Joe Represents the 22Nd Legislative District, Which Includes Parts Of

Representative Joe Deshotel represents the 22nd Legislative District, which includes parts of Jefferson and Orange Counties. He is a successful attorney, businessman and life-long resident of Beaumont. At the end of his first Session, the Legislative Study Group (LSG), the largest caucus in the state, presented Representative Deshotel with the Rising Star Award. He was also elected Caucus Chairman by his colleagues in the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. In the 78th Legislative Session, Representative Deshotel served on the House Appropriations Committee, which is the budget writing arm of the House. He also served as the Vice Chair of Local & Consent Calendars, Chairman of Budget Oversight (CBO) for the House Elections Committee, and on the Select Committee on State Health Care Expenditures. In the 79th Legislative Session, Representative Deshotel was appointed to the House Committees on Economic Development, Transportation, and Redistricting. Representative Deshotel's tenure on the House Committee on Economic Development has helped bring in much needed investment dollars to Southeast Texas. In the 80th Legislative Session, Representative Deshotel was appointed to serve as Chairman of the House Economic Development Committee. "Being named chairman of Economic Development Committee is important for East Texas," Deshotel said. "This committee assignment ensures that job creation and the increased vitalization of the local technology industry receive proper attention during the legislative process," Chairman Deshotel stated. In the 81st Legislative Session, Representative Deshotel serves as Chairman of the House Business & Industry Committee; which oversees most business transactions in Texas. It is also charged with protecting consumers and furthering worker safety. Prior to serving on the legislature, Representative Deshotel served on the Beaumont City Council and was appointed by Governor Mark White to the Job Training Coordinating Council and Lamar University Board of Regents, and was Honorably Discharged from the United States Air Force Reserves as a Technical Sergeant. He has a strong record as a champion of civil rights and civic responsibility organizing Lamar University's first NAACP chapter and ensuring that the former Spur 380 was renamed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway. Joe also served as Vice- President for Administration and Legal Counsel of Lamar University-Beaumont. Joe Deshotel brings experience, insight and knowledgeable leadership to the issue of higher education. Deshotel's background and experience as an attorney and small businessman will ensure responsible and effective representation for Southeast Texas. Joe has been married for 29 years to the former Claudia Darjean of Opelousas, Louisiana. He is the proud father of W. Joseph Deshotel. Deshotel also serves as a member of the House Insurance and House Redistricting Committees. Honors & Achievements Education: * Juris Doctorate degree. Texas Southern University. Thurgood Marshall Law Center. 1978. * Bachelor of Science degree. Political Science. Lamar University. 1974. Texas House of Representatives: * Committee on Business & Industry. CHAIRMAN. 2009--Present. * Committee on Insurance. Member. 2009--Present. * Committee on Redistricting. Member. 2009--Present. * Committee on Economic Development. CHAIRMAN 2007-2009. Member 2005-2009. * Committee on Transportation. Member. 2005-Present. * Committee on Redistricting. Member. 2005-Present. * Texas Legislative African American Caucus. Chairman. 2001-2003. Member. 1999-Present * Texas House Democratic Caucus. Member. 1999-Present * Texas Sportsman Caucus. Member. 1999-Present * Texas Manufactures Caucus. Member. 2005-Present * Legislative Study Group. Member 1999-Present Professional: * Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Member * NAACP. Life Member * Jefferson County Bar Association * State Bar of Texas .

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