Rep. John Zerwas, Head of the Powerful Appropriations Committee in Texas House, Announces Retirement

AUSTIN -- Rep. John Zerwas, the head of a powerful budget-writing committee in the Texas House, announced Wednesday his retirement at the end of September."It has been an absolute honor to represent House District 28, and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the last 12 years," Zerwas said in a prepared statement. "Although I am leaving elected office, I look forward to continuing to serve Texas in another capacity." In his statement, Zerwas who first came to the Legislature in 2007 said he had served under three different House speakers and was grateful to each for the opportunities they gave him. He said he was "especially proud" of the work accomplished in the most recent session under House Speaker Dennis Bonnen.Zerwas' departure will leave a major vacancy in the chamber's leadership. He served as chairman of the budget-writing appropriations committee for the last two sessions. Zerwas, a doctor, was seen as a go-to lawmaker on the budget and health issues.It will also set-off a scramble on the Republican side to find his replacement. Zerwas won his Ft. Bend County district last year by about 7,000 votes and Democrats have put it on their list of 2020 targets.   Continue reading...