Joins retiring State Senator Steve Ogden in endorsing Schwertner in the upcoming Republican Primary.

“I am proud to endorse Charles Schwertner for the Texas Senate,” said Governor Perry. “Charles and I have worked together to tackle some of the state’s biggest issues like balancing the state budget without raising taxes, voter ID legislation, and protecting private property rights. He’s a proven conservative leader who will deliver results for his district and our state.” 

Last session, as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Schwertner helped write and pass a balanced state budget without raising taxes and co-authored the state’s new voter ID law. He also joined with Governor Perry and state leaders including Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples, the Texas Farm Bureau, and the Texas Association of Realtors to pass landmark private property owner rights legislation. 

“I am proud to have earned the support of Governor Perry and other conservative leaders who know my commitment to defending our shared conservative values and principles,“ said Schwertner. “If elected, I pledge to continue working hard and delivering conservative results for the families of Senate District 5.” 

Schwertner’s other accomplishments last session include passing a resolution calling for a federal balanced budget amendment, passing stronger border security measures, restoring local control to public schools, passing significant pro-life and pro-family laws, passing “loser pays” tort reform, and strengthening gun owner rights. 

For his record of conservative leadership, Schwertner has also earned the endorsement of Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples, State Senator Steve Ogden, the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA), Texans for Lawsuit Reform, Conservative Republicans of Texas, Young Conservatives of Texas, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, the Texas Medical Association, Texas Alliance for Life, Texas Association of Realtors, Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association PAC, among others. Hundreds of local elected officials, community leaders, and GOP/TEA Party activists have also endorsed Charles’ campaign. To see the full list, visit www.DrSchwertner.com. 

Dr. Schwertner resides in Georgetown, Texas with his wife Belinda and their three sons. Charles is a local orthopedic surgeon and small business owner with medical practices in the district providing annual care to over 20,000 local patients. The son of a farmer and rancher, Schwertner has six generations of farming and ranching roots in Senate District 5 and is a lifelong conservative Republican.

View Charles' Full Press Release HERE.

GEORGETOWN, TX– Today, State Senator Steve Ogden (R-Bryan) endorsed State Representative Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) in the Republican Primary for Texas Senate, District 5.Ogden currently serves the 5thDistrict in the Texas Senate but announced last September he would not seek reelection.

Widely regarded as one of the state’s top legislative leaders throughout his career, Ogden was first elected to the Texas House in 1990 and to the Texas Senate in 1997. In the Senate, Ogden received numerous awards and recognition for his expertise and leadership on state budget issues, public education, higher education, child protection, transportation safety and criminal justice.

In a letter announcing his endorsement, Ogden cited Schwertner’s “work ethic, conservative philosophy, good judgment, and commitment to service.” He also praised Schwertner for having an “outstanding” session as a member of the Texas House. 

"I am truly humbled by Senator Ogden’s confidence in my leadership and my ability to deliver results for the families of Senate District 5,” said Schwertner.“I have the highest respect for Senator Ogden and feel it’s important that the people of Senate District 5 continue to be represented by someone who shares their values and conservative principles.It was an honor to work with Senator Ogden last session, and I will continue to seek his wisdom and guidance on the issues affecting our community and state.”

In his first session as a member of the Texas House, Schwertner served on the House Appropriations Committee where he worked with Senator Ogden to help write and pass a balanced state budget without raising taxes.
Other accomplishments includepassing a resolution calling for a federal balanced budget amendment, co‐authoring and passing the state’s new voter ID law, passing stronger border security measures, restoring local control to public schools, passing significant pro-life and pro-family laws, passing “loser pays” tort reform, and strengthening private property and gun owner rights.

For his record of conservativeleadership in the Texas Legislature, Schwertner has also earned the endorsement of the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA), Texans for Lawsuit Reform, Conservative Republicans of Texas, Young Conservative of Texas, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, the Texas Medical Association, Texas Alliance for Life, Texas Association of Realtors, Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association PAC, among others.Hundreds of local elected officials, community leaders, and GOP/TEA Party activists have also endorsed Charles’ campaign. To see the full list, visitwww.DrSchwertner.com.

Dr. Schwertner resides in Georgetown, Texas with his wife Belinda and their three sons. Charles is a local orthopedic surgeon and small business owner with medical practices in the district providing annual care to over 20,000 local patients. The son of a farmer and rancher, Schwertner has six generations of farming and ranching roots in Senate District 5 and is a lifelong conservative Republican. 

View the Full Press Release: HERE

GEORGETOWN, TX–BACPAC, the political arm of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), today endorsed State Representative Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) for State Senate, District 5.Schwertner, a physician and small business owner, is running to replace State Senator Steve Ogden (R-Bryan) who will not seek reelection.

"Dr. Schwertner is a successful small business owner with a proven record of promoting a better business climate in the Texas Legislature," said Bill Hammond, TAB President and CEO. "We are proud to endorse his campaign for State Senate, and we look forward to continuing our work with Dr. Schwertner to create jobs and grow our Texas economy."

Last session Schwertner helped balance the state budget without raising taxes on Texas families or businesses and helped pass “loser pays” tort reform to cut down on frivolous lawsuits that cost Texas taxpayers and businesses millions of dollars.He is a small business owner with medical practices in Senate District 5 providing care to over 20,000 local patients.

“As a local small business owner and taxpayer, I am proud to be endorsed by the state’s leading business association for our work in passing legislation that encourages job and economic growth in Texas,” said Schwertner.“I also appreciate TABs commitment to improving public education in Texas, which is key to our long term economic success.”

In addition to serving as an active member of the House Committee on Appropriations where he helped write and pass a balanced budget without raising taxes, Schwertner’s other accomplishments include passing a resolution calling for a federal balanced budget amendment, co‐authoring and passing the state’s new voter ID law, passing stronger border security measures, restoring local control to public schools, passing “loser pays” tort reform, and strengthening private property and 2nd amendment rights.

For his leadership, Schwertner has also been endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA), Texans for Lawsuit Reform, Conservative Republicans of Texas, Young Conservative of Texas, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, the Texas Medical Association, Texas Alliance for Life, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association PAC, among others. Hundreds of local elected officials, community leaders, and GOP/TEA Party activists have also endorsed Charles’ campaign.

Dr. Schwertner resides in Georgetown, Texas with his wife Belinda (a local OB/GYN) and their three sons. Charles is a local orthopedic surgeon and small business owner with medical practices in the district providing annual care to over 20,000 local patients. The son of a farmer and rancher, Schwertner has six generations of farming and ranching roots in Senate District 5 and is a lifelong conservative Republican and NRA member.

GEORGETOWN, TX–Today Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples endorsed State Representative Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) for State Senate, District 5.Schwertner is running to replace State Senator Steve Ogden (R-Bryan) who will not seek reelection.

Before being elected to statewide office, Staples served in both the Texas House and Senate where he was consistently rated one of Texas’ top conservatives.As Commissioner of Agriculture, Staples has been a champion for private property owner rights and border security, launching www.protectyourtexasborder.com and appearing on FOX News to detail the failure of the federal government and the violence Texas farmers and ranchers face along the border.

Last session, Schwertner and Staples teamed together to help pass Senate Bill 18, landmark private property owner rights legislation.Schwertner also helped pass Texas’ new voter Photo ID law and stronger border security measures in the Texas House.

“Charles shares my commitment to protecting private property owner rights, securing our border and defending our conservative values,” said Staples.“I look forward to continuing our work together in the State Senate.”

Staples also voiced confidence in Schwertner’s commitment to his alma mater, Texas A&M University in Senate District 5.

“As an Aggie, I am proud that Charles will be representing my alma mater in the Texas legislature, and confident that he will fight to protect the best interests of Texas A&M University.“

“I am honored to be endorsed by a proud Aggie who is also one of Texas’ top conservative leaders,” said Schwertner.“I look forward to continuing our work together to defend our conservative values, protect private property owner rights, secure our border, and protect Texas A&M University.”

In addition to his leadership on border security and private property owner rights last session, Schwertner served as an active member of the House Committee on Appropriations where he helped write and pass a balanced budget without raising taxes. Other accomplishments include passing a resolution calling for a federal balanced budget amendment, co‐authoring and passing the state’s new voter ID law, restoring local control to public schools, passing “loser pays” tort reform, and strengthening 2nd amendment rights.

For his leadership, Schwertner has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA), Texans for Lawsuit Reform, Conservative Republicans of Texas, Young Conservative of Texas, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, the Texas Medical Association, Texas Alliance for Life, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association PAC, among others. Hundreds of local elected officials, community leaders and GOP/TEA Party activists have also endorsed Charles’ campaign.

Dr. Schwertner resides in Georgetown, Texas with his wife Belinda (a local OB/GYN) and their three young sons. Charles is a local orthopedic surgeon and small business owner with medical practices in the district providing annual care to over 20,000 local patients. The son of a farmer and rancher, Schwertner has six generations of farming and ranching roots in Senate District 5 and is a lifelong conservative Republican and NRA member.

GEORGETOWN, TX — Texas Alliance for Life PAC, one of the state’s leading pro‐life organizations, has announced their endorsement of State Rep. Charles Schwertner (RGeorgetown) in his campaign for State Senate, District 5. Schwertner currently serves as the State Representative for House District 20 (Williamson & Milam counties) and is running for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Steve Ogden, who announced late last year that he would not be seeking reelection. 

“As a Christian conservative and defender of life, I am proud to have worked with Texas Alliance for Life as a co‐author of the “sonogram bill” and I am honored to receive their endorsement in my campaign for State Senate,” said Schwertner. “As a member of the State Senate, I will continue to work closely with the pro‐life community to protect the sanctity of life.” 

According to a letter from Joe Pojman, Executive Director for Texas Alliance for Life PAC, the endorsement was “based on your support for pro‐life issues that are a top priority for Texas Alliance for Life.” The letter also cites last session’s major accomplishments, which include the “sonogram bill”, the defunding of abortion providers and choose life license plates. 

In addition to his leadership on pro‐life and pro‐family issues last session, Schwertner served as an active member of the House Committee on Appropriations where he helped write and pass a balanced state budget without raising taxes. Other accomplishments include passing a resolution calling for a federal balanced budget amendment, co‐authoring and passing the state’s new voter ID law, co‐authoring and passing landmark private property rights legislation, passing stronger border security measures, passing “loser pays” tort reform legislation, and strengthening 2nd amendment and gun owner rights. 

For his leadership, Schwertner has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA), Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR), Conservative Republicans of Texas (CRT), Young Conservative of Texas (YCT), Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, the Texas Medical Association (TMA), and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association PAC, among others. Hundreds of local elected officials, community leaders and GOP/TEA Party activists have also endorsed Charles’ campaign. To see a full list please visit http://www.DrSchwertner.com. 

Dr. Schwertner resides in Georgetown, Texas with his wife Belinda (a local OB/GYN) and their three young sons. Charles is a local orthopedic surgeon and small business owner with medical practices in the district providing annual care to over 20,000 local patients. The son of a farmer and rancher, Schwertner has six generations of farming and ranching roots in Senate District 5 and is a lifelong conservative Republican and NRA member.

The first is from the Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT). Founded by current Republican Party of Texas (RPT) Chair Steve Munisteri, the YCT has been fighting for conservative values for more than a quarter century by helping elect conservatives to all levels of state government. This group of young, principled leaders represents the future of the conservative movement and I am honored to have their support in this election. 

 Below is a quote from YCT Senior Vice-Chairman, Tony McDonald: 

“Representative Schwertner had a great first session in the Texas House and we are excited that he will be bringing his strong, principled leadership to the Texas Senate. As the state deals with the consequences of federal overreach into the healthcare industry, Schwertner’s experience and leadership as a doctor and as a principled conservative will be invaluable in ensuring that our state government doesn’t overstep its bounds.” 

Secondly, I'm excited to announce that Republican State Senator and conservative radio talk show host Dan Patrick has endorsed our campaign for the Texas Senate, saying: 

"I am proud to stand with Charles Schwertner in his campaign for the Texas Senate. Charles has a proven record of conservative leadership and results, and conservatives across the state can count on him to protect our Constitution, defend our individual freedoms, secure the border, and promote free market principles that grow our economy and create jobs. Charles will be a welcome addition to the Texas Senate." 

In addition to his role in the Texas Senate, Senator Patrick also serves as Chairman of theLegislative TEA Party Caucus. I am honored to receive his support for my record of proven, conservative leadership and results and humbled to have his endorsement in this election. 

To see our full list of campaign endorsements, click here.

As your next State Senator, I promise to continue fighting for our children, our communities and our shared conservative values.

Sincerely,

"Representative Schwertner had a great first session in the Texas House and we are excited that he will be bringing his strong, principled leadership to the Texas Senate," said Tony McDonald, YCT Senior Vice Chairman. "As the state deals with the consequences of federal overreach into the healthcare industry, Schwertner's experience and leadership as a doctor and as a principled conservative will be invaluable in ensuring that our state government doesn't overstep its bounds."

Dr. Schwertner currently serves in the Texas House as the representative from District 20. He and his wife Belinda, along with their three sons, are residents of Georgetown. He is a local orthopedic surgeon and small business owner with medical practices in both Georgetown and Round Rock.

“Based on Representative Schwertner’s performance during the past Legislative session, I am confident that he will provide a much needed conservative voice in the Texas Senate,” said Jeff Morris, YCT State Chairman. “The voters of SD 5 need a principled conservative who will stand up against big government and I firmly believe Schwertner will more than fill that void.”

"I am honored that this group of young conservative leaders has chosen to stand with me in this election," said Schwertner. "The Young Conservatives of Texas represent the future of our party, and I look forward to continuing to work together to protect our Constitution, defend our individual freedoms, and promote the free market principles that will grow our economy, create jobs, and prepare Texas for a bright future."

Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) has been promoting conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The state’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 19 legislative sessions. For an up-to-date list of all of YCT’s endorsements, please visit www.yct.org/endorsements.

In addition to serving two terms as Mayor from 2002 – 2007, Maxwell is a successful local businessman, community leader, and proud family man. In 2009, the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce recognized Maxwell as “Citizen of the Year”.

“Charles Schwertner is the best choice to represent Round Rock and our entire region in the Texas State Senate,” said Maxwell. “Charles and I share the same commitment to family values and conservative principles that will help grow our local economy and create jobs. Charles has a proven record of conservative leadership in the Texas House, and I have no doubt he will continue to be an effective voice for our area in the Texas Senate.”

Rep. Schwertner, who helped the Texas legislature pass one of the most conservative agendas in history, has already completed a listening tour of the district and received strong individual endorsements in all 10 counties. Current Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw and former Round Rock Mayor Mike Robinson have also endorsed him. To see a full list of endorsements, visit www.DrSchwertner.com.

“Mayor Maxwell is a true pillar of the community, and I am proud to have his support,” said Schwertner. “As a community leader, successful businessman, and dedicated family man, I will rely on Mayor Maxwell for guidance on the issues affecting our local community, our local economy, and our families.”

Dr. Schwertner, his wife Belinda (a local OB/GYN), and their three sons are residents of Georgetown and active members of St. Helen’s Catholic Church. He is a local orthopedic surgeon and small business owner with medical practices in both Georgetown and Round Rock employing over 50 individuals and providing annual care to over 20,000 local patients. The son of a farmer and rancher, Schwertner has six generations of farming and ranching roots in Texas. He is a lifelong conservative Republican and NRA member.

For more information please visit www.DrSchwertner.com. 

(END)

Since announcing his intention to seek Senate District 5 earlier this fall, Schwertner has completed a listening tour of the district and has received strong individual endorsements in all 10 counties including district mayors, education leaders, GOP club presidents, precinct chairs, Republican and TEA Party activists and local state legislators. Additionally, his“Aggies for Schwertner”group already includes over 150 students, faculty, alumni, and Regents.A full list of endorsements can be found on the campaign websitewww.DrSchwertner.com.

“I am energized by the early and overwhelming support, and I look forward to running a robust person-to-person grassroots campaign across the entire district to try and earn the support of all District 5 families,” said Schwertner.“I have the utmost respect for the job that Senator Ogden has done, and feel it's important that the people of Senate District 5 continue to be represented by someone who shares their values and conservative principles: a government that lives within its means, taxes which are low and fair, and a regulatory environment that doesn’t punish small businesses.”

This past legislative session, Rep. Schwertner served as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Public Health.He successfully fought to help balance the state budget without raising taxes, increase the state’s border security measures, pass photo ID legislation, pass a proof of citizenship requirement for those seeking a Texas driver’s license, support veterans, restore local community controls to public education, strengthen private property owner rights by co-authoring landmark eminent domain abuse reform legislation, pass “loser pays” tort reform, and defend pro-life and pro-family values, including passage of the “sonogram bill.”

Dr. Schwertner, his wife Belinda (a local OB/GYN), and their three sons are residents of Georgetown and active members of St. Helen’s Catholic Church. He is a local orthopedic surgeon and small business owner with medical practices in both Georgetown and Round Rock employing over 50 individuals and providing annual care to over 20,000 local patients.The son of a farmer and rancher, Schwertner is a lifelong conservative Republican and NRA member.  (END)

To view the endorsement video, click here.

“Dr. Charles Schwertner stands shoulder-to-shoulder with CRT on the protection of faith, family and freedom and is the conservative leader we need in the Texas Senate,” said Dr. Steve Hotze, President of Conservative Republicans of Texas. “Schwertner is a proven fiscal and social conservative who has courageously held the line on taxes and voted to reduce government spending and regulations that impede free enterprise and the creation of jobs. Conservative voters in SD5 can rest assured that Schwertner will fight to protect free enterprise and traditional family values.”

“I am honored to have the endorsement of Conservative Republicans of Texas in my campaign for the Texas Senate,” said Rep. Schwertner.” CRT is a powerful grassroots organization with a statewide reach and an impressive record of supporting strong Republicans in the Texas Legislature. I am humbled by their support and look forward to working hard in the upcoming campaign.”

Dr. Schwertner comes from six generations of family farming and ranching roots in Williamson County. He was elected to the Texas House in 2010, representing Milam and parts of Williamson County, and he serves on the Appropriations and Public Health Committees. He is a small business owner, and practicing physician living in Georgetown, Texas.

State Senate District 5 includes Brazos, Freestone, Grimes, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Robertson, Walker and Williamson counties.

###

Performance on Fiscal Responsibility Index praised as he begins Senate run

AUSTIN, Texas – Charles Schwertner today was endorsed by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility in his run for the Texas Senate, District 5, in 2012. The freshman state representative was noted for his strong performance on the Fiscal Responsibility Index.

"As freshman member of the Texas House, Charles Schwertner developed a record of working in the best interests of Texas taxpayers," said Michael Quinn Sullivan, president of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility (www.EmpowerTexans.com).

Schwertner is seeking the Republican nomination for SD5, a seat currently held by State Sen. Steve Ogden of Bryan who is not seeking re-election. A physician from Williamson County, Schwertner served on the House Appropriations and Public Health committees.

"Looking ahead to the 2013 legislative session, and the issues facing Texas, voters are looking for proven leaders who will responsibly balance the budget without levying new taxes," said Sullivan. “The Texas Senate, and all Texans, will benefit from Charles Schwertner’s steady approach to public policy, grounded in common-sense fiscal principles.”

Senate District 5 includes 10 counties: Brazos, Freestone, Grimes, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Robertson, Walker and Williamson.

The medical groups throwing their early support behind Rep. Schwertner include:

• Texas Orthopaedic Association PAC
• Texas Academy of Family Practitioners—TAFPPAC
• Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society PAC
• Texas Chapter of the American College of Cardiology—HeartPAC
• Texas Dental Association—DENPAC
• HeartPlace PAC
• Texas Medical Association—TEXPAC
• Texas Ophthalmological Association—EYE-PAC
• Texas Pharmacy Business Council
• Texas Society of Anesthesiologist—TSA PAC

“Like never before, health care issues are at the forefront of all policy concerns, and Dr. Schwertner is uniquely qualified to help lead the charge in the Senate to ensure that access to high quality and affordable health care continues to exist in the State of Texas,” Omer Ilahi, President of the Texas Orthopaedic Association said.

“As an orthopaedic surgeon and a small business owner, he understands the issues confronting patients, consumers, and health care providers,” Ilahi added, “And we are proud to support Dr. Schwertner in his run for the Texas Senate.”

Rep. Schwertner is proud to have these leading healthcare advocates supporting him in his bid for the Texas Senate.

“It is an honor to have the support and confidence of the healthcare community,” Rep. Schwertner said. “It was a priority of mine in the Texas House to protect patient rights from government intrusion and health insurance company abuses and to defend our advancements in tort reform, and I pledge to continue this fight in the Texas Senate.”

Dr. Schwertner, his wife Belinda (a local OB/GYN) and their three sons are residents of Georgetown and active members of St. Helen’s Catholic Church. He is a local orthopedic surgeon and small business owner with medical practices in both Georgetown and Cedar Park employing over 50 individuals and providing annual care to over 20,000 local patients.

###

“Dr. Schwertner has been a strong supporter of the Texas cattle industry,” said Joe Parker Jr., rancher, president of TSCRA and co-chairmanof the TSCRA PAC.

“He believes in free enterprise and protecting private property rights, two things that are critical to the success of the cattle industry,” Parker said. “Dr. Schwertner supported protecting Texaslandowners’ownership ofthe groundwater below their landand helped to secure stronger eminent domain laws to better protectTexaslandowners.”
“He will continue to be a strong voice for the cattle industry, which is why the TSCRA PAC is proud to support him for election to the Texas Senate,” Parker continued.

“After sitting down and discussing the needs and priorities of the City of Bryan and Brazos County with Rep. Charles Schwertner, I am confident that he is the best choice to continue Senator Ogden’s outstanding representation for our area in the State Senate,” said Bienski. “Charles shares our values and conservative principles and will fight to protect our local community and deliver results for the families of Brazos County.”

Schwertner has already been endorsed by community and Republican leaders across the district including district mayors, Texas A&M University Regents, education leaders, GOP Club presidents, precinct chairs, Republican and TEA Party activists, and local state legislators.

“Mayor Bienski has done a wonderful job serving the people of Bryan, and I am honored to have his support,” said Schwertner. “If elected, I promise to work with the local leaders in Brazos County, like Mayor Bienski, to keep taxes low, promote local economic growth and defend our shared conservative values.”

For more information please visit www.DrSchwertner.com.

###

“TEXPAC is supporting Representative Schwertner because he demonstrated during his first term in the Texas House that he was solid conservative leader,” said Joe Todd, MD, chair of the TEXPAC Board of Directors. “He passed a number of bills and worked on legislation to ensure Texas’ patients continue to have access to health care services and receive the highest quality of care from qualified and competent physicians.

“Dr. Schwertner has demonstrated that he will listen to his patients’ and physicians’ concerns on issues and will work diligently on their behalf. He will add important expertise to the Texas Senate on health care issues, which is a pressing state issue, and he will also provide the perspective of a small-business owner,” added Dr. Todd.

Last week, Sen. Steve Ogden (R-Bryan) announced he was retiring from the Senate seat, which encompasses Brazos, Freestone, Grimes, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Robertson, Walker, and Williamson counties.

TEXPAC speaks on behalf of nearly 45,000 Texas physicians and medical students, and nearly 8,000 alliance members. Organized in 1962, TEXPAC is one of the oldest political action committees in Texas. TEXPAC also is one of the largest bipartisan PACs in the state and ranks first in size among other state medical association PACs.

For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, September 28, 2011

CRT Endorses Schwertner for Texas Senate

HOUSTON – Conservative Republicans of Texas made its first endorsement in the 2012 Texas Senate elections, endorsing Charles Schwertner in the contest to succeed Steve Ogden in Senate District 5. Senator Ogden recently announced his intention to retire at the end of this term.

“We are fully committed to electing Charles Schwertner to the Texas Senate,” said Dr. Steve Hotze, President of Conservative Republicans of Texas.

“Charles Schwertner is the kind of conservative leader we need in the Texas Senate. He stands with CRT to protect faith, family and freedom. Conservative voters in SD5 can rest assured that Schwertner will stand tall in the Texas Senate to protect and promote free enterprise and traditional family values.”

“Schwertner is a proven fiscal and social conservative who has courageously held the line on taxes and voted to reduce government spending and regulations that impede free enterprise and the creation of jobs,” Hotze concluded.

Dr. Schwertner comes from six generations of family farming and ranching roots in Williamson County. He was elected to the Texas House in 2010, representing Milam and parts of Williamson County, and he serves on the Appropriations and Public Health Committees. He is a small business owner, and practicing physician living in Georgetown, Texas.

State Senate District 5 includes Brazos, Freestone, Grimes, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Robertson, Walker and Williamson counties.

###

State Rep. Charles Schwertner Announces Early Endorsements for State Senate, District 5

List of more than 100 community and Republican leaders includes district mayors, current Texas A&M University Regents, education leaders, GOP club presidents, precinct chairs, Republican and TEA Party activists, and local state legislators

GEORGETOWN, TX – Today State Rep. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) announced early endorsements for his State Senate campaign.The list of more than 100 community and Republican leaders includes district mayors, current Texas A&M University Regents, education leaders, GOP club presidents, precinct chairs, Republican and TEA Party activists, and local state legislators.State Senator Steve Ogden announced last week that he will not seek reelection.

Highlights of Schwertner’s endorsement list include the mayors of the four largest cities in Williamson County; four current Texas A&M University Regents; State Representatives Byron Cook, Marva Beck, and Tim Kleinschmidt who represent portions of Senate District 5; and State Representative Fred Brown who represented part of Brazos County including the Bryan-College Station area before resigning earlier this year.

“I am humbled by the early endorsements and will continue my efforts to earn the support of community leaders and residents across the district,” said Schwertner.“Senator Ogden leaves some big shoes to fill, and if elected, I promise to work hard to protect our community, our families, and our shared conservative values.”

Senator Steve Ogden has not made an endorsement but recently said of Schwertner in theWilliamson County Sun:

“…I would say he’s well-qualified for the job and I would hope the people of the district would take a good long look at him because he would make a great State Senator.”

Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR) PAC also endorsed Schwertner last week calling him “…a principled conservative as well as an impressive and effective Member of the Texas House.”

Schwertner for State Senate Endorsement List 

(partial list as of 9.25.11)

Elected Officials
Mayor George Garver, City of Georgetown
Mayor Alan McGraw, City of Round Rock
Mayor Bob Lemon, City of Cedar Park
Mayor John Cowman, City of Leander
Mayor Dr. Larry Jones,City of Rockdale
Former Mayor Mike Robinson, City of Round Rock
Councilman Mitch Fuller, City of Cedar Park
Councilman Don Tracy, City of Cedar Park and Precinct Chair (283), Williamson
County Republican Party
Councilman Pat Berryman, City of Georgetown
Councilman Troy Hellmann, City of Georgetown
Councilman Craig Morgan, City of Round Rock
County Judge Dave Barkemeyer, Milam County
Sheriff David Greene, Milam County
Sheriff James Wilson, Williamson County
Commissioner Lisa Birkman, Williamson County Commissioners Court, Pct. 1
Commissioner Cynthia Long, Williamson County Commissioners Court, Pct. 2
Commissioner Valerie Covey, Williamson County Commissioners Court, Pct. 3
Commissioner Ron Morrison,Williamson County Commissioners Court, Pct. 4
Marsha Farney,State Board of Education Place 10
Rep. Fred Brown(retired), Texas House District 14 (Brazos County)
Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt, Texas House District 17 (Brazos County)
Rep. Marva Beck,Texas House District 57 (Leon, Madison, & Robertson counties)
Rep. Byron Cook,Texas House District 8 (Freestone & Limestone counties)
Rep. Dennis Bonnen, Texas House District 25
Rep. John Kuempel, TexasHouse District 44
Rep. Dan Huberty, Texas House District 127
Former Republican Nominee Bryan Daniel, House District 52
Former Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Thomas, Cedar Park City Council
Board Member Sheila Carter, Georgetown Independent School District

Republican/TEA Party Leaders
Bill Fairbrother- Chairman, Williamson County Republican Party
Bill Whitmire- Chairman, Milam County Republican Party
Marilyn Johnson- President, Milam County Republican Women
Megan Higginbotham- President, Central Texas Young Republicans
Les Davenport- Chairman, Milam County Tea Party
Maria Acosta- President, Central Texas 9/12
Pat McCaslin- Former President, Sun City Republican Club
Rod Holcombe- Treasurer, Milam County Republican Party
Chris Holcombe- Legislative Affairs Chair, Milam County Republican Women
Lois Ammerman- Precinct Chair (203), Milam County Republican Party
Richard Birkman- Precinct Chair (160), Williamson County Republican Party
James Crabtree- Precinct Chair (206), Williamson County Republican Party
Walt Manly- Precinct Chair (265), Williamson County Republican Party
Paul Baron- Precinct Chair (277), Williamson County Republican Party
Mike McCloskey- Precinct Chair (287), Williamson County Republican Party
Charles Carter- Precinct Chair (305), Williamson County Republican Party
Mark Covey- Precinct Chair (343), Williamson County Republican Party
Jim Mills- Precinct Chair (369), Williamson County Republican Party
Linda McDaniel- Precinct Chair (371), Williamson County Republican Party
Gwen Hodges- Precinct Chair (379), Williamson County Republican Party
Roland Pena- Precinct Chair (392), Williamson County Republican Party
Modene Marek- Precinct Chair (441), Williamson County Republican Party
Texas A&M University
Dr. Richard Box- Chairman, Texas A&M Board of Regents
Phil Adams -Regent, Texas A&M Board of Regents
Jim Schwertner- Regent, Texas A&M Board of Regents
Fernando Trevino- Student Regent, Texas A&M Board of Regents
Michael McKinney- Former Chancellor, Texas A&M University System

Community Leaders
Judy & John Avery
Heather & Randy Batten
Dr. Stephen Benold
Melissa & Dr. Ryan Bergeson
Dr. Ingrid & Dr. Kevin Brown
Dr. Jinnie & Dr. Erik Bruce
Lillian Bucher
Dr. Dawn & Dr. Ed Buckingham
Michelle & Dr. Jamie Callas
Erika & Ernest Castillo
Meg & Dr. Robert Denyer
Megan & Giovianni Dibartolo
Barbara & Dr. Jon Dietlein
Rebecca & Dr. Chris English
Bryan Farney
Suzanne & Dr. Scott Franklin
Crystal & Ty Gipson
Lt. General Charles Graham (retired)
Bill Gravell
Kay & Randy Harig
Anne & Dr. Brian Harper
Melissa & Jimmy Hausanfluke
Bettie & Doyle High
Aubrey Holt
Sam Jirasek
Gina & Kevin Ketchem
Alexa & Billy Kurtz
Dr. Lon Latiolais
Christy & Greg Ledbetter
Elizabeth & Travis Lucas
Sherri & Tom Madden
Jill & Paul Marshall
Linda & Doug McCasland
Amanda& Lee McIntosh
Dr. Kelly Montiville
Sharon & Dr. Brent New
Mary Beth & Dr. Clifton O'Meara
Tillie & John Pope
Merrick & Jake Posey
Betty Ann & Gary Preston
Kim & Greg Ray
John Rodgers
Tye & Robert Sands
Joe Savage
Betty & Ben Schleder
Storey Sherouse
Jennifer & Shane Stevens
Sandy & Brad Stewart
Shelly & Scott Stribling
Mia & Dr. Troy Thompson
Shannon & Rob Tucker
Gary Tutor
Jackie & Dr. Michael Valastro
Kari & Brent Warrington
Alice & Andy Webb
Jennifer & Mark Weber
Adaire & David Wolf

(END)

http://tlrpac.com/press-release/tlr-pac-endorses-state-rep-charles-schwertner-senate-district-5

AUSTIN, TX - Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC today announced its endorsement of State Rep. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) in Senate District 5. In making the endorsement, TLR PAC Chairman Richard J. Trabulsi, Jr. said:

“Dr. Schwertner is a principled conservative as well as an impressive and effective Member of the Texas House. As a physician, Dr. Schwertner is acutely aware of the importance of lawsuit reform in assuring that Texans have access to doctors and health care. He understands the critical role tort reform plays in strengthening the Texas economy and creating jobs. Dr. Schwertner will be a strong and courageous voice on civil justice issues in the Texas Senate and TLR PAC is proud to endorse him.”
Schwertner is the managing partner of Georgetown Orthopedics, LLC, a medical clinic with over 40 employees that provides annual care to over 20,000 patients in the Williamson County area. He was elected to the Texas House in 2010, representing Milam and parts of Williamson County. Senate District 5 includes Brazos, Freestone, Grimes, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Robertson, Walker and Williamson Counties.

TLR PAC is the political arm of Texans for Lawsuit Reform, the state's largest civil justice reform organization. TLR is a bipartisan, volunteer-led coalition with more than 17,000 supporters residing in 869 Texas communities and representing 1,266 different businesses, professions and trades. For more information about TLR PAC visit www.tlrpac.com.

“Dr. Schwertner, we have led Texas based on some just really pretty simple guiding principles,” said Perry. “One is don’t spend all of the money. Two is keeping the taxes low and under control. Three is you have your regulatory climate fair and predictable. Four is reform the legal system so frivolous lawsuits don’t paralyze employers that are trying to create jobs.”

Rep. Schwertner made plans to attend the RedState Gathering earlier in the week when it was revealed that Governor Perry would be announcing his Presidential campaign. The recognition by Perry was unexpected.

"It’s a great honor to be mentioned by Governor Perry in a historical speech of such importance to the future of our nation," said Schwertner. "Governor Perry and I share many of the same conservative values and aspirations for our country and state’s future: we both believe in limited government, we both want taxes which are low and fair, we both want a predictable regulatory environment that allows for job creation, and we both believe in reforming our legal system to stop frivolous lawsuits. I'm proud to support Governor Perry as he seeks the highest office in the land, and I look forward to doing everything I can to help him get America working again."

Rep. Charles Schwertner is a State Representative from House District 20, which represents northern and western Williamson County and Milam County. Schwertner is a member of the House Committee on Public Health and the powerful House Committee on Appropriations, which earlier this year authored a balanced state budget without raising taxes while prioritizing spending towards essential state services. Rep. Schwertner was also a co-author of “loser pays” lawsuit reform legislation touted by Governor Perry in his announcement speech. He was also the first joint author of eminent domain reform legislation that strengthens private property owner rights in Texas.

Rep. Schwertner is a practicing orthopedic surgeon and the managing partner of Georgetown Orthopedics. He and his wife Belinda, a local OB/GYN, live in Georgetown with their three young boys, Carson, Zachary, and Matthew.

To read the full transcript of Gov. Perry’s announcement speech, visit: http://www.rickperry.org/news/text-gov-rick-perry-presidential-announcement-remarks/ (END).

With the state budget fully designed and its funding plans passed to the governor, Williamson County’s delegation in the Texas House of Representatives said the surprise special session has been an overall success. But what caught the most attention were two prominent Republican priorities—arguments that became more fueled as deadline after deadline continued to pass.

The Lege’s highest priority, said freshman Rep. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, was to balance the state budget without raising taxes. The Legislature did that, but it took longer than expected; a spartan budget plan was passed in May along party lines, but it took the impromptu special session to solidify funding mechanisms determining how funding for health care and public education would be divided. Of special note is a bill granting more fiscal flexibility to local school districts, which will be allowed to reduce pay of teachers and administrators or institute furloughs instead of layoffs.

“I think we sent a message to the nation that Texas, at least, is going to live within its means,” said Schwertner, who was also a member of the House budget writing committee. “We prioritized the spending of Texas and lived within our budget, without raising taxes, and that’s an important statement that the rest of the nation needs to hear.”

The Legislature also passed a bill adjusting funding plans for the troubled Texas Windstorm Insurance Agency, which works with hurricane victims.

Left undone were conservative initiatives on so-called “sanctuary cities,” or municipalities with lax enforcement policies concerning undocumented immigrants, as well as a bill banning invasive pat-downs by Transportation Security Administration officials at airports. Supporters called the pat-downs akin to groping. Both bills disintegrated in the final days and hours as Republican leaders in the House and Senate could not agree on dueling versions and conflicting amendments that had been added to each bill.

“The anti-groping bill really became a phenomenon in the last few days, especially since so many horror stories began coming out of airports,” said Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock.

Both bills were added midway through the special session by Gov. Rick Perry; originally, only the funding mechanisms had been mentioned. As the special session continued, lawmakers grew absent, to the point that the House could not reach quorum twice. House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, sparked controversy in his chamber by publicly criticizing the TSA bill. When the Senate adjourned before the House, a number of Representatives accused the upper chamber of stifling debate and dooming both pieces of legislation.

Gonzales said that despite the lockdown over the TSA and “sanctuary cities” bills, the special session was worth the time.

“The days don’t matter so much to me. If it takes a little extra time to get it right, then so be it,” Gonzales said. “We took the extra days we needed, we tied up a few loose ends, and made things a little bit better.

John Egan, Austin Market Examiner

A pair of Democratic state lawmakers from Austin – Reps. Eddie Rodriguez and Elliott Naishtat – were two of the most liberal members of the Texas House during the 2011 legislative session, according to a new ranking.

Rodriguez ranked seventh on a political science professor’s list of the most liberal House members, while Naishtat was in the No. 9 position. The higher the ranking, the more liberal a House member is considered to be. According to this ranking, Rodriguez and Naishtat were the most liberal state representatives in the Austin metro area (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell and Bastrop counties) in 2011.

Based on this ranking, Rep. Charles Schwertner, a Georgetown Republican whose district covers part of Williamson County, secured the title as the most conservative House member from Central Texas for 2011. He was at No. 112 on the list.

Mark Jones, chairman of Rice University’s political science department, devised the ranking system using roll-call votes taken by 149 members of the Texas House during the 2011 regular and special legislative sessions. The House has 101 Republicans and 49 Democrats.

House Speaker Joe Straus, a San Antonio Republican, was excluded from the ranking because he typically doesn’t cast roll-call votes.

Based on the 2011 votes, each state representative was assigned a numerical score on a liberal-conservative scale. That score determined every lawmaker’s position in the rankings, with -1.0 being the highest possible liberal score and 1.0 being the highest possible conservative score.
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Jones’ findings were published by The Texas Tribune.

A little bit down the liberal ladder from Rodriguez and Naishtat was Rep. Dawnna Dukes, an Austin Democrat. She was in the 13th position in the ranking.

In 35th place was Rep. Donna Howard, an Austin Democrat. Not far behind, in the No. 38 spot, was Rep. Mark Strama, also an Austin Democrat.

Rep. Larry Gonzales, a Round Rock Republican, was in 61st place. That put him in the “more moderate” pack among GOP members of the House, according to Jones, the Rice professor.

At No. 90 was Rep. Paul Workman, an Austin Republican. In position No. 96 was Rep. Jason Isaac, a Dripping Springs Republican whose district includes Caldwell and Hays counties. Holding down the 98th spot was Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt, a Lexington Republican whose district includes Bastrop County.

According to their 2011 voting records, Workman, Isaac and Kleinschmidt are “Republican centrist.”

Continue reading on Examiner.com Eddie Rodriguez, Elliott Naishtat among most liberal members of Texas House - Austin Market | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/market-in-austin/eddie-rodriguez-elliott-naishtat-among-most-liberal-members-of-texas-house#ixzz1Rnj9nPpe

This legislative session featured the introduction of 35 fresh, new faces to the Texas House (30 Republicans, 5 Democrats). Making up slightly more than 23% of the House, these first-timers were elected on the heels of an electoral season characterized by a simmering dissatisfaction with the political status-quo.

Many ran under the banner of limited government, less spending, and no new taxes. A majority of those followed through on their campaign promises, some did not.

So, how did they do?

On average, the first-time legislators performed well on the Fiscal Responsibility Index. Of the 35 newbies, 11 earned a rating in the "A" range, 8 in the "B" range, 6 in the "C", 4 in the "D", and 6 failed with an "F".

According the the Index, Freshmen legislators scored a 76% overall - significantly outperforming House veterans (59.2%) and the overall House (63.2%).

Composing a significant portion of their caucus, the 30 Republican freshmen legislators garnered an 84.2% seemingly helping to anchor their caucus on fiscal issues as GOP veterans and the caucus as a whole scored 81.7 and 82.5% respectively.

Even while falling far short of a passing grade, freshmen Democrat legislators on average also scored better on the Index than their veteran peers and caucus as a whole. The 5 freshmen D's came away with a 26.5% compared to a 23.5% from their veterans and a 23.8% from the caucus.

Many freshmen distinguished themselves as"Taxpayer Champions", while several others were"Taxpayer Advocates".

While there certainly were first year legislators who ably championed the causes of limited government and fiscal responsibility, there were others whose performances were less than underwhelming in advocacy for the taxpayer. Five GOP freshmen fell below the "C" range on the Index, with one posting a failing grade.

Looking over the cumulative results posted by the House's newest legislators (on both sides of the isle) indicates a trend that is widely understood yet seldom discussed… As public servants gain "seniority" and become further entrenched within the system, they become increasingly susceptib

List of Taxpayer Advocates Here:

http://www.empowertexans.com/2011-FRI/taxpayer_advocates

By Marcus Funk

Friday, 17 June 20

AUSTIN — The Legislature went into extra innings in early June when Gov. Rick Perry called an immediate special session to resolve school financing talks that collapsed at the end of the regular session.

A congressional redistricting map followed, as did a hyper-partisan bill on so-called “sanctuary cities.”

And local Rep. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, also became a lone opposition vote to a public smoking ban that may be considered as well.

Senate Democrats, and in particular Sen. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth, provoked the special session by challenging and filibustering Senate Bill 1811, which outlined how public education funds would be distributed to individual school districts. Democrats widely opposed deep cuts to public education, and gambled that further negotiation in a special session would release more funding for Texas schools, one way or another. And since the budget itself was already passed and finalized, the discussion shifted to bills on funding mechanisms and distribution formulas for public education and health and human services.

As the special session continued through its second week, though, Schwertner said most of the funding techniques had not changed much. The most notable shift concerned public education, where Perry revived a school financing bill that allows school districts to adjust or lower salaries of their teachers and administrators, or administer furloughs—instead of simply laying staff off—which is currently their only option.

“I think it’s very important that those things pass,” Schwertner said. “It frees our school districts and superintendents to effectively operate their districts in a manner that is most cost effective for them, and that gives them some freedom from mandates.”

‘Sanctuary cities’

While funding methods for the state budget consumed the lion’s share of the Legislature’s time, Perry added two important side issues to the special session call. One is a bill on so-called “sanctuary cities,” or municipalities which instruct law enforcement not to inquire on the immigration status of anyone they arrest or detain during routine policework. Republicans say many cities, including Houston, have a de facto catch-and-release policy regarding undocumented immigrants; Democrats say every city in the state dutifully enforces immigration law, and the bill could lead to racial profiling and make law enforcement more difficult.

Schwerter said he, like many Republicans, is a “huge proponent” of the bill.

Congressional redistricting

A new congressional redistricting map was introduced on the first morning of the special session. Statewide, it adds four new congressional seats, and no small amount of controversy from Democrats who say urban and minority voters were unfairly targeted. Travis County, for example, has been divided into five seats, and the district held by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, has been moved across town and into the Hill Country.

Locally, though, the map is much simpler. The seat held by Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, has been condensed into Williamson County and about 90 percent of Bell County, including Temple and most of Killeen. The new map is motivated by the same population growth that gave Leander and Cedar Park a new seat in the Texas House of Representatives.

Public smoking ban

One other item under consideration is a statewide public smoking ban, which has seen bipartisan support for several years. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Denton, has been pushing the issue since 2005, arguing it would save lives and potentially millions in health care costs. Her husband, Ronny, died of cancer in 2000.

The bill stalled during the regular session and hasn’t officially been added to the call. But the House Appropriations Committee did vote 19–1 to recommend the full House consider, and pass, the issue. Fifteen Republicans voted in favor of the bill.

Schwertner was the sole dissenting vote. He said he is no fan of smoking—Schwertner is an orthopedic surgeon—but that a state law would enable redundant regulation that is better left in the hands of municipalities and business owners.

“I don’t smoke. It’s a terrible affliction for individuals, it’s a terrible health risk, and I never advise any of my patients to smoke, of course,” Schwertner said. “That said, municipalities can already put into effect those bans, and they can make them personalized to that geographic region. In addition, the free market is already kind of governing that—businesses are realizing that they probably do better, in some respects, if they have a smoking ban across their establishments.

“If we approve this, then how far does the government go in regulating consumer activity?”

Posted: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 9:53 am

By Christine Bolaños christine@hillcountrynews.com | 0 comments

http://www.hillcountrynews.com/news/article_144d77fa-65df-11e0-8537-001cc4c002e0.html

AUSTIN - It's the start of another long day at Congress Avenue. House representatives haven't even headed to the chamber yet to continue debating over critical bills affecting education and health on Wednesday morning. But state Rep. Charles Schwertner, R- Georgetown, is already pumping with energy at the Committee on Public Health public hearing.

The meeting comes to a close and Schwertner makes time to stop at his office for a brief photo opportunity and manages to arrive at the House floor before 10 a.m. He juggles a reporter's initial interview and a handful of constituents and fellow legislators stopping him for quick chats. He gleams with excitement as he looks over the calendar for the day.

The highlights of the day will be debate among representatives regarding House Bill 6, relating to foundation curriculum, establishment of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools; and House Bill 500, relating to end-of-course assessment instruments administered to public high school students, he shares.

As the freshman legislator goes into detail about the bills, two Georgetown ISD children greet him as House pages for the morning. Morgan Oliver and Andrew Ellison of Benold Middle School help House sergeants open doors or pick up documents from Schwertner's office as needed. Schwertner appears delighted to meet the children and walks them over to House Speaker Joe Straus for a photo.

Next, he chats with fellow representatives on the day's topics as they prepare to vote and debate on House bills.

On April 4, Schwertner, an orthopedic surgeon and University of Texas at Austin graduate, released a statement on House Bill 1:

"With the passage of HB 1, the Texas House has taken the first step towards a balanced and responsible budget that does not raise taxes on the people of Texas. For the taxpayers, seniors, teachers, and schoolchildren of my district, I wish to make it clear that I am supporting the passage of HB 1 only as a starting point in the evolving and ongoing budgetary process.

When considering the final state budget later this session, my support will ultimately be determined by a number of factors - specifically that it does not increase taxes on the people of Texas and that it places a high priority on funding for public education and essential services for our children, the elderly, and the truly indigent. I am confident that the House and Senate are capable of coming together in the weeks ahead to pass a balanced and responsible budget which satisfies the conditions and works within our available revenue."

Schwertner believes in transparency, which is reflected in his frequent use of his Facebook and Twitter accounts to stay connected with his constituents. The lifelong Republican and small-business owner has been married for 13 years to his wife Belinda, a local obstetrician/gynecologist, for 13 years. They have three young sons in public schools. He is the managing partner and former practicing physician at Georgetown Orthopedics, LLC, a medical clinic with more than 40 employees that provides annual care to more 20,000 local patients. Even as a young man, the representative worked hard putting himself through medical school by working as a pharmacist.

He is an active member of St. Helen's Catholic Church in Georgetown, past president of the Williamson County Medical Society, and is part of a six-generation family with ranching and farming roots. As a true fiscal conservative, he is active in the Williamson County Republican Party, Texas Right to Life, National Rifle Association and Texas State Rifle Association. He is a strong believer in lower taxes and reduced government spending to encourage economic growth and job creation.

As a doctor, Schwertner said he believes the Health Care Reform Act could negatively affect patient's rights, particularly that of the elderly. He said he works to protect their rights from government intrusion, health insurance company abuses and rationing of care, especially as it pertains to seniors.

Protecting seniors' health care rights and education are two of his main platforms. Important decisions, and most importantly, the right decisions have to made in the name of children who are the future of the state and of the country, he said.

He represents District 20, including the cities of Leander, Liberty Hill, part of Cedar Park, and part of Leander ISD.

"The legislative process is meant to keep bad laws from taking place," said Schwertner of the inner workings of the Capitol. "Stay involved and get involved. Even though [people] may feel [what happens here] doesn't directly affect them, it does."

Schwertner and his team can be contacted in several ways: At

charles.schwertner@gmail.com, via Twitter @DrSchwertner, DrSchwertner on Facebook and at drschwertner.com. To contact his office, call 463-0309.

"With the passage of HB 1, the Texas House has taken the first step towards a balanced and responsible budget that does not raise taxes on the people of Texas. For the taxpayers, seniors, teachers, and schoolchildren of my district, I wish to make it clear that I am supporting the passage of HB 1 only as a starting point in the evolving and ongoing budgetary process.

"When considering the final state budget later this session, my support will ultimately be determined by a number of factors - specifically that it does not increase taxes on the people of Texas and that it places a high priority on funding for public education and essential services for our children, the elderly, and the truly indigent. I am confident that the House and Senate are capable of coming together in the weeks ahead to pass a balanced and responsible budget which satisfies these conditions and works within our available revenue."

 - State Rep. Charles Schwertner

By Joe Holley and Gary Scharrer
joe.holley@chron.com

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/House-GOP-freshmen-are-flexing-some-muscle-1317494.php#ixzz1IHxEMMcH

AUSTIN — “I don't pay any attention to freshmen,” said Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin, on the day he and his fellow House members began voting on proposals that would slice more than $20 billion from the current budget and the 2012-2013 spending plan.

Normally, the good-natured disdain expressed by the House veteran of two decades is universal, but not this session. Because of their numbers —37 new members, 31 of them Republicans — and because of the cost-cutting, anti-tax zeal that got so many of them elected during last fall's GOP avalanche, House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, Appropriations Chairman Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie and their fellow members are paying heed.

Pitts admitted as much last week when House Bill 1, a bill that slashes education funding and Medicare reimbursement rates in the coming biennium, cleared the Appropriations Committee.

“There's a lot of members of the House; this is as far as we can go,” he said. “They feel like they were elected to make cuts, and they just accurately reflect what their constituents want.''

An informal survey of Republican rookies would suggest they're holding firm as floor debate continues into the weekend, although some hint they are softening a bit on campaign promises about not dipping into the rainy day fund.

They're holding firm despite rear-guard amendments from beleaguered House Democrats and despite concerns expressed by folks back home about teachers losing jobs, nursing homes closing and college financial aid withering. The $164.5 billion budget that passed out of Pitts' Appropriations Committee is about $8 billion short of what's needed to finance public education. It is about $6 billion short of what state Medicaid officials have said they need.

“I'm with Pitts,” said Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Houston, who has emerged as something of a leader among the newcomers, in part because of his prior experience as president of the Humble school board.

“Aren't we big boys?” Huberty asked. “Don't we have to make tough decisions?”

Rep. Dee Margo, R-El Paso, one of four GOP freshmen on the House Appropriations Committee, said no one is happy about the budget plan.

“We have cut all we can cut. There's blood all over the floor,” said Margo, head of an insurance and financial services company. Most Texans oppose severe budget cuts, he said, but they also are against tax increases.

Margo predicted lawmakers would end up drawing more out of the rainy day fund to soften some of the brutal cuts. “How much? That's going to be the real question among the rest of the House.”

The El Paso lawmaker said he could support taking $2 billion out of the fund to help write a final budget for 2012-13. About $6 billion would be available after lawmakers used $3.2 billion to meet the needs of the current biennium, which ends Aug. 31.

“Some of the freshmen will be receptive to discussing it and looking at the rationale behind it — and then there are some that are absolutely diehard against it,” Margo said.

Rep. George Lavender, R-Texarkana, is one of those open to using some of the rainy day fund.

“I could see myself going to half,” he said.

Charles Schwertner, a Republican representative from Georgetown and also a member of the Appropriations Committee, is holding firm not only on the House appropriations bill, but also on using the rainy day fund for the 2012-13 budget.

“We are going to live within our means. We will prioritize the essential services in the state of Texas,” said Schwertner, an orthopedic surgeon.

At least two House newcomers are willing to concede they're walking a tightrope between their conservative inclinations and the needs of their respective districts.

“I can't vote for HB1,” said state Rep. James White, R-Hillister, a tea party Republican and the first African American to represent his district. A high school teacher and coach in Woodville, White noted that his rural East Texas district is not wealthy and that his constituents are concerned about the effect of drastic budget cuts on schools and health care.

“I need to be flexible and leave the rainy day fund on the table,” he said. Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, said he's taking a realistic view of the budget, noting that gutting programs helping Texans with mental disabilities will only create problems for local jails and hospital emergency rooms. He said he supports using about $1.5 billion of the rainy day fund to help write the new budget.

“We have to be practical,” he said.

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/House-GOP-freshmen-are-flexing-some-muscle-1317494.php#ixzz1IHxM8Xc3

Delegates give Leander, Cedar Park a voice on key Legislature committees

By Marcus Funk

Friday, March 18, 2011

http://impactnews.com/leander-cedar-park/142-local-news/11904-delegates-give-leander-cedar-park-a-voice-on-key-legislature-committees

Voters in Leander and Cedar Park have representation on Legislature committees that wield significant clout over education and business issues being debated at the statehouse, with area delegates being tapped for positions on key committees in early February.

On the House side, state Rep. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, has a seat on the powerful House Appropriations committee, which is charged with drafting the chamber’s version of the state budget. Schwertner, an orthopedic surgeon who is one of three doctors in the House, also sits on the Appropriations sub-committee for Health and Human Services.

The sub-committee will wrestle with potentially $11 billion budget cuts to state Health and Human Service programs from 2011 to 2012, and will deliberate over cutting Medicaid funding formulas by 10 percent or more.

The state is facing a $27 billion budget gap overall, and Republican leaders have vowed to close that budget gap without raising taxes.

“Balancing the budget is the No. 1 priority of the Texas Legislature,” Schwertner said. “And while we face many challenges, I am confident that we will pass a budget that is fiscally responsible and keeps our economy moving in the right direction.”

Schwertner also has a post on the Public Health Committee, which has oversight over a number of state medical boards and programs. It also works with the Appropriations sub-committee on Health and Human Services budgeting.

State Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, has been reappointed to the Higher Education Committee. The group supervises higher education policy and regulation in Texas, and works closely with an Appropriations sub-committee on education to determine the budget for public universities in Texas.

Howard also has a seat on the new House Technology Committee. The committee was formerly the Technology, Economic Development and Workforce Committee, and had a broader focus.

“I’m thrilled to be on Higher Education, and I actually think it’s a good pairing with the new Technology Committee,” Howard said. “One of its charges is to look at public and private partnerships in regard to investments in such things as biotechnology and renewable, the kinds of things that will hopefully create jobs in our state.”

On the Senate side, state Sen. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, has been re-appointed as chairman of the Senate Finance committee, which supervises the budget-writing process on the other side of the Capitol. Many consider his role to be one of the most influential in the Senate. Ogden represents all of Williamson County.

State Senate passes eminent domain bill to aid landowners

By Marcus Funk

Thursday, 10 February 2011

Eminent domain reform legislation passed unanimously in the Texas Senate on Feb. 9, with Sens. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, and Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, both endorsing a measure to increase requirements for government entities intending to condemn private property.

The bill requires a "bona fide" offer to the property owner and adjusts requirements for court proceedings concerning eminent domain, in relation to both announcements and challenges. It also would allow landowners to repurchase the property if it is not used within 10 years.

The Senate bill is an identical "companion bill" to a measure co-authored by state Rep. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown. The House bill has been popular both with local governments and state leaders.

Williamson County Judge Dan Gattis said Schwertner is "on the right track," and that while the county follows most of the bill's provisions already, the measure would extend those same protections to property owners across the state.

In a statement posted on the state Senate website, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst praised the passage of SB 18, which was introduced by Sen. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls.

"In a rapidly growing state like Texas, eminent domain reform is vitally important to preserving our private property rights and making sure that our infrastructure needs are addressed in a way that is fair to landowners," Dewhurst said.

By Tim Eaton
AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Republicans' electoral victories in November translated to a stronger grip on the Texas House on Wednesday as Speaker Joe Straus unveiled committee assignments that increased the number of Republican chairs.

In the exercise that comes at the beginning of every session and often leaves various factions fuming, Straus managed to put together a list of legislative leaders that seemed to satisfy fiscally conservative groups and the House Democrats who supported him in his speaker's race last month.

"I have tried to apply the interests and expertise of individual members to our state's challenges, and to make sure the geographic and demographic diversity of Texas is fairly represented," Straus said in a statement.

Michael Quinn Sullivan, president of the conservative organization Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, said Straus showed "some real improvement" by appointing more fiscally conservative chairs.

"He has done a good job in resetting the House leadership," said Sullivan, a leader of unsuccessful efforts in recent months to oust Straus as speaker.

Despite losing some key chairmanships, Democrats largely accepted their roles without protest.

"Democrats did well," said Jessica Farrar, D-Houston , the House Democratic leader.

"It's quality of assignments, not quantity," she said. "We're well-situated to help with some very serious problems."

The 150-member House has 49 Democrats this session, compared with 74 in 2009. Democrats hold chairmanships of 11 out of almost 40 committees.

Although there will not be any committee chairs from Central Texas, some of those Democratic incumbents said they were happy with their new roles.

Last session, Austin Democrat Mark Strama led the Committee on Technology, Economic Development and Workforce. The committee was broken up this session, and he didn't get a leadership role on either of the new committees. He's now on the Public Education and the Energy Resources committees.

"I like my new assignments better," he said. "In this session, all that matters is mitigating the damage to the state from these budget cuts."

Rep. Donna Howard, an Austin Democrat in the midst of a contested election, remained on the Higher Education, House Administration and Technology committees. Higher education "is one of the most important things to my constituents and my district," she said.

Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, was also given an improved assignment, landing on the Calendars Committee, the powerful committee through which all major pieces of legislation must flow.

Another Austin Democrat, Rep. Dawnna Dukes, will serve again on the Appropriations Committee, which writes the House's version of the budget bill, under returning Chairman Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie.

The biggest winner out of the new Central Texas Republicans might be Rep. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown , who landed a plum spot on the appropriations panel. Schwertner, a medical doctor, will also sit on the Public Health Committee.

With the committees in place, the real work in the House can begin. The Appropriations Committee already got to work. It had a hearing Wednesday afternoon, and another is set for 7 a.m. today .

teaton@statesman.com; 474-2993

Additional material from staff writer Jason Embry.
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