New Milam Representative Has Long List of Legislative Priorities

by Jeanne Williams | CAMERON Writer

Published: January 10, 2011GEORGETOWN - Dr. Charles Schwertner, incoming state representative for House District 20, said his priorities when the 82nd Texas Legislature convenes Tuesday range from such statewide issues as strengthening Texas-Mexico border security measures and requiring a valid Texas photo ID to vote, to local concerns dealing with eminent domain reform and improving the economy of rural communities.

Schwertner, a conservative Republican from Georgetown, replaces state Rep. Dan Gattis, R-Jonah, as state representative for Milam and part of Williamson counties. Gattis announced in 2009 that he was retiring from politics.

Schwertner's platform includes a balanced state budget without raising taxes, lowering taxes and reducing government spending to encourage economic growth and job creation, working to improve the local economy, keeping taxes low, protecting water and private property owner rights, improving local schools and strengthening the state's pro-life laws.