FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2011

Straus names Schwertner to House Committees on Appropriations, Public Health

AUSTIN -- Today, Texas House Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) named first-term State Representative Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) to the powerful House Committees on Appropriations and Public Health.

"I'm humbled that Speaker Straus has entrusted me with such great responsibility, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on each committee to meet the challenges facing the state of Texas,” said Schwertner.

The House Committee on Appropriations is charged with writing the state’s budget each biennium. The committee reviews the individual budgets and funding requests of over 150 state agencies before submitting their budget recommendations to the full house for a vote. Rep. Schwertner is one of only five freshman members chosen to serve on the powerful committee.

“Balancing the budget is the number one priority of the Texas legislature. 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,” said Schwertner.

The House Committee on Appropriations will be lead by Chairman Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie).

"Dr. Schwertner will bring a unique and valuable perspective to the House Appropriations Committee," said Chairman Pitts. "I'm thrilled to have Charles on the committee, and I look forward to working with him in the months ahead."

The House Committee on Public Health holds jurisdiction over the state's public health issues, including the regulation of the practice of medicine, dentistry and other health professions. Public Health is responsible for the oversight of a number of powerful state agencies, including the Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Medical Board, and the Texas Board of Pharmacy.

“As a physician, I am excited to have the opportunity to use my background to protect patient rights as a member of the House Committee on Public Health,” said Schwertner.

The House Committee on Public Health will be lead by Chairman Lois Kolkorst (R-Brenham).

Rep. Schwertner is a physician and small business owner who serves as the managing partner of Georgetown Orthopedics. Charles and his wife Belinda live in Georgetown, Texas with their three sons Carson, Zachary, and Matthew.

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