Carl Tepper represents House District 84, which encompasses all of Lubbock County, Texas. A seasoned real estate professional with over two decades of experience, Tepper has successfully managed and invested in millions of square feet of commercial property. Apart from his career in real estate, he is an Air Force veteran who served as a C-130 Flight Engineer in the 50th Tactical Airlift Squadron and earned the Air Medal during his military service in the Persian Gulf War. Tepper attended Texas Tech University, where he earned his degree in 1995 before returning to Lubbock to oversee downtown redevelopment efforts in 2009.
As a member of the Texas House, Tepper serves on important committees, including Appropriations and Urban Affairs. His involvement in these committees allows him to engage in critical discussions around fiscal policy and urban development strategies, focusing on infrastructure improvements and the efficient allocation of state resources.
Tepper has sponsored and co-sponsored various pieces of legislation that reveal his political priorities and leanings. For instance, House Bill 2615, which he co-authored, seeks to establish vocational training pathways in public schools to reduce dropout rates and better prepare students for high-demand jobs. This bill has received positive sentiment among education advocates who appreciate the alignment of educational outcomes with labor market needs.
He also proposed House Joint Resolution 56, which aims to provide property tax relief by limiting how much the appraised value of residential homes can increase. This initiative is indicative of Tepper's focus on supporting taxpayers amid rising property values, with a similar intention behind House Bill 1, which seeks to provide significant financial support to school districts impacted by tax compression.
In addition to education and property tax reforms, Tepper's legislative efforts include measures for public safety. He co-sponsored House Bill 4180, which aims to enhance the prosecution of organized criminal activity linked to reckless driving and street racing. This aligns with a broader emphasis on community safety and quality of life in his district.
Tepper has also shown a commitment to transparency in governance through his support for House Bill 2626, enhancing public access to campaign finance information. This bill reflects Tepper's understanding of the importance of accountability in political processes, a sentiment echoed in his co-sponsorship of House Bill 2225 related to campaign finance transparency.
As a legislator, Tepper's actions demonstrate a blend of conservative fiscal policies and support for community-oriented initiatives. He prioritizes education, public safety, and transparency while maintaining significant focus on property tax relief for constituents, reflecting a commitment to conservative values in fiscal responsibility.
In his personal life, Tepper is a father and a dedicated public servant. His daughter is a high school senior involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), and he actively participates in community organizations, such as the Salvation Army and local veteran’s posts. An avid horseman and endurance rider, Tepper races horses over long distances, underscoring his engagement with both his local community and his personal interests.
Overall, Carl Tepper's biography paints the picture of a dedicated public servant committed to enhancing the quality of life in his district through education, responsible governance, and community service.