Texas State Representative

Greg Bonnen Biography

Biography

Representative Greg Bonnen has served in the Texas House of Representatives for House District 24 since his election and is currently in his sixth term. He plays a pivotal role as the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, which is instrumental in shaping the fiscal policies of Texas. His educational background includes a cum laude degree in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University and a medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch, where he also completed his residency in neurosurgery. He currently practices as a neurosurgeon and serves as Chairman of the Board of Houston Physicians’ Hospital, reflecting his commitment to both medicine and public service.

Raised in Angleton, Bonnen is known for his dedication to community service, having participated in missionary trips to several countries and working with youth at Texas Lion's Camp for handicapped children. He and his wife, Kim, reside in Friendswood and are the proud parents of two daughters, Lindsay and Janae.

In terms of legislative focus, Bonnen's committee assignments give him a broad scope of influence. He has been affiliated with several other committees, including the Select Committee on Health Care Reform, where he addresses healthcare access and reform issues, and the Select Committee on Mental Health, which attends to mental health policies in the state. His other committee roles emphasize budgetary and educational initiatives, particularly through the Appropriations Subcommittee on Article III, which focuses on public and higher education funding.

Bonnen's legislative track record indicates a strong inclination towards conservative policies, as exemplified by his sponsorship and support of various significant bills. Among these is House Bill 1355, which establishes air conditioning requirements for Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities, aiming to improve health conditions for inmates and comes in response to advocacy calls for humane treatment.

Additionally, he co-sponsored House Bill 3, which allocates $1.54 billion for border barrier infrastructure and security operations, indicating a commitment to strict border control measures amidst national discussions on immigration. He also supported House Bill 3538, aimed at regulating public funds used for lobbying, showcasing a stance favoring transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer money.

Bonnen’s involvement in healthcare reform is marked by House Bill 1599, designed to streamline Medicaid enrollment for eligible children, reflecting a focus on improving public health access. Furthermore, his support for House Bill 1683 concerning occupational therapy practice across state lines corresponds with a broader initiative to enhance access to crucial health services.

In addition to these, Bonnen has worked on legislation related to retirement and financial stability for educators through Senate Bill 10, which proposes adjustments to benefits for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System, addressing financial challenges for retired educators.

His legislative efforts align with a broader conservative agenda, defined by a focus on fiscal responsibility, improved healthcare access, and state-led initiatives for border security and education reform. Representative Bonnen is recognized for his alignment with groups such as the Texas Conservative Coalition and the National Federation of Independent Business, highlighting his advocacy for conservative policies that reflect the values of his constituents.