The 2009 Tom C. Frost Award recipient is known for his diplomacy and bipartisanship in government.
The Honorable Joe Straus, of San Antonio, was elected Speaker of the House by his peers during Texas' 81st Regular Legislative Session this year.
He has an extensive background in politics and an equally impressive record for addressing taxpayer issues.
He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2005 serving District 121, which includes Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Terrell Hills, Windcrest and northeast San Antonio.
During the 2007 legislative session, he served on various committees including vice chairman of the Committee on Economic Development; the Committee on Regulated Industries; and the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.
As a member of the Committee on Regulated Industries, Speaker Straus chaired the Subcommittee on Energy Conservation and Efficiency, which developed a bill to place Texas as a leader in the efficient use of energy.
He also served on the Select Committee on Electric Generation Capacity and Environmental Effects, which studied the state's energy demand and expected growth for the next 50 years in order to develop long-term energy plans for Texas.
In addition, Speaker Straus served in the administration of President George H.W. Bush from 1989 through 1991. During that time he served as deputy director of Business Liaison at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He also served under the Reagan administration as executive assistant to the Commissioner of Customs. In 1986, he served as campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith.
Speaker Straus is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a bachelor of arts degree in political science. He is married to Julie Brink Straus and has two daughters, Sara and Robyn.
The avid sportsman has received numerous awards including the Texas Public Power Association's Public Official Award for leadership and contributions to public power; the Legislative Service Award by the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club for his work in the area of energy efficiency; and the Defender of the American Dream Award in 2008 from Americans for Prosperity for his record of commitment in protecting taxpayers.
In 2008, Texas Monthly selected Speaker Straus as one of the 35 Texans who will shape the future of the state.