Angie Chen Button serves as the State Representative for House District 112, covering areas in Garland, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, and Dallas in Dallas County. Currently, she chairs the International Relations and Economic Development Committee and is a member of the Ways and Means Committee. With a professional background in international marketing as a former manager at Texas Instruments and a CPA, Representative Button has a strong foundation in finance and economic policy, complemented by her advanced degrees in Public Finance and Management Sciences.
Before her tenure in the Texas House, Button dedicated herself to public service, having served on the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board and contributing to organizations such as the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition. Additionally, she has been involved in various civic endeavors, often taking leadership roles in chambers of commerce and other community organizations, focusing on collaboration and growth in the Metroplex. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Button's family faced significant challenges in her early life, living in humble conditions, which deepened her appreciation for the opportunities education has afforded her—the trajectory of which she attributes to the American Dream.
In terms of legislative priorities, Button has demonstrated a commitment to economic growth and educational reform. She has co-sponsored significant bills, including HB3780, which aims to hold failing public schools accountable through enhanced oversight and intervention, reflecting a focus on improving educational outcomes in Texas. This bill has received both support for its intent to reform the education system and criticism over potential punitive measures that may overlook the broader systemic issues facing underperforming schools.
Additionally, she co-sponsored the Texas Technology and Innovation Program through HB1268, which seeks to promote economic growth by offering state grants to local businesses, further indicating her focus on fostering innovation in Texas. By leveraging federal funding, the program aims to enhance the state's economic competitiveness and thereby create job opportunities.
Button has also sponsored resolutions like HR2224 to honor community leaders, illustrating her dedication to recognizing public service and contributions to the state, as seen in the commemoration of Dale Craymer’s work in tax policy advocacy.
As the chair of both the International Relations and Economic Development Committee and the Economic and Small Business Development Committee, Button actively promotes initiatives that enhance Texas' strategic interests in global trade and economic policies supportive of small businesses. This legislative engagement demonstrates her commitment to balancing economic development with community welfare, reflecting the multifaceted nature of her approach to governance.
In her political leanings, Button's engagement with bills directed at both accountability in education and economic innovation suggests a mix of pragmatic and progressive approaches. Her work highlights a commitment to improving outcomes in education while also prioritizing economic development in a way that supports local businesses and communities. By navigating these priorities, Button plays a significant role in shaping policies that resonate with both her constituents and the broader aims of the Texas legislature.
Through her policies and community involvement, she exemplifies a dedication to public service and a desire to foster a thriving, innovative, and responsive environment for Texas families and businesses alike.