Rep. Ryan Guillen Named Chairman of House Committee

Representative will head committee that oversees state parks, hunting and fishing, the arts, historical preservation, and library archives while working to protect Texas public schools in Public Ed. Committee
AUSTIN -- Wednesday, House Speaker Joe Straus appointed State Representative Ryan Guillen, D-Starr County as chairman of the Culture, Recreation, and Tourism Committee as well as member of the Public Education Committee and Select Committee on Election Contests. Rep. Guillen will oversee legislation affecting state parks, hunting and fishing in Texas, tourism initiatives, a variety of cultural and recreational activities, and the state library system. In addition, he will be a key voice for South Texas in the Committee on Public Education., which plays a key role in guiding the future of our state's public school system.

"I am pleased to appoint Rep. Guillen as chairman of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism, which plays an integral role in the preservation of wildlife and regulation of recreational activities in Texas," said Speaker Joe Straus. "I know Ryan will serve our body well in this role, while also adding a valuable perspective to the House Committee on Public Education."
Having served on multiple committees since taking office in 2003, including  Appropriations, Land & Resource Management, Regulated Industries, Border & Intergovernmental Affairs, Financial Institutions, Natural Resources, Transportation, and Calendars, Rep. Guillen is experienced in tackling issues important to the future of Texas. 

"It is a distinct privilege and honor to be appointed as head of a committee that works to uphold our state's rich heritage and promote all that makes Texas a great place to visit," said Rep. Guillen. "I look forward to start hearing legislation with my committee before the end of the month."

So far in the 82nd legislative session, Rep. Guillen has filed more than 40 bills and expects to file several more before the filing deadline in March.

"As always, my ultimate focus during the session will be to deliver substantial results for my district and Texas in general," added Rep. Guillen.