Brief biography of a Texas Representative or a US Senator - Essay Example

Representative Dan Gattis of the candi Dan Gattis Political party: Republican Elected office: Representative District: Texas House District 20 (all of Milam County and parts of Williamson County, including Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Jarrell, and Round Rock)Political background Dan Gattis is serving his fourth term as the Republican State Representative for District 20. He was first elected in 2002 with 100% electoral vote, and re-elected in 2004, 2006, and 2008, with over 60% of the electoral vote.

He serves on the Technology, Economic Development, and Workforce Committee as well as the Business and Industry Committee (Texas House of Representatives, 2009). He also served on House Natural Resources Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and budget conference committee earlier.BackgroundPersonalGattis is a "sixth-generation Texan", with strong ties to the land (Texas House of Representatives, 2009). Gattis was born on December 1, 1967 in Austin, Texas. His father is a former agricultural school teacher and his mother a former public school teacher.

The family ranch is called Beefmaster cattle. Gattis and his spouse Shana have three pre-school children (Texas House of Representatives, 2009).EducationGattis graduated from Texas A& M University in College Station, Texas in 1990. He was a member of Texas A&M Corps of Cadets (Gattis & Lucas LLP) and class president (Texas House of Representatives, 2009). In 1994, Gattis graduated in law from South Texas College of Law, Houston (Gattis & Lucas LLP).Job ExperienceGattis started his legal career as an associate for Houston-based litigation firm Tucker, Hendryx & Gascoyne.

Beginning in 1996, he served for seven years as a criminal prosecutor in Williamson County. In 2003, Gattis started his own law firm, which he merged with his friend and attorney Travis Lucas office in 2006 to form Gattis & Lucas, LLP (Gattis & Lucas LLP). Gattis is the head of the firms litigation and trial practice in representing individuals, companies, and organizations in courtrooms across the State (Gattis & Lucas LLP). Political platform on the issuesA Republican, Gattis is well-known for his voice on many issues concerning the development and future of Texas:Appraisal Reform: Gattis supports bringing accountability and transparency to the current appraisal system (Texans for Dan Gattis).

He promises to support reforms that would give property owners more rights while making the appraisal district accountable to voters (Texans for Dan Gattis).Balanced budget: Gattis claims to be a driving force in shaping a balanced and fiscally responsible budget that meets needs of citizens and has an annual growth rate of 3.5% (Texans for Dan Gattis). Businesses and jobs. Gattis promises to continue supporting policies focusing on the States economic well-being. His efforts towards policies such as worker’s compensation reform, no state income tax, and lawsuit reform have earned him the title of Defender of the American Dream by Americans for Prosperity for two sessions (Texans for Dan Gattis).

Education: Gattis priorities include enhancing the primary education system while making higher education more affordable (Texans for Dan Gattis). Energy: Gattis favors achieving energy independence by increasing States exploration and production while investigating all alternative energy sources available. He is against increasing the tax on gas (Texans for Dan Gattis). Healthcare: Gattis has been constantly endeavoring to improve citizens access to healthcare. His efforts to bring Texas A&M Health Science Center to Williamson County and to support funding for the Texas State University Nursing Program in Round Rock are a testimony to this (Texans for Dan Gattis).

Public Safety: Gattis concerns for the safety of families and communities is evident from his support for legislations that implement harsh punishments for child sex offenders, protect people from vicious dog attacks, and increase resources to support and protect crime victims. He also supports citizens right to have weapons for protection. Another aspect of public safety that Gattis works on is increased border security to stop smuggling of weapons and drugs (Texans for Dan Gattis). Transportation: Gattis is seeking to expand the current roadways while improving alternate modes of transport (Texans for Dan Gattis).

Water: Gattis promises to advocate fair conservation policies and provision of water in the entire State (Texans for Dan Gattis). Legislations supported in the last termGattis supported many legislations in the 80th Legislature Session of Texas State (2007-2008). Table 1 gives the detailsTable 1. Bills supported by Dan Gattis in the 80th Legislature Session. Source: Texas Legislature OnlineBill NumberCaptionSB 316Relating to the denial, suspension, or revocation of a state-issued license if the applicant for the license makes a false statement or misrepresentation or refuses to provide information; providing a criminal penalty.

SB 362Relating to civil remedies and qui tam provisions under the Medicaid fraud prevention act.SB 480Relating to the definition of private or independent institution of higher education applicable to certain statutes.SB 606 Relating to the disclosure of the name of a student or minor who is a victim of abuse or unlawful conduct by an educator. SB 766Relating to the transfer of powers and duties for accident reports from the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas to the Texas Department of Transportation.

SB 844Relating to longevity pay for assistant prosecutors.SB 1794Relating to eligibility for an occupational drivers license.SB 1832Relating to the billing of anatomic pathology services; providing penalties.SB 2037Relating to the ability of the attorney general to offer assistance to a prosecuting attorney.SB 534 (Sponsored by Rose and Gattis) Relating to certain rights and liabilities of an employer regarding an employees access to a concealed handgun.ReferencesGattis & Lucas LLP. Dan Gattis - Founding Partner.

April 23, 2009 Texans for Dan Gattis. April 23, 2009 Texas House of Representatives. February 13, 2009. House Membership Representative Dan Gattis. April 23, 2009 Texas Legislature Online. April 23, 2009. Texas Legislature Bills Sponsored/Joint Sponsored Rep. Dan Gattis 80th Legislature Session. April 23, 2009