Elected leadership positions and appointed committee assignments in the Texas Legislature are more than just important responsibilities. They also reflect a certain level of trust and respect from the ones making these decisions toward the person on the receiving end of the decision. It is affirmation of the most enjoyable kind, coming directly from one’s colleagues.
It is along those lines that South Plains residents should be gratified by and proud for State Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, who was named chair of the executive committee for the House Republican Caucus in advance of Tuesday’s opening day of the 86th Legislative Session. Whether one is a political insider or simply content to enjoy the view from afar, rest assured this is an important deal, and it’s a responsibility not given lightly. Burrows secured his third term in the House last November, and it’s fair to say that he has not only raised his profile during the past few sessions, but along the way he has become part of the inner circle of recently elected House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton. It was Burrows who rose and gave a nominating speech on behalf of Bonnen earlier this week, and Burrows has gotten credit, along with others from the area’s delegation, for making sure Bonnen understands the priorities of West Texas.
According to a news release, the executive committee is charged with developing long-range strategies of the Republican Party, overseeing policy initiatives and communicating in the caucus. Burrows’ leadership will be critical in all three of those areas as lawmakers address a long list of legislative priorities between now and the scheduled end of the session in May.
“I am honored to be elected by my Republican colleagues of the Texas House to serve as Caucus Chair and look forward to working with each of our members to unify our caucus under our shared values and goals,” Burrows said in a news release.
Burrows went on to say the caucus will work to provide members with resources needed to inform and pass “sound, conservative legislation” and to be successful in 2020 re-election efforts. He emphasized the House Republican Caucus “works to promote limited government, fiscal responsibility and personal liberty.”
It is worth pointing out the other three members of the executive committee represent much larger communities (Fort Worth and Houston), which says something about Burrows’ ability to navigate the contours of party politics at the state level. Among the other important responsibilities of the caucus is, according to the release, to provide research, education, policy development and other resources to members.
In his nomination speech for Bonnen, Burrows closed with this: “Texas needs the House to lead this Session. We need a leader with the strength and tenacity to let that happen. It is for these reasons, and many more, that I nominate, my good friend, Dennis Bonnen, to be the next Speaker of the House. A Speaker for the entire house.”
We salute Burrows (and our entire West Texas delegation) for a willingness to serve, and we look forward to seeing their respective spheres of influence continue to expand during the ongoing session and into the future. The people of Texas are counting on their elected leaders to chart a bold and courageous course for the future for the state … the entire state.
A-J Media editorial board