Legislator of the Week: Texas Representative Dennis Paul

This week, ALEC and FreedomWorks introduce Texas State Representative Dennis Paul. Representative Paul is currently serving his second term in the Texas Legislature. He is a lifelong area resident and small business owner. Rep. Paul received a Bachelors and Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Houston and established his own small business in 2002. As an engineer, he volunteers in disaster areas insuring the stability of structures, and prior to his election he helped pass a Good Samaritan law in Texas to protect volunteer engineers from frivolous lawsuits. His political involvement includes over 20 years of local grassroots volunteerism. As State Representative, he has focus on reducing the tax and regulation burden on homeowners and small business owners. Representative Paul and his wife of 30 years, Eliza, are the proud parents of Elizabeth who is a college senior.

Why did you run for office?

I decided to run for office because I wanted to serve my state and my community, and I believed I had a lot to offer the state in my service.

In your view, what is the biggest issue facing Texas?

I believe the biggest issues for Texas and most states is a general funding issue to meet all of our needs with an ever growing Medicaid, Education, and Pension obligation programs.  These problems are enlarged due to federal government regulations and interference.   I believe that releasing us from these constraints will enable the states to solve these issues.

Do you serve on any committees, if so which committees and why? How do you think you have impacted them?

I currently serve on four committees; I am Vice Chair of the Texas Ports, Innovation and Infrastructure Committee, and am a member of Insurance, Pensions, and Rules & Resolutions.  I think I have made a large contribution to the work that we have done. We have passed major pension and insurance reform under my leadership while I have served on these committees. We have also identified numerous issues that we need to deal with for our Texas Ports next session.

What project or law are you most proud of?

The project or law I am most proud of is a major pension reform bill we passed and the Governor signed into law in 2015.

How has ALEC helped you as a legislator?

I believe that ALEC has helped me by educating me on many issues that affect governing a state.  Many of these issues we are working to get implemented in Texas.  The other item that has been a big benefit is meeting and discussing ideas with legislators from around the nation and hearing how they have dealt with the issues we are all facing.

What is your favorite thing about living in Texas?

The best thing about Texas is our people.  We have a fantastic history and are a friendly caring society.  Hurricane Harvey is one example of how the state all came together and we helped each other through the major challenges thrown at us.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself that’s not in your official bio?

I love history and have read hundreds of books on Texas.  We have a great history, which I love to explore.