnet F. Coleman
District 148
Jessica Cristina Farrar
District 149
Hubert Vo
District 150
Debbie Riddle

A quorum was announced present.

OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED

Secretary Berry recognized the chief clerk who administered the constitutional oath of office to the members-elect of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas, all of those present rising together and repeating the following oath, prescribed by the constitution, as it was read to them, as follows:

"I, ____________, do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of a member of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this state. So help me God."

TEMPORARY RULES ADOPTED

Representatives Smithee and S. Turner moved to adopt the house rules of procedure from the Eighty-Third Legislature as temporary rules for the election of the speaker, where applicable.

The motion prevailed.

HR 1 - ADOPTED
(by Raney)

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas, That pending the election of the speaker, all persons other than members of the legislature, members of their families, the secretary of state, temporary officers and their staffs, and approved guests or press representatives be barred from the floor of the house of representatives inside the rail.

HR 1 was read and was adopted.

HR 2 - ADOPTED
(by Hunter, Hughes, Aycock, Leach, and Martinez Fischer)

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 2

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the State of Texas, that, in accordance with Sections 9(b) and 11, Article III, Texas Constitution, the House of Representatives of the 84th Legislature shall elect a speaker of the house from its own membership as follows:
SECTION 1.  NOMINATIONS. (a) The secretary of state shall call for nominations from the floor for the election of speaker of the house of representatives and shall recognize every member who desires to make a nomination. The order in which members desiring to make a nomination shall proceed shall be determined by lot.
(b)  Each member recognized for this purpose shall immediately advance to the front microphone and make the nomination in a nominating speech not to exceed five minutes in length.
(c)  After all nominations have been made, the secretary of state shall declare nominations to be closed.
SECTION 2.  SECONDS. (a) A person is not considered a nominee unless the nomination is seconded by at least one member.
(b)  One seconding speech shall be allowed for each nomination in the order in which nominations were made, then other seconding speeches shall be allowed in rotation in the same order.
(c)  No more than three seconding speeches shall be allowed for each nominee.
(d)  A seconding speech may not exceed four minutes in length.
SECTION 3.  VOTING PROCEDURES: VOTING MACHINE. (a) If after the close of all seconding speeches only one nominee remains for election to the speaker, the secretary of state shall recognize a motion to elect that nominee by acclamation. If no motion is made or five or more members make a written request for a record vote, the members shall record their votes from their desks on the voting machine with the yeas and nays taken as in other record votes of the house.
(b)  If there are two or three nominees for speaker, the members shall record their votes from their desks on the voting machine with a different colored light on the machine indicating a vote for each nominee. If the nominees cannot agree on the color that will indicate a vote for each nominee, the presiding officer shall draw lots to determine the color for each nominee.
(c)  Before the close of voting on the voting machine, the presiding officer shall provide several warnings to the members that the voting period is about to close.
(d)  A verification of a vote taken by voting machine shall be by roll call vote, with the members seated and the house at order, beginning with the members recorded as voting for the nominee with the most votes. During verification, a member may not change a vote unless it was erroneously recorded, and any member not having voted for a nominee may not cast a vote.
(e)  If there are three nominees for speaker, a member who does not cast a vote for a nominee but who was recorded as present at the initial roll call shall be recorded as "present, not voting" in the record of the vote.
SECTION 4.  VOTING PROCEDURES: ROLL CALL VOTE. (a) If there are more than three nominees for speaker, the election shall be held in the manner provided for a roll call vote of the members with the chief clerk calling the members' names in alphabetical order. When the chief clerk reads aloud the name of a member, the member shall vote by stating the name of one of the nominees or state that the member is present, not voting. The chief clerk shall repeat the member's vote aloud and record the vote on a tally sheet.
(b)  After all members have announced their votes, the chief clerk shall prepare a report containing the total votes received by each nominee and the total number of members who are present, not voting. The chief clerk shall provide a copy of the report to the secretary of state.
(c)  A verification of a vote taken by roll call consists solely of ensuring that an announced vote was tallied correctly.
SECTION 5.  RECORD VOTE. All votes taken shall be record votes with the vote of each member entered in the House Journal.
SECTION 6.  RESULTS; RUNOFF. (a) The secretary of state shall announce the results of the election. If a nominee receives a majority of the votes cast, the secretary of state shall declare that nominee to be elected to the office of speaker of the house of representatives.
(b)  If no nominee receives a majority of the votes cast, the two nominees receiving the largest number of votes in the initial vote shall be in a runoff conducted by voting machine as provided by Section 3 of this resolution. The secretary of state shall announce the results of the runoff and declare the nominee receiving a majority of the votes cast to be elected.
SECTION 7.  TIE VOTES. (a) If in the initial vote no nominee receives a majority of the votes cast and it is not possible to determine the two nominees receiving the largest number of votes cast because of a tie vote, additional rounds of voting shall occur among the same nominees, other than a nominee who withdraws, until a nominee receives a majority of the votes cast or, if no nominee receives a majority of the votes cast, until it is possible to determine the two nominees who receive the largest number of votes cast.
(b)  If in a runoff between two nominees no nominee receives a majority of the votes cast because of a tie vote, additional rounds of runoff voting shall occur between the same two nominees until one of the nominees in the runoff receives a majority of the votes cast.
SECTION 8.  OATH. After the election, the secretary of state shall direct the administration of the oath of office to the speaker-elect. The speaker shall take the chair immediately after taking the oath of office.

HR 2 was read and was adopted.

ELECTION OF THE SPEAKER OF
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Secretary Berry announced that the next order of business would be the election of the speaker of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas and stated nominations for speaker would now be in order.

The Honorable Four Price of Potter County placed in nomination for speaker of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas the name of the Honorable Joe Straus of Bexar County.

The Honorable Jeff Leach of Collin County placed in nomination for speaker of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas the name of the Honorable E. Scott Turner of Rockwall County.

Representatives Price and Leach moved that nominations for the office of speaker of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas cease.

The motion prevailed, and Secretary Berry announced that nominations were closed.

The Honorable Jeff Leach of Collin County was recognized to place for nomination the Honorable E. Scott Turner, speaking as follows:

Thank you, Madam Secretary, my fellow members, family and friends, distinguished guests, and my fellow Texans. Every two years we gather in this historic chamber to consider and deliberate upon the great challenges facing the State of Texas. One hundred and fifty men and women---a patchwork comprised of different parties, diverse faiths, varied stories, different districts, and all manner of paths which have united us together in this great chamber. We leave our homes and our families and our businesses for 140 days---and hopefully no more---and come together not as politicians, but as public servants. We are here because each of us, with the loving support and sacrifice of our families, answered a call to serve. And so before we continue today---to my family: Becky, Brady, Charlotte, and Landry, and to all of the spouses, children, brothers and sisters, parents and friends, we say thank you.
Scripture tells us to "give honor where honor is due," to "outdo one another in showing honor." And in that spirit, at the outset of my remarks, I want to join with Texans everywhere and say thank you, sincerely, to Speaker and Mrs. Straus for your service to our state and to this house.
Martin Luther King, Jr., once said that "there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right." My friends, our decision today to have the first contested vote for speaker of the house in over 40 years may not be safe, nor politic, nor popular, but my conscience tells me this is right. On this, the first day of the 84th Legislative Session and in that spirit of dedicated public service, I am proud and honored to stand before you today to nominate my dear friend and one of the greatest servant leaders I know, Scott Turner, to serve as speaker of our Texas House. I stand before you today to nominate Representative Turner as speaker because I believe strongly that under his leadership, this house will find a fresh wind of dedication and a fresh fire of service to the people. This is, after all, not our house. This is the people's house and the voices that are heard on the floor of this chamber should not be our voices, but the voices of the people of Texas.
Make no mistake, Texans are speaking loud and clear. Texans expect us not just to put a band-aid on our border, but to fully and finally secure it. Texans want not just a balanced budget, but one that is transparent and honest. Texans want us to be vigilant in the fight for life. Texans want us to invest in the state's priorities: education, transportation, and water, but to do so in a prudent and responsible way. Texans expect us to revere and respect the constitution and the rule of law. Most importantly, Texans expect and deserve each of us to do what we said we would do when they entrusted us with their votes, and with Scott Turner as speaker of the house, we would be challenged and encouraged to do just that. 
On a professional and political level, Scott Turner is remarkably accomplished. Scott grew up in Richardson---a city I'm proud to represent---washing dishes at Spring Creek Barbeque, making good grades, and playing football. After playing football and earning a degree from the University of Illinois, Scott was drafted by the Washington Redskins; something I hope you'll not hold against him today. After playing nine years in the NFL, Scott has worked in our nation's capital, has achieved remarkable success in private business, and has selflessly served his community. In addition, as we all know, he is a pretty darn good preacher. Perhaps Scott's biggest achievement is he got a girl like Robin to marry him. Like me, he certainly outkicked his coverage. 
But what I want to focus on more than anything this afternoon is not Scott Turner, the professional, but Scott Turner, the man. I want you to focus not on the successful businessman, the elected official, or the NFL player, but the humble servant leader: the dishwasher at Spring Creek Barbeque; the man who rescued his own nephew and took him in as his own son; the man who, when the cameras are off, is ministering to the needy, the homeless, the helpless; the man who throughout his whole life has served God and served others. Simply put, Scott Turner is one of the best men I've ever had the blessing of knowing and calling a friend. Just over the past year, he and Robin have been with Becky and me and our family on the top of the mountain and in the depths of the valley. We have wept together over personal loss and have celebrated some of God's greatest blessings. The late Zig Ziglar, a man who spent decades ministering to and encouraging the world's most influential business and political leaders, said Scott "is someone we can count on, hardworking, and trustworthy." And I couldn't agree more.
In closing, Scott Turner is a servant of servants and a leader of leaders. With Scott Turner as speaker, each of us will be challenged to focus not on partisan politics, but to focus on the needs and the desires of the people who sent us here to serve them, to represent them, and to passionately advocate on their behalf. Under his leadership, we will together ensure that, not our voices, but the voices of the people are heard loud and clear in this chamber. 
Madam Secretary, it is my honor and privilege to nominate Representative Scott Turner as speaker of the Texas House. I thank each one of you. May God bless this house, and may he continue to bless the great State of Texas.

The Honorable Four Price was recognized to place for nomination the Honorable Joe Straus, speaking as follows:

Madam Secretary, members, today, it is my honor and privilege to place in nomination the name of Representative Joe Straus for speaker of the Texas House of Representatives for the 84th Legislative Session. Not only is it a personal privilege to deliver this nominating speech, but it is an honor to have been sworn in and be present here with all of you today. It is with a significant sense of pride that I stand before you in this chamber on the first day of the 84th Legislative Session. My congratulations to everyone. Undoubtedly, you are excited like I am. Whether it is your first session or your 24th session, like Speaker Craddick, you cannot help but be excited at the opportunities that lie ahead and the chance each of us has to protect and improve our great state---to truly make a positive difference.
As members, we enjoy many responsibilities. One of the first is to elect a speaker. As with any other vote, it is expected and incumbent on each of us to make the best decision possible after considering all relevant facts. When considering our vote for speaker, leadership is a paramount consideration, and Joe Straus has demonstrated it time and again.
Leadership is not a title to be obtained; it is something you do. It has been said that leadership is an action, not merely a position. That is true. It is not gained by being the loudest, by arm-twisting, or through the use of intimidating tactics. Leaders earn their positions by their convictions, their actions, and the results they deliver. Exceptional leaders have vision. They think three to four steps ahead at all times. Not only do they have it, they also have the intangible ability to motivate others to see that vision for themselves and achieve success. President Reagan once said, "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." In other words, results. Joe Straus gets results.
When the state faced a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall of historic proportions during the 82nd Legislative Session, Joe Straus led the chamber to pass a balanced budget that started in the house without raising taxes on Texans. Joe Straus got results. When the entire state suffered from the worst one-year drought on record, causing over $7 billion in agricultural losses alone and severely impacting urban, rural, and suburban communities everywhere, Joe Straus was there to lead the charge for an appropriate drought response, as well as the passage of HB 4 and Prop 6. Joe Straus got results. When the state saw high school drop-out rates increasing and heard demands from teachers, students, and parents to decrease the number of standardized tests in high school and provide multiple pathways to graduation, Joe Straus responded, and this house, with Chair Aycock's guidance, passed HB 5. Again, Joe Straus gets results. When tax relief for small businesses was needed, when increased attention was required to address veterans' issues, and when the most vulnerable in our state needed heightened protection, Joe Straus was there, in their corner, and the house passed bills making Texas better and stronger. The examples are numerous. The bottom line is, he got results.
We will need battle-tested leadership and a proven ability to achieve good results during the 84th Session. While we, as a state, enjoy tremendous blessings and abundant opportunities, we also face challenges. Experienced leadership with vision and a track record of achieving positive outcomes is what Joe Straus offers.
On a more personal note, I admire the thoughtful and disciplined approach Joe Straus has taken with respect to addressing our state's most serious issues. I also appreciate the doors opened and responsibilities given to members of all seniority levels. Allowing members to leverage their personal strengths, to draw on their own professional acumen, to meaningfully participate in the legislative process, and to always vote one's district have been hallmarks of Straus' leadership.
I believe Joe's steady and successful approach is in part due to his years of public service and involvement long before being elected to serve in this Texas House, or as speaker. He comes from a family who values community and public service and has for a long time. His parents have long been active in the Republican Party. Before some in this chamber were even born, Joe worked for republican Senator John Tower from Texas on Capitol Hill. He also worked in public service in the administrations of Presidents Reagan and George H. W. Bush. He has been a member of this body since 2005. Certainly, the breadth of his servanthood, his upbringing, and the support of his family, especially his wife Julie, have made an indelible and positive impact on him.
Members, we are the greatest state in the greatest nation on the planet. We enjoy a history and a trajectory like no other state. We operate the 12th largest economy in the world and remain the economic engine upon which so many others rely. That, members, has not happened by accident, and I am proud of the gains this house and Texas have made since 2009 under Joe Straus' leadership.
And finally, the emphasis Joe Straus places on house decorum, honored traditions, and house rules is both admirable and important. That reverence and respect is driven from the top down and instilled in the membership. As supercharged, sometimes partisan and heated, as things can get in here from time to time, the steady hand and dignified manner in which Joe Straus has managed this house is appreciated. I thank Joe for recognizing that not every problem has the same solution. I appreciate his willingness to listen to varying viewpoints when analyzing the issues facing our state and to chart a course that we can trust. He has proven it time and again. At this time, where we are starting the 84th Legislative Session with a very talented and capable crop of new statewide elected officials, many are looking to the house, and Joe Straus, for steady experienced leadership to strengthen Texas and prepare her for the future. Over the years, Joe Straus has cultivated a trust that is exceedingly obvious. He will lead with vision, intellect, discipline, respect for the process and house, and he will get positive results benefitting all Texans. For those reasons, Madam Secretary and fellow members, it is with honor I place a nomination for Joe Straus as speaker of the Texas House of Representatives for the 84th Legislative Session.

Secretary Berry recognized the Honorable Bryan Hughes of Wood County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable E. Scott Turner, speaking as follows:

Madam Secretary, fellow members, and honored guests. A few years back, around the 14th century, when Parliament was new, the idea that the people should have a voice in their government was not a well-established concept. The king, in particular, was not too keen on giving up any of his power. So the members of the House of Commons had to assert their voice on behalf of the people. To do this, they chose one of their members to go and speak to the king for them. This wasn't always pleasant work, and there was the real possibility that he could lose his head if the king was unhappy with the message he brought. Still, the voice of the people had to be heard, so the members of Parliament chose a trusted fellow member to speak to the king on their behalf, and this person became known as the speaker.
Of course the role has changed a little bit since then. Thankfully, it's not near as dangerous. But still, this one we choose to lead us, to preside over us, he still speaks for us. Whether in negotiations with the lower house---that's the senate---the governor, or directly with Texans; he represents us.
How do we go about choosing this person? Thankfully, we can find guidance in our own history. Going all the way back to 1845, only two speakers have held the office for more than three terms, and most have been much shorter. Back in 2003, when I got here, the people of Texas had told us they wanted a new direction. They sent a record number of new members here and changed the partisan makeup of the house. The house responded by choosing a new speaker to reflect the people's will. Then, six years later, again the house had elected large numbers of new members. The call came for a new speaker, and those of us who were here will remember the argument that three terms was long enough, that it was time for new leadership. The house responded and chose a new, young speaker, one with less than two full terms in the house. And now, six years later, we have again seen dramatic turnover in the house. As of today, we have almost twice as many new members as we did over the previous six years. Again, the people have spoken. With a new house representing a new and changing Texas, we have before us the opportunity to choose a new leader.
At the risk of flattering you or stating the obvious, let me say that the group assembled here is a pretty talented one. Our districts are many times bigger than the average state representative's in the U.S., and the competition for these 150 seats is intense. So the folks who make it here and get to sit in these chairs tend to be pretty impressive. And, even among this group, our friend Scott Turner is exceptional.
You know about his background, his life experience of facing serious obstacles, working hard to overcome them, and never giving up. You know that he is a remarkably gifted speaker. Everyone who's met him immediately senses a connection to him, and everyone who's met him knows that Scott genuinely cares about them. He can light up a room like few people I know. And yet with all of these gifts---I would say in spite of all of his gifts---he is one of the most humble men I have ever dealt with. Like each of you, Scott knows that it is a blessing from the Lord to represent the people of Texas. Scott knows about the struggles of ordinary Texans, of single parents, and folks who work with their hands. And he has lived the American dream like few people I know. Because of Scott's life experience, his perseverance, his compassion, and his humility, he is uniquely gifted to serve us and the people of Texas as speaker of the house. And so, Madam Secretary, it is my high honor to second the nomination of my friend, the Honorable Scott Turner.

Secretary Berry recognized the Honorable Geanie Morrison of Victoria County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable Joe Straus, speaking as follows:

Thank you, Madam Secretary, members, distinguished guests, family, and friends. I am honored to have the privilege to second the nomination of a man who has led this chamber for the past three legislative sessions. Joe Straus is a man of integrity, faith, compassion, and principle. He has helped to guide this body by implementing policies that have made Texas a leader in job creation, oil and gas production, education reform, economic development, and personal responsibility. It is never easy to get 149 members to work together on issues that span the spectrum, but Joe has done an exceptional job.
We entered this chamber today as friends to be sworn in as members of the Texas House, elect our leadership, and to serve our state. I have had the opportunity to meet the majority of our new members during orientation, and I feel fortunate that in our conversations we are committed to doing what is best for Texas and are not going to delve into the Washington-style of politics that serve no one. As we debate issues on the house floor, I know I can be on the front mic and any one of you can be on the back mic---and yes, our conversation may be heated. But I also know that when we walk off of this floor, we can have a cup of coffee and continue to talk about my constituents and your constituents and the issues that make their lives better.
The decisions we make in this chamber impact all Texans, but all of us are elected to represent our own districts. This is a responsibility that I take very seriously for District 30, and Joe Straus understands that. During my time sitting on the house floor next to one of my best friends, and having had the good fortune to sit next to a senior member my first session who was almost always diametrically opposed to my positions, I quickly learned that we represent 254 unique counties and constituencies. That is what makes Texas, Texas.
This chamber holds many important memories for me. I have served under a democratic speaker for two sessions and two republican speakers for six sessions. The most important thing that I have learned from their leadership of this chamber is you have to have an individual that respects a member's understanding of what is best for their district and who is also committed to the betterment of this great state as a whole. Joe Straus is that leader.
Behind every great leader is a great family. Joe's parents, Joe Jr. and Joci Straus, are longtime civic leaders and loyal republicans. Julie is a gracious first lady, and their daughters, Sara and Robyn, are the light of his life. A beautiful family.
Madam Secretary, it is with great honor that I second the nomination of Joe Straus for speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.

Secretary Berry recognized the Honorable Matt Krause of Tarrant County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable E. Scott Turner, speaking as follows:

Thank you, Madam Secretary. First of all, I just want to publicly thank my wife, Jennie, and my kids, Jeremiah, Hannah Sue, James, and Gracie, along with all the other spouses and families here. Y'all are about to embark on a great journey with us and expend a lot of time and energy sacrificing for us, so we don't take that lightly, and we thank you.
Today, I rise without trepidation or equivocation to second the nomination of Scott Turner as speaker of the house. You've heard a lot of great reasons to vote for Representative Turner for speaker, and I echo and affirm all those. But what I want to do is talk to you about some of the reasons I've heard that he may not be qualified to serve as speaker and hopefully refute those. You know, I hear all the time, well he's only served two years; he's only served two years in the house. How can he be a good speaker? Well, from time immemorial, it's not been longevity, but it's been leadership that has allowed people to excel in those kinds of positions. And the history's replete with those examples, but let's just look at one in the 19th century. There was a man who spent two years in the house of representatives before being promoted to a higher office. And I think we can all agree that Abraham Lincoln did a pretty good job at that next post. That's right, Abraham Lincoln's entire federal resume is that he had served two years in Congress before being president. So it wasn't the longevity that counted, it was the leadership that he exuded.
Now, I'm not going to compare Scott and Abraham Lincoln because, after all, Honest Abe never ran a 4.2/40. So it'd be kind of unfair to him to do that, but they did have a lot in common. First of all, Abraham Lincoln was a person who could communicate and articulate a vision for the people. And if you've ever met Scott Turner, heard him speak, you know one of his greatest gifts is that he can articulately communicate a vision that inspires people. Not only that, but Abraham Lincoln was sagacious. That's the ability to discern---cut through all the noise, all the rhetoric, all the clutter---and discern what's right and wrong. If you've ever talked to Scott, you know he's got that moral compass, he knows what's right, what's wrong, and what's going on. And finally, Abraham Lincoln, the team of rivals, he was magnanimous. He was able to put aside petty things---rise above that to work for a common good. And Scott, he's been a team leader in his house, on the football field, in the workplace, and even here in the Texas House. So Abraham Lincoln and Scott Turner both---they have the ability to communicate and articulate a vision, they're sagacious, and they're magnanimous. And that will give him to opportunity to be a fantastic speaker of the house.
And then the other thing you hear is, oh well, he doesn't have the policy depth or experience that you want in a speaker. First of all, that shows me that you haven't talked to Scott Turner, because I've had really in-depth conversations with him the last year over education, budget, immigration and border security, transportation, you name it---he has thoroughly delved into the issues, and he knows it. But apart from that, there's not one member in this house who knows every policy issue, right? I mean, there's 150 of us for a reason. We don't know every in-and-out of every policy. The benefit of a speaker's office is they have a team of policy analysts and experts who help guide him through that maze. And so Scott---Speaker Turner---will have the exact same access to those resources. There's no lack of policy depth in the man himself, but the office brings with that a lot of it as well.
So, hopefully, you've heard these talking points before, of why he's not qualified, but really, they're full of sound and fury, yet signifying nothing. He is qualified to be speaker and he would do a fantastic job. And we have to remember, it's not just Texas. We always hear the eyes of Texas are upon us for this session, but the eyes of America are upon Texas. And so what we do the next 140 days will be a benchmark, will be leadership for what the rest of the country does. So you can almost hear him exhorting us, you can almost hear them cheering us on.
You know the poetic words of Longfellow when he said, "Sail on, O Ship of State! Sail on, O Union, strong and great! Humanity with all its fears, with all its hopes for future years, hangs breathless upon thy fate." You may think that's a little hyperbolic, but it's not that far. So our decision today, taking off on the ship analogy, is who's going to captain this venerated vessel of the Texas House, through the stormy and choppy waters of the session that we're approaching, so that we can reach the serene shores of a successful session at sine die? That man is Scott Turner. The time is now; and at the end of this 140 days, the Lone Star can shine bigger, brighter, and better than it ever has. I'm honored to second the nomination of Scott Turner today. I ask that you will support me in voting for Scott Turner. You won't regret it; I guarantee it. God bless you guys; God bless Texas. Let's get to work.

Secretary Berry recognized the Honorable René O. Oliveira of Cameron County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable Joe Straus, speaking as follows:

Good morning, Madam Secretary and members. It is a privilege to address you here today. My name is René Oliveira, and I am proudly beginning my 16th legislative session.
Today is a defining moment in all of our lives. For those of you new members, you will remember this day forever, your places assured in the ongoing story of Texas. I congratulate everyone here today, particularly your families and supporters. I look forward to working with each and every one of you.
Today, we continue on a journey that started in 1846 in the first Texas legislature. That session, water, taxes, property rights, education, and public safety were major concerns. Sound familiar? Today, I am honored to rise and second the nomination of the Honorable Joe Straus as the speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. He is clearly the choice to hold the gavel.
I have had the honor to work under five different speakers, each with their own style and approach to legislative business. Joe Straus allows members to vote the interests of his or her district. He allows the body to find common ground and does not foster and promote division based on political party. Joe sees the big picture. He is conservative, smart, thorough, and strong. He is a gentleman's gentleman.
Every member must be allowed to participate in a legislative process that is fair, inclusive, respectful, and honors the independence of its members. Joe's leadership has fostered an environment in which bipartisanship, compromise, optimism, and mutual respect set the tone of our house. I have not always agreed with Joe, but he has recognized my right to disagree and will always take the time to consider each of our views.
Joe has governed evenly and effectively in times of scarcity and in times of surplus. As speaker during the greatest recession since the Great Depression, he was able to guide this house to arrive at a lean budget that required some painful cuts that I disagreed with, but he got the job done. The Texas miracle we have all hailed was created in large part by oil and natural gas revenues. With new leadership in the senate and in the governor's mansion, coupled with the dropping price of oil, we could again be navigating uncertain seas. Now, more than ever, we need a seasoned skipper at the helm.
Joe cut his teeth in the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Herbert Walker Bush. I find it absurd when his conservative credentials are questioned by those who seem to have fashioned a new and tortured meaning of the word "conservative" to fit a particular agenda. Let us ponder. Is there anyone who believes that we should follow the divisive partisan model that plagues Congress with paralysis? Is there anyone who wants to tattoo the approval rating of Congress on our Texas House? Like the young people are fond of saying, "Really?" Really? Of course not, and neither do the people of this state. They also do not want members of the legislature to be beholden to scorecard politics.
The scorecard of history will be far different than that of certain special interest groups. Let it be the scorecard of history that drives what we deliberate. I don't need a poll to tell me that our fellow Texans do not want us to go down the same bitterly divided road that exists in Washington, D.C., where the "R" or "D" after your name can determine your legislative fate.
Let us listen to those Texans who are disheartened with government gridlock. Let us listen to those Texans who want solutions and not petty politics. Today, we took a sworn oath to do what is right and what is best for Texas, and I respectfully submit the best thing that we can do today for our beloved Texas is to elect Joe Straus as speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.

Secretary Berry recognized the Honorable Scott Sanford of Collin County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable E. Scott Turner, speaking as follows:

Good afternoon, colleagues from the 83rd Legislature. It is very good to see you again. For my new colleagues, welcome to this wonderful chamber, and I look forward to serving with each and every one of you. And to your families and friends who are with you on this important and historic day to witness your swearing-in to office, we are very glad that you are here, and congratulations. To our other guests on the floor and in the gallery, thank you for taking the time to travel to Austin and to be with us.
This is a historic day for many reasons. One is that because the vote that we are about to take is the first one of its kind in a contested speaker selection in 40 years. This is also a historic time, culminating in today's vote, because the public has been engaged in our selection like at no time in history. I commend Representative Turner for that, for opening up the proceedings of the people's chamber to the people. We all are inspired by the famous words that government should be "of the people, by the people, and for the people."
For Scott, that means that the people should have a voice in all of our proceedings, particularly the votes of highest importance, and the vote for speaker of the house certainly ranks at the top of that list. Therefore, he has invited their engagement and their involvement and, friends, this is a positive development that will not recede, it will not slumber. The people, now educated, will not simply surrender their voices, and this is a good thing.
Colleagues, you know that Scott is a people person, and it is his joy to inspire them to become all that God has created them to be. He is not just a motivational speaker, he is a motivation. You know if you have spent any time talking with him that he loves you, and you also know that his love for you is unconditional. In your heart of hearts, you know that he will befriend you and want the very best for you regardless of how you vote here in a few moments.
You also have now witnessed his perseverance and work ethic over the course of the last year. It is that tenacity, that boldness, that courage that will make him a great speaker of the house. You now know when he is representing us in negotiations with the governor and lieutenant governor that he will ferociously defend this chamber and promote its initiatives. We now know that wherever he will go, he will have our backs. One of his favorite phrases to those who work with him is, "I got you." He doesn't mean that in the sense that he understands what you are saying; he means that in the sense that he's got your back. If you stumble, he'll catch you; if you're attacked, he'll protect you; if you need his help, he's got you. Friends and colleagues, as speaker, we will all enjoy his proactive and inclusive leadership, understanding his watchcare over this body of legislators, and that he is always willing to say and to practice, "I got you."
Friends, in conclusion, today is unprecedented. Unprecedented because of the unique proceedings of today, the unique candidacy of Scott Turner, and the unique participation of the people of the great State of Texas. As you no doubt are aware, Representative Turner has unprecedented support from the people that we were sent here to serve: citizens, constituents, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, children, and the people. Friends, today, let us clearly hear the people; today, let us faithfully heed the people; and today, let us enthusiastically honor the people of the great State of Texas by casting our votes for the honorable and humble representative, Scott Turner.

Secretary Berry recognized the Honorable Kenneth Sheets of Dallas County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable Joe Straus, speaking as follows:

Madam Secretary, members of the Texas House of Representatives, and honored guests, it is a great honor to stand before you on this exciting day. Just moments ago, we took an oath to faithfully execute the duties as members of the Texas House of Representatives. Our fellow Texans have entrusted with us the privileges, responsibilities, and burdens of elected leadership.
As a young Marine, I was taught that leadership is not easy. It requires doing the right thing, at the right time, and for the right reasons. It did not take long after being elected for me to be reminded of this lesson.
Unlike the Marine Corps where there is unity in command, politics is a world of competing interests and desires and, over the next 140 days, all 150 leaders in this chamber will be pursuing the best interests of their communities. There will be days where we will split along regional, communal, and, believe it or not, political divides. However, at the end of the day, we must come together as a body to look out for the best interest of the people of Texas.
We need a speaker of this house, the people's house, who will serve as a uniting force, while at the same time understanding we come from unique districts that oftentimes have competing interests. This is why I rise to support Joe Straus as speaker of the Texas House.
Speaker Straus has proven to be an effective and unifying leader who has helped move policy that strengthens our families, protects our communities, and ensures Texans continue to have vast opportunities in their future. Under Joe Straus' leadership, this chamber, over the past four years, has been able to demonstrate to the world at large that the concepts of fiscal conservatism, balanced and limited budgets, low taxes, common sense regulations, and free enterprise are vital ingredients for economic growth and prosperity. The Texas miracle is anything but a miracle. It is a product of governing and adhering to these principles, and we have adhered to these principles under Joe Straus' leadership, even during a crippling downturn in our national economy. Instead of placing additional burdens upon hardworking Texans, we, with Speaker Straus at the helm, made tough decisions, tightened our belts, and today, as a result, Texas is our nation's economic leader.
In this upcoming session, we will continue to face challenges of a growing population, a growing economy, and increased global competition. I know Speaker Straus is the right man to lead this chamber during this session. I am proud to second the nomination of Joe Straus for speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.

Pursuant to the provisions of HR 2, regarding the election of the speaker of the house, the following members submitted, in writing, their request for a record vote:

Aycock, Burkett, Crownover, Darby, S. Davis,
Frank, Geren, Huberty, Kuempel, Lozano, and Villalba

Pursuant to the provisions of HR 2, the members of the house proceeded to the casting of the votes (Record 1) for the speaker of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas.

For the Honorable Joe Straus –– 127

Allen
Farrar
Landgraf
Price
Alonzo
Fletcher
Larson
Raney
Alvarado
Flynn
Laubenberg
Raymond
Anchia
Frank
Longoria
Reynolds
Anderson, C.
Frullo
Lozano
Riddle
Ashby
Galindo
Lucio
Rodriguez, E.
Aycock
Geren
Márquez
Rodriguez, J.
Bell
Giddings
Martinez
Romero
Blanco
Goldman
Martinez Fischer
Rose
Bohac
Gonzales
McClendon
Schofield
Bonnen, D.
González
Menéndez
Sheets
Bonnen, G.
Guerra
Metcalf
Sheffield
Burkett
Guillen
Meyer
Simmons
Burns
Gutierrez
Miles
Smith
Button
Harless
Miller, D.
Smithee
Canales
Hernandez
Miller, R.
Springer
Capriglione
Herrero
Moody
Stephenson
Clardy
Howard
Morrison
Straus
Coleman
Huberty
Muñoz
Thompson, E.
Collier
Hunter
Murphy
Thompson, S.
Cook
Isaac
Murr
Turner, C.
Crownover
Israel
Naishtat
Turner, S.
Dale
Johnson
Nevárez
VanDeaver
Darby
Kacal
Oliveira
Villalba
Davis, S.
Keffer
Otto
Vo
Davis, Y.
King, K.
Paddie
Walle
Deshotel
King, P.
Parker
White, J.
Dutton
King, S.
Paul
Workman
Elkins
King, T.
Peña
Wray
Faircloth
Kleinschmidt
Phelan
Wu
Farias
Koop
Phillips
Zerwas
Farney
Kuempel
Pickett



For the Honorable E. Scott Turner –– 19

Anderson, R.
Klick
Schaefer
Tinderholt
Burrows
Krause
Shaheen
Turner, E. S.
Fallon
Leach
Simpson
White, M.
Hughes
Rinaldi
Spitzer
Zedler
Keough
Sanford
Stickland

STATEMENT OF VOTE

When Record No. 1 was taken, my vote failed to register. I would have voted for the Honorable Joe Straus.

Dukes

Secretary Berry then declared the Honorable Joe Straus of Bexar County to be the duly elected speaker of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas.

COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Secretary Berry announced the appointment of the following committee to escort Speaker-elect Joe Straus to the speaker's rostrum: P. King, Longoria, Kacal, Galindo, Johnson, Rose, Koop, Frank, Frullo, Bohac, Guerra, Isaac, Alvarado, and Dale.

HOUSE AT EASE

At 1:55 p.m., Secretary Berry announced that the house would stand at ease.

Secretary Berry called the house to order at 2:11 p.m. and introduced Governor-elect Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor-elect Dan Patrick, and Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht of the Supreme Court of Texas.

OATH OF OFFICE TAKEN BY
THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

Speaker-elect Straus and his party were escorted to the speaker's rostrum.

The Honorable Joe Straus of Bexar County took the constitutional oath of office as speaker of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas, which was administered by the Honorable Nathan L. Hecht, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, as follows:

"I, Joe Straus, do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of speaker of the Texas House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this state. So help me God."

ADDRESS BY THE SPEAKER

Secretary Berry recognized Representative Larson who introduced Speaker Straus and members of his family: Jocelyn and Joe Straus, Jr.; Julie Brink Straus, Susan Straus, and Lyn Selig.

Speaker Straus addressed the house, speaking as follows:

I want to welcome all of you---members, families, guests---to your Capitol and to this chamber. It is my honor to be with you as we begin the next chapter in this state's remarkable history. I want to thank Secretary Berry for starting this session off on the right note. And speaking of the right notes, I want to thank the members of Vocal Majority for their performance today.
I am very pleased that we are joined by two men whom Texans have chosen to be our partners this session: Lieutenant Governor-elect Patrick and Governor-elect Abbott. They lead a new generation of statewide officials, a group that is ready to move this state forward with energy and new ideas. This house welcomes all of you, and we are glad that you will be serving alongside us. I should also tell Governor-elect Abbott and Governor-elect Patrick what I learned six years ago: by longstanding tradition, the new guy pays for breakfast on Wednesdays. I'll let the two of you sort that out.
If you'll allow me just a moment, I'd like to recognize the members of my family who are here. That begins, of course, with Julie. I cannot imagine a better partner to me or ambassador for this house than Julie, whose own sense of service exemplifies the very best of this body. Though our daughters Robyn and Sara could not be with us today, we know that our service should be worthy of their generation as they will inherit our legacy.
Julie and I are also mindful, based on our experience, that families make tremendous sacrifices so that members can serve. To the families who are here today, none of us would have this opportunity without your support and sacrifice. We are grateful for you. And believe me, I will do my very, very best to have these members back to you for the entire summer.
Finally, I want to thank my parents, Joci and Joe Straus, who at a very early age taught me the importance of public and community service. Most of all, I want to thank you, the members of the Texas House. I want you to know that serving with you is a tremendous privilege. I value your trust and your confidence, and I pledge to lead this house in a way that enables you to put your constituents first.
Leading up to this day, a small number sought to divide us with misleading and personal attacks. But you cannot effectively govern this house by dividing it. What happens on this floor isn't about any single member, myself included. This house is about something that's bigger than all of us. It's about a fair process that points us toward common ground; a process that rewards hard work and respects the will of every district and the judgment of every member. This house belongs to no single interest and no special interest. It belongs to 27 million Texans---all of the people we represent---and their scorecard is the only one that matters. On their behalf, I declare that this Texas House stands together, and we are ready to lead.
There is great reason to be optimistic as we gather today. We have a climate of opportunity where the private sector can grow and succeed. No state in the country is creating jobs faster than Texas. Our unemployment rate just dipped below five percent. We've kept our fiscal house in order, and our rainy day fund is stronger than ever. This house should take great pride in this record. And for a long time, a very long time, one man has kept his focus on bringing jobs and opportunity to this state. This house and all Texans owe a great deal of gratitude to Governor Rick Perry for his 30 years of service. And if there are any coyotes wandering around Iowa or New Hampshire, I would suggest you stay out of his way and find a good place to hide.
Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst also deserves our thanks. He brought a businessman's perspective to state government and has helped to keep Texas on a conservative course. Governor Dewhurst, the members of the senate, and this house have accomplished a great deal together. But some challenges endure.
The rapid growth of our population has strained our classrooms, our roads, our water supply. As we address these challenges, education remains our top priority. We will support our schools because they support our future. We know that our teachers and principals have a very difficult job. Some of our fastest-growing student populations are the most expensive and most challenging to educate. And our students will compete in a workforce that requires an increasingly broad set of knowledge and skills. That's why it's important that we work with our educators and not against them.
Of course, the task of preparing students for the future falls also to the colleges and universities that enrich every region of this state. I visited many of these schools in the fall---from the University of Texas at El Paso to Odessa College to Lamar University to Texas Tech, and Texas A&M. On these campuses, ideas are unleashed, discoveries are made, and our future takes shape. These schools and others work tirelessly to fulfill their mission, and we are their partners in that effort.
In the months ahead, we will work on other important issues as well. Texas is home to five of the 10 fastest-growing cities in America. The stereotype of Texas obscures that we are largely an urban state with urban challenges, and first among them is dreadful traffic. The difficult work of improving mobility is already underway. This house is committed to using our gas tax and other money in our state highway fund for transportation in urban and rural areas. This may sound like a rather simple idea, using the highway fund for highways, but we have talked about it for a decade without fully addressing it. It's time in this session to finally end highway diversions. This will be an important step forward, as was voters' decision last November to use some of our oil and gas money for roads. I challenge this house to keep going, to continue looking for sensible ways to provide the transportation system that Texas needs and deserves.
We can draw inspiration from perhaps our greatest accomplishment last session. After decades of inaction, we developed a bold and fiscally responsible way to fund our state water plan. It was one of the most significant achievements in this building in many years, and it happened because legislators took the time to build support for a meaningful solution. When we presented the issue to the people, nearly three out of four voters agreed. They ratified our vision for a water plan that protects our streams and aquifers, our economy, and our way of life.
The spirit of collaboration that led to landmark water legislation can guide us in addressing our transportation and education challenges, too. It will also guide our stewardship of state resources. As the recent drop in oil prices reminds us, some sectors of our economy can fluctuate greatly. Because of this, and because we want a government that is limited and efficient, it's important that we continue to practice fiscal discipline. It's also important that we provide sensible and meaningful tax relief.
This house stands, and will continue to stand, for greater transparency and accountability. It was this house that took the lead in reducing the 20-year practice of collecting fees for one purpose, but using them for something else. We will continue to reduce it this session. We will also reform our economic development programs to ensure that they are accountable and they work to the benefit of every taxpayer. And we will work to prevent abuses by those who grant and receive state contracts. Using taxpayers' resources for personal gain will not be tolerated.
This house should lead by example, holding ourselves to the highest ethical standards and remembering that public service is about the public. I will work with you to build consensus around each of these priorities, and I know each of you has priorities of your own. I encourage you to pursue them vigorously. Nobody in this house is limited by ideology.
Every session, members from across the spectrum succeed because they work hard. They establish trust among their colleagues, and they build support for their ideas. We will, of course, have meaningful and important disagreements, but they should be just that: honest differences among 150 people with a shared commitment to Texas. Our perspectives may differ, but our purpose is the same---to represent our districts and to leave the next generation a state even more promising than the one we inherited. When it comes to the biggest issues with the most lasting impact, this house is ready to come together. We know that politics today too often thrives on conflict, frustration, and anger, but we have a better way of doing things. We will not succumb to Washington-style lawmaking, where scoring points is more important than getting something done. We will stay true to a respectful process that we know works, and we will not apologize for building coalitions on behalf of those we represent, because that's the best way to deliver results for Texas.
Thank you again, members, for this tremendous honor. Thank you for stepping forward to serve, and now let's get to work for all the people of this state.

COMMITTEES APPOINTED

The speaker announced the appointment of the following committee to notify the governor that the house is organized and ready to transact business: C. Anderson, Flynn, Laubenberg, Elkins, S. King, Burkett, Simmons, G. Bonnen, Howard, Raymond, T. King, Bell, Blanco, and Dutton.

The speaker announced the appointment of the following committee to notify the senate that the house is organized and ready to transact business: Riddle, Harless, Meyer, Muñoz, J. Rodriguez, Springer, Romero, Miles, Burns, Collier, Paddie, E. Rodriguez, D. Miller, and VanDeaver.

CAPITOL PHYSICIAN

The speaker recognized Representatives Dukes and Naishtat who presented Dr. Travis Bias of Pflugerville as the "Doctor for the Day."

The house welcomed Dr. Bias and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day Program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

INTERPRETER FOR THE DEAF

The interpretation of the proceedings of the house was provided today by Shawn Whitley and Billy Collins, Jr.

The speaker recognized members of the Vocal Majority chorus who sang "Texas, Our Texas."

ADDRESS BY REPRESENTATIVE E. S. TURNER
ON A MATTER OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

The chair recognized Representative E. S. Turner who addressed the house on a matter of personal privilege.

The benediction was offered by Bishop Michael Mulvey of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Representative Geren moved that staff members employed by house committees at the end of the Eighty-Third Legislature continue to be employed by the house subject to available funding until all committee assignments have been made for the Eighty-Fourth Legislature.

The motion prevailed.

ADJOURNMENT

Representative S. Thompson moved that the house adjourn until 10 a.m. tomorrow in memory of the Honorable Bob Barton, Jr., the Honorable Frank Cahoon, the Honorable M. A. Taylor, the Honorable Scott Campbell, the Honorable Sue Hairgrove, the Honorable Richard C. Slack, the Honorable David M. Ivy, the Honorable Bill Coody, the Honorable Speaker Jim T. Lindsey, the Honorable Hulon Brown, the Honorable S. L. Abbott, the Honorable Ray A. Barnhart, the Honorable Jack Hightower, the Honorable Jimmy Mankins, the Honorable Richard S. Geiger, the Honorable Grant Jones, the Honorable James S. "Jim" Vecchio, the Honorable Joe Robbins, the Honorable Reuben E. Senterfitt, the Honorable William Henry Abington, the Honorable Richard F. Reynolds, the Honorable Kenneth Vaughan, the Honorable Ray Hutchison, the Honorable Bill Blanton, the Honorable W. E. "Pete" Snelson, the Honorable Sam Russell, the Honorable M. B. Etheredge, Jr., the Honorable Phil Cates, the Honorable Bob McFarland, the Honorable J. E. "Jake" Johnson, the Honorable Bill Roman, and Julia Alexandra Bass, House Journal Clerk.

The motion prevailed.

The house accordingly, at 3:04 p.m., adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow.



ADDENDUM



OATH OF OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The constitutional oath of office was administered earlier today to Tom Craddick, District 82, member-elect of the House of Representatives of the Eighty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Texas.