Conservative Featured Voice: Gary Elkins

Gary Elkins was elected in 1995 to represent District 135, a portion of Harris County that includes Jersey Village. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Business and Industry Committee and also sits on the Human Services Committee.

A native of Houston, Representative Elkins graduated from Bellaire High School in 1974 and worked his way through college at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, where he earned a B.S. in Practical Theology. Representative Elkins returned to Houston and worked in real estate before starting his own business, Personal Credit Corporation.

Representative Elkins has gained a broad range of legislative experience, serving on the Financial Institutions Committee, the State Affairs Committee, the Calendars Committee, the Local Government Ways and Means Committee, the Rules and Resolutions Committee, the State, Federal, and International Relations Committee and the House Administration Committee.

Representative Elkins´ philosophy of limited government that promotes pro-business and pro-family values has earned him a reputation as a common sense, conservative legislator. He believes that getting the job done right is more important than getting credit and always weighs the merits of legislation on whether it is in the best interest of his constituents.

Representative Elkins has been recognized by the Texas Eagle Forum and the Free Enterprise PAC as one of the most conservative legislators, based on his commitment to Texas families on both social and economic issues. Gary was named a "Texas Taxpayer Hero" and a "Texas Taxpayer Advocate" by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and has also been honored as a Fighter for Free Enterprise by the Texas Association of Business.

Representative Elkins lives in Jersey Village and is married to the former Julie Ann Brown. Together they have four children, three grandchildren, and are members of Faith Assembly of God Church.

Source: house.state.tx.us

"The government rides on inefficiency. It has to have inefficiency. How do you think they employ so many people? Its all about employing people. Its never about streamlining." - Gary Elkins