Joe Straus
@SpeakerStraus
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San Antonio businessman and fifth-generation Texan working to promote responsible, constructive leadership.
Joined January 2009
Please see my new @DMNOpinion piece about the need for additional state investments in Texas public schools. #txlege #txed
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The lawsuit attempting to disenfranchise more than 100,000 voters in Harris County is patently wrong. #txlege
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The people who took their boats into the water during Harvey were not storm-watchers. They were heroes who went toward danger to rescue friends, neighbors, strangers. Texans helping Texans in a time of desperate need. #txlege
Trump claims Texans were on boats watching Harvey
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Major Texas employers are stepping up and speaking out against voter suppression, and for good reason. Texas should not go down the same path as Georgia. It’s bad for business and, more importantly, it’s bad for our citizens. #txlege.
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As a lifelong Republican, I want the party to be known for improving public education and building a stronger economy, instead of election denial and flirtations with secession.
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Donald Trump is trying to dismantle our democracy by seeking to invalidate an election he lost. Anyone who supports this effort is demonstrating a disregard for the U.S. Constitution, the will of the American people, the sanctity of the electoral process, and the rule of law.
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We grieve for the Charlottesville victims & fiercely reject the views & actions of white supremacist groups. They are un-American. #txlege.
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Congratulations to President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris on their victory. The election is over, Americans made their voices heard in record numbers, and it's important that we have a smooth transition of power for the good of our country. #txlege.
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The economic hardship this country is facing is quite real and getting worse. It’s going to impact millions. But to suggest that some segment of the population can sacrifice their health in order to save the economy is an ignorant distraction.
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The President’s refusal to condemn Russia’s attack on our democracy gravely undermines our country & principles, & his posture toward Putin has unfortunately left us more vulnerable. This is about American security & the very foundation of our democracy, which must be protected.
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Please read Laura Bush’s powerful piece about the Trump administration’s immoral policy of separating families at the border. The policy needs to end. #txlege
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Julie and I really appreciate all the kind calls, messages & words of support. Our service to Texas continues on. #txlege.
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In 1988, then-Vice President Bush called Dr. Fauci a hero. He was right then and it’s still right today.
10/13/1988 debate: @AnnCompton asks Bush & Dukakis who their heroes are, "point out to young Americans as figures who should inspire this country?".Bush: "Fauci . top doctor at NIH, working hard doing something about research on this disease of AIDS" .h/t @mschlapp via @bterris
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Honored to introduce Ambassador Nikki Haley to supporters today and welcome her to San Antonio. Remember that early voting in Texas begins Tuesday. #txlege
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Having a citizen Legislature that meets for 140 days every 2 years generally works very well. But gun violence is a crisis that cannot wait 16 months for legislative action. Texas needs a special session. #txlege.
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The antisemitism that has appeared in Austin and San Antonio in recent days is appalling. It’s not what Texas is about and it should be swiftly condemned by all who hold positions of public trust.
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Some in the Tarrant County Republican Party want to remove a party officer because of his religious faith. This effort is disgraceful and un-American, and Republicans in Tarrant County should defeat it handily. #txlege.
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The House passed HB21 today to help students & begin fixing school finance. Great work by Chairman @DanHuberty & many others. #txlege
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Admiral William McRaven has served our country and the state of Texas with honor, integrity and distinction. I am grateful for his many contributions to our country, and I know no better leader. #txlege.
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I am deeply honored by this and want to thank the Northside ISD Board of Trustees. Nothing matters more to our future than great public schools. #TxEd #txlege.
#NISDLegends- congrats to our newest school namesake, Joe Straus III! Trustees voted to name our newest middle school Straus MS, after the former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. The school opens in 2021.
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I'm grateful for all who have given me the opportunity to serve as Speaker: my constituents, my family, my House colleagues. And I will continue working with our fellow Texans to advance our priorities & governing approach. #txlege
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SCOTUS made the correct decision. DACA recipients are part of the social & economic fabric of our country. They’re enrolled in our schools, serve in the military, teach children, care for patients in hospitals & lead businesses. They belong here & they make communities better.
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The House members of the School Finance Commission are right. Schools need significant new state dollars. We’re working on a House budget that prioritizes public education, including special ed. #txlege.
texas house members refuse to sign off on school finance commission report without new money for public education : #txlege.
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Thank you teachers for the time, talent, energy & care that you invest in our children. Every day, teachers make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of millions of students. Texas is better because of it. #txlege #TeacherAppreciationDay.
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Today's attack on the U.S. Capitol was reprehensible. My full statement:
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Today I am launching Texas Forever Forward, a new PAC that will promote a thoughtful approach to governing to ensure a brighter future for Texas. Honored that Justice Wallace Jefferson will serve as Treasurer. Please follow @TFFpac.
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Attorney General Paxton has issued a well-reasoned opinion affirming that the SPB can remove plaques from Capitol. I agree w/ the AG’s determination. As a member of the SPB, I’m ready to remove the inaccurate Children of the Confederacy Creed plaque. No need to delay. #txlege.
#Breaking: @GovAbbott-led board has authority to remove #Confederate plaque at Capitol, AG Paxton says. #txlege.
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Today we showed that further restoring children's therapy services should be part of what we accomplish this special session. #txlege.
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Lyle Larson is a person of decency & conviction. He has served his constituents well and been willing to speak difficult truths and stand on principle, no matter which way the winds were blowing. I’m grateful for my long friendship with Lyle, a true statesman & public servant.
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Ruth Jones McClendon was a tireless fighter for justice. a person of principle and decency. Each of us who served w/ her was inspired by her integrity and tenacity. #txlege
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My campaign is giving $100,000 to the Rebuild Texas Fund. Thank you Gov Abbott & Michael & Susan Dell for establishing. #txlege
Susan and I are committing $36 Million to Please join in next 4 days to reach $100 Million goal! @MSDF_Foundation.
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Students & others Capitol visitors will no longer see this false information about our history. The removal of the plaque is a long overdue turning point in the way Texas tells its story. Thank you Reps Johnson, Moody & others who kept this front & center.
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A real hero, and fortunately, one of many in Houston today. #txlege
Extraordinary photo shows Harris County Sheriff's deputy rescuing two children from high floodwaters in Cypress, TX
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We should want more Texans exercising their civic duty and participating in our democratic process, which begins with the act of voting. Texas can protect the security of our elections without creating more obstacles for voters.
Texas has some of the strictest voting rules, but GOP lawmakers are now hoping to outlaw efforts by local officials in places like Harris County intended to widen access for voters, including drive-thru voting and extended early voting hours. #TXlege
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I wrote a guest column for the Houston Chronicle about the need for more Texans to vote in primary elections. #txlege
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Will Hurd has set the standard in this country for principled, solutions-focused leadership, and we should all be grateful for the way he has conducted himself during this chapter of his service. #txlege
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Proud to join my House colleagues in voting for the HB 21 school finance bill. Thank you @DanHuberty & Pub Ed Committee. #txlege #txed
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I agree with Speaker Ryan that the policy of separating children from their parents at the border is wrong. Washington should act quickly to end it. #txlege
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Putting more state dollars into public education, as the Texas House has pushed to do, will help teachers and students, reduce the burden on local property taxes, and keep more local dollars in local schools. #txlege
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Not enough Texans vote in primary elections. Let's begin to change that today. Polls are open until 7 p.m. #txlege
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The winner of this year’s Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award—ATPE’s highest honor—is @SpeakerStraus for his tireless commitment to protecting and advancing the cause of public education in Texas. #ATPESummit
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Kudos to @TAMU for launching Aggie ACHIEVE, a 4-year certificate program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. First of its kind in Texas.
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Sara and I stopped by today and saw some friends and dedicated educators who are working hard to give the new middle school in @NISD a great opening this fall.
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I applaud Chairman @DanHuberty, Speaker @RepDennisBonnen & members of the Texas House from both parties for proposing a school finance plan that would put needed resources into schools & ease some of the burden on local property taxpayers. This is a very strong plan. #txlege.
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Today the House passed bills that aim to protect Texas mothers and decrease our state's unacceptably high maternal mortality rate. #txlege.
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I agree with legislators from both parties in both chambers of the Legislature who have called for a reprieve in the Rodney Reed case until all evidence has been fully evaluated.
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This is an exciting day for @DadePhelan, his family and the state of Texas. Congratulations, Mr. Speaker. #txlege.
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The House just approved HB 23 to help schools better meet the needs of students with special needs. #txlege.
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Our family would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.
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We would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.
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Thank you Apple for making another major investment in Texas. It shows that a business-friendly state not only offers low taxes & competitive incentives, but is also welcoming to all workers. We need to maintain this inclusive, comprehensive approach to eco development. #txlege.
HUGE BREAKING NEWS FOR AUSTIN: Apple plans new $1 billion Austin campus, 5,000 more jobs as part of wider national expansion
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As we wrap up #TeacherAppreciationWeek, it's worth saying one more time: Thank you, teachers, for your work, your commitment, your passion, and the care you show as you go about the work of educating our children.
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I'm part of the bipartisan majority applauding this decision, and among the 70% of Texans who support comprehensive nondiscrimination. Sadly, we're likely to see more attacks on LGBTQ Texans. Let's put an end to it. #txlege
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Please see my guest column in @DMNOpinion: “On voting reform, Texas should press reset and seek bipartisan solutions.” #txlege
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Mrs. Bush did not just shape the people in her family, which includes some of our finest public servants. She was, herself, a very consequential leader on the world and national stages. #txlege.
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I'm grateful that the House passed the sunset bill and committees are working on a number of other important issues today. #txlege.
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Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has been a trailblazer, a role model to girls & women, a defender of our Constitution & a champion for civic engagement. We wish Justice O’Connor and her family peace and comfort as she enters this next chapter of her remarkable life. #txlege.
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If you don't make it to the polls this evening, Friday is the last day of early voting. We need more Texans voting in these key primary contests. #txlege
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Congratulations to President Biden and Vice President Harris. I appreciate the President’s call to lower the temperature because “unity is the path forward.”.
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Please keep the families affected by today’s shooting in South Texas in your prayers. We grieve for the victims of this awful tragedy.
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Thank you, Veterans, for your service, your sacrifice, your bravery, and your unending contributions to our country. #txlege.
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Proud to join friends and neighbors standing up for justice and healing in our country.
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Thank you to all of the parents and teachers who work together on behalf of more than 5 million students across Texas. #txlege
This week @SpeakerStraus was named to TX PTA's Legislative Honor Roll for his work during the 85th session of the Texas Legislature. Award presented by TX PTA President-Elect Sheri Doss.
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Good to be with Admiral William McRaven (and Ambassador Pam Willeford) as he received the Joe M. Kilgore Award for Public Service from the Austin Crime Commission. #txlege
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It’s encouraging to see growing momentum behind a robust, historic investment in pre-K in Texas. It’s important that all of us speak up and support this effort in the weeks to come.
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It was a good night as voters showed strong support for the members of the Texas House. Congratulations to our members on their well-earned victories. #txlege.
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We are grateful for the life and public service of Governor Mark White. Julie & I extend our thoughts and prayers to his family. #txlege.
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A moving, poignant address from President George W. Bush at today’s 9/11 memorial event in Shanksville, PA.
FULL SPEECH: Former President George W. Bush speaks at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on the 20th anniversary on 9/11.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of the massive earthquake that hit Mexico late last night. #txlege.
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House Appropriations Committee doing very good work to ensure that we do not balance the budget on the backs of retired teachers. #txlege.
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Really appreciate the warm reception that Julie & I received today. Great to see so many friends. #txlege
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May we honor those today who lost their lives in the attacks on our country 20 years ago, give thanks for the men and women who put themselves in harm's way to save others, and remember the importance of pulling together to comfort and support our fellow Americans.
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Thank you to teachers throughout Texas for all that you do, and all that you overcome, to serve and educate students. Your work is meaningful and your dedication is appreciated. #WorldTeachersDay2022.
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This poll provides further evidence that Texans do not support discrimination. A pro-business state is welcoming and inclusive. #txlege.
.@QuinnipiacPoll shows #Texas voters say businesses shouldn’t refuse service to someone based on sexual orientation or gender identity by 71%-22%. But 58%-35% percent voters oppose a business refusing service when biz owner says homosexuality violates religious beliefs. @CBSDFW.
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A well-educated workforce supports and encourages job growth in the private sector. #txlege
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Teachers, parents, taxpayers need to be heard from in the primary elections. Polls are open this weekend. #txlege
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President Bill Powers was a transformational leader at UT-Austin, one of the great treasures of our state. He made one of the world’s great universities even better, & his impact will resonate for generations. Julie and I send our prayers and deepest sympathies to his family.
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Our thoughts are with the people of Austin. Thank you to law enforcement and all who are working to protect the public and provide justice for the victims of these terrible acts.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the officer whose life was taken tonight and the entire Texas Tech community. #txlege.
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Thank you to all who are helping our fellow Texans.
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Today we honor the remarkable life and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King. #txlege #MLKDay2018
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Thank you @DanHuberty for introducing HB 21 to put more resources in the classroom & begin fixing school finance. #txlege
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Bill McRaven has provided strong, visionary leadership for the UT System. I'm grateful that he’s served our state in this capacity. #txlege.
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