Luce was a founding partner and managing partner of the law firm of Hughes & Luce, LLP until his retirement from the firm in 1997. The firm grew from four attorneys to more than 150 during his tenure, and it is now part of the worldwide firm K&L Gates. Luce is currently self-employed as a business consultant.

Luce has been appointed five times by Texas governors to important posts such as Chief Justice Pro Tempore of the Texas Supreme Court and Chairman of the Texas Superconducting Supercollider Commission. He has served on the Dallas Citizens Council, the Library of Congress Trust Fund and the Board of Trustees at Southern Methodist University.

His life’s passion has been improving public education for all children. He was chief of staff to the Texas Select Committee on Public Education, which produced one of the country’s first public school reform efforts in 1984. A former Assistant U.S. Secretary of Education, he is the Chairman of the National Math and Science Initiative and co-founded the National Center for Educational Accountability.

“Tom Luce will be a valuable addition to this important state governing board,” Speaker Straus said. “He brings experience from both the public and private sectors and will make a meaningful contribution to Texas’ fight against cancer.”

Luce also has a personal connection to the Oversight Committee’s work. Pam, his wife of 52 years, is a breast cancer survivor.

“I look forward to working with the other commissioners to ensure the funds provided for this worthy project are used efficiently and are effectively based upon the best available scientific input,” Luce said.

The Oversight Committee was created by the 80th Legislature and approved by Texas voters in 2007. It serves as the governing body of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, which awards grants to expedite innovation in cancer research, help bring lifesaving cancer products to Texans and expand cancer prevention capabilities across the state.

The Speaker appoints three of the 11 members who serve on the CPRIT Oversight Committee.  Luce succeeds Cindy Brinker Simmons of Dallas whose term expired.  Simmons served on the Oversight Committee since 2008.

This week we cast our vote in Texas House District 121 for Joe Straus, someone we love, admire and respect. He’s been a terrific State Representative, a strong and effective Speaker of the House, but most important of all he’s our dad.

When our dad first ran for office in 2005 he didn’t get involved in politics for power or prestige – he did it because he wanted to make a difference. For most of his life he has been involved in one way or another in public service, and the importance of civic engagement was something he instilled in us early on. That’s why it was such an honor to go to the polls with our parents and cast our vote for him.

This week kicked off early voting for the May 29 primary. From May 14-25, you can skip the Election Day lines and early vote at any location you find here. If you’d like to learn more about our dad and the important issues we face in San Antonio, and throughout Texas, please visit the Issues page. You can also friend him at Facebook/SpeakerJoeStraus or follow him at Twitter.com/TeamStraus.

Thank you for your support of his conservative, responsible leadership – we couldn’t be more proud of him, and we urge you to cast your vote to send him back to Austin to represent our community in the State Legislature.

Sincerely,

Sara & Robyn Straus

“I am honored to have the endorsement of District 121’s bravest men and women and their families,” said Straus. “I am grateful for the tireless work of our community’s first responders and look forward to continuing to serve those who put their lives on the line for our safety each and every day.”

Straus, who was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2005, continues to fight for the best interests of those in District 121, and works to ensure our first responders are able to effectively protect and serve. The following endorsements are recognition of Straus’s service in the Texas Legislature:

From the San Antonio Police Officers Association (SAPOA):
“On behalf of the San Antonio Police Officers Association, it is my pleasure to announce our endorsement of Speaker Straus for reelection to the Texas House of Representative,” said Michael Helle, president of the SAPOA. “It is Speaker Straus’s commitment to serve Texas, and District 121, by putting law enforcement and public safety issues at the forefront of his concerns that made this decision easy for the San Antonio Police Officers Association.”

From San Antonio Fire and Police Pensioners Association (SAFPPA):
“The San Antonio Fire and Police Pensioners Association – 2,200 fire and police retirees and their families – is proud to stand with Speaker Joe Straus and his campaign for reelection,” said Michael Trainer, president of the SAFPPA. “We appreciate Speaker Straus’s continuing support of issues that concern the San Antonio Fire and Police retirees and our active brothers and sisters.”

From the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association (SAPFFA):
“The San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association stands by Speaker Straus in his campaign for reelection to the Texas House of Representatives,” said Nathan Alonzo, legislative director of the SAPFFA. “We are proud to serve San Antonio and proud to have a leader like Joe Straus representing us and serving District 121.”

To find out what Texas House District will represent you in the upcoming election, visit: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

Provided below is a list of all acceptable early voting places in Bexar County.

BEXAR COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER
300 Dolorosa

CLAUDE BLACK CENTER
2805 East Commerce

CODY LIBRARY
11441 Vance Jackson

COLLINS GARDEN LIBRARY
200 North Park

EAST CENTRAL ISD ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
6634 New Sulphur Springs Road

FAIR OAKS RANCH CITY HALL (COUNCIL CHAMBERS)
7286 Dietz Elkhorn

GREAT NORTHWEST LIBRARY
9050 Wellwood

HENRY A. GUERRA, JR. LIBRARY
7978 W Military Drive

JOHN IGO LIBRARY
13330 Kyle Seale Parkway

JOHNSTON LIBRARY
6307 Sun Valley Drive

JULIA YATES SEMMES LIBRARY
15060 Judson Road

LAS PALMAS
515 Castroville Road

LEON VALLEY CONFERENCE CENTER
6421 Evers Rd

LION’S FIELD
2809 Broadway

MAURY MAVERICK, JR. LIBRARY
8700 Mystic Park

MCCRELESS LIBRARY
1023 Ada Street

MISSION LIBRARY
3134 Roosevelt Ave

NORTHSIDE ACTIVITY CENTER
7001 Culebra

OLMOS BASIN GOLF CLUB HOUSE
7022 McCullough

PARMAN LIBRARY
20735 Wilderness Oak

SHAVANO PARK CITY HALL LOBBY
900 Saddletree Ct

SOMERSET HIGH SCHOOL
7650 South 1604 West, Somerset

SOUTH PARK MALL
2310 S.W. Military

ST. BENEDICT’S CHURCH PARISH HALL – WEST END
4535 Lord Rd

TOBIN LIBRARY AT OAKWELL
4134 Harry Wurzbach

UNIVERSAL CITY CITY HALL
2150 Universal City Blvd

WINDCREST CITY HALL
8601 Midcrown

WONDERLAND MALL OF THE AMERICAS
4522 Fredericksburg

To receive more information on early voting, contact the office of the Bexar County Elections Administrator, Jacquelyn Callanen, at 210-335-VOTE (8683).

For information available in Spanish, please click here.

Plan on beating the Election Day rush and head to the polls now.

To claim that Texas House Speaker Joe Straus is not a true conservative is as absurd as saying Johnny Cash wasn’t country enough.

Straus treats everyone, including philosophical foes, with respect. His tenure at the helm of the House has been marked by a welcome return of civility and open debate about Texas’ future.

Straus doesn’t indulge in scorched-earth tactics or retribution, but a commitment to fairness doesn’t detract from his conservative agenda. Straus legislates with a welcome attitude that puts Texas first. And that is an approach that this state and nation need now more than ever.

Since he became speaker, the San Antonio legislator has been under attack from mostly outside activists who question his conservative credentials.

But Straus is the same low-tax, pro-economic development Republican that he was in the 1980s when he was hired to work in President Ronald Reagan’s Treasury Department.

After working three years on Reagan’s team, Straus did a stint in the U.S. Commerce Department under President George H.W. Bush.

Straus returned to San Antonio and spent more than a decade in business before seeking the suddenly vacated District 121 Texas House seat in 2005.

The San Antonian became speaker in 2009 when his autocratic predecessor, Tom Craddick, lost support from a majority of the House. Becoming speaker wasn’t a career move that Straus plotted, but he stepped up to the plate when the House needed a civil leader who would treat all lawmakers fairly.

Straus received Democratic votes to be elected speaker, but he spent 2010 campaigning for Republican House candidates across the state and successfully pursued a conservative agenda in 2011.

With Straus presiding over the House, lawmakers cut $15 billion in spending during last year’s legislative session. Both budgets passed on his watch have avoided new taxes.

The House has produced a remarkable number of conservative measures in the last two sessions.

Not surprisingly, the state’s progressives argue that Straus’ leadership is too conservative.

District 121 and Bexar County as a whole benefit from having Straus as speaker because he understands the community and its needs. And he has quietly played an important role on key local issues. It’s a perk every district in the state covets.

Straus is being challenged in the GOP primary by businessman Matt Beebe. Democrats did not field a candidate in this district. We strongly urge Republican voters in District 121 to re-elect Straus. His refreshing leadership and style are good for San Antonio and good for Texas.

“I am thankful for the resounding support of so many groups and individuals who serve our community’s needs and represent our interests,” said Straus. “These associations and organizations are not just endorsing me, but also my style of leadership, which puts results ahead of rhetoric.”

Straus, who was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2005, continues to serve the best interests of those in District 121 and strives to lead his fellow legislators with a tone of civility and respect. The following endorsements are recognition of Straus’s leadership:

From USAA PAC:
“Speaker Straus understands what it takes to run a business and create jobs,” said Joe Robles, President and CEO of USAA. “His leadership of the House has helped make this a place where people want to locate, invest, and grow. I support him wholeheartedly.”

From the Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA):
“The Greater San Antonio Builders Association supports Joe Straus,” said Jim Leonard, President of the GSABA. “His tireless work to promote economic development and attract new business to Texas creates new opportunities for all Texans. In addition, his work to improve education in the state means that young Texans entering the work force will have the skills needed by employers for the next century to keep Texas as a national leader in job creation.”

Boating Trades Association of Texas PAC (BTAT):
“We are proud to support Joe Straus,” said Michael Marks, Executive Director of BTAT. “He recognizes the important role the outdoor recreational industry plays in fortifying our state’s economy and tourism. Speaker Straus is a proven leader who has been steadfast in efforts to improve the marine industry and boating access in Texas. We are pleased to offer him our endorsement.”

From the Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund, Inc. (AGFUND):
“Speaker Straus has provided tremendous leadership to the Texas House,” said Kenneth Dierschke, Texas Farm Bureau and AGFUND President. “He guides the process while allowing each legislator to represent the interests of their district. His family has a strong heritage in agriculture, so it is no surprise that he has proven a good friend to Texas agriculture. We strongly support his reelection and look forward to his continued leadership as Speaker.”

From the Texas Hospital Association Political Action Committee (HOSPAC):
“HOSPAC has endorsed candidates who recognize the importance of health care to all Texans, and value the role that hospitals play in caring for our communities as well as their significant contributions to the state’s economy,” said John Hawkins, senior vice president of Advocacy and Public Policy for THA. “Hospitals are major employers in the state, and workforce needs continue to grow as demand for services increases, especially among the elderly. Sound health care policies will be more important than ever, and Speaker Joe Straus has indicated a willingness to work with Texas hospitals to address health care issues.”

From the Texas Travel Industry Association (TTIA):
“As a member of TTIA and a small business owner in San Antonio, I am pleased that TTIA is supporting Joe Straus,” said Davis Phillips, CEO of Phillips Entertainment, Inc. “Speaker Straus has demonstrated the real type of leadership that is needed for the future of Texas. It is not about left or right – it is about making the tough decisions that need to be made so Texas will continue to prosper.”

From the Texas State Rifle Association PAC (TSRA):
“The Texas State Rifle Association and its 40,000 members are pleased to endorse Speaker Straus for his leadership on important issues,” said Alice Tripp, Legislative Director of the TSRA. “Shooting ranges are for public recreation and provide public safety, and legislation passed under his leadership will protect safe outdoor shooting ranges from frivolous lawsuits as Texas cities and counties grow.”

From the National Rifle Association’s Political Victory Fund (NRA):
During the 2011 session, the Texas Legislature passed a landmark bill protecting the rights of employees who wish to transport and store lawfully-owned firearms in their locked, private motor vehicles while parked at work. The Texas Senate had passed the legislation twice previously, but the House had failed to act on it. “Speaker Joe Straus provided the critical leadership and support to finally pass this measure in the House and enact into law a reasonable balance between the Second Amendment rights of hard-working Texans and the property rights of business owners,” said Tara Mica, NRA’s Texas State Liaison. “We applaud his efforts and look forward to working with him in future sessions on issues of importance to gun owners and sportsmen.”

Tired of politicians acting like children? The new campaign commercial, “Results, Not Rhetoric” addresses just that.

“Members of these important pro-life organizations are some of the most dedicated and passionate advocates at the Texas Capitol, and I am honored to have their endorsements of my leadership and our work to protect life,” said Speaker Joe Straus.

From Texans for Life Coalition:
Kyleen Wright, President of the Texans for Life Coalition, said: “As Speaker of the House, Joe Straus led in helping to pass some of the most sweeping pro-life legislation of the modern era. He kept his commitment to the unborn, and I enthusiastically endorse him knowing he can be trusted to defend the most fragile among us.”

From the Texas Alliance for Life:
Joe Pojman, Ph.D., Executive Director for the Texas Alliance for Life, said: “It is our view that Speaker Straus is well deserving of the support of pro-life voters in House District 121. Under his leadership as Speaker during the 82nd Legislature and the First Called Special Session, the Texas Legislature passed more pro-life legislation than in any other session in the history of Texas. He has articulated to us the same pro-life position on abortion as President Ronald Reagan and has acted on that position.”

Texas Alliance for Life’s President, Davida Stike, said, “Speaker Straus surpassed all of our expectations. His appointment of pro-life leaders to key committees resulted in strong, pro-life legislation being signed into law. We believe his record is worthy of our support. It is incumbent on the pro-life movement to be loyal to those elected officials who have been loyal to mothers and their unborn babies, and that certainly describes Speaker Straus.”