Texas State Representative

Mihaela Plesa

Biography

Representative Mihaela Plesa is a dedicated public servant representing Texas House District 70, which encompasses areas such as Dallas, Plano, Richardson, and Allen. As a first-generation daughter of Romanian immigrants, Plesa's personal history is marked by resilience and a commitment to the American Dream, which her parents embodied by fleeing Soviet communism. Prior to her election, Plesa successfully ran her own small business centered on fashion merchandising and design, with a focus on promoting Texas-made products. Her entrepreneurial experience has been instrumental in fostering her understanding of the local economy and the needs of small business owners.

Before entering the Texas legislature, Mihaela Plesa served as a legislative director for several sessions, where she developed a strong record in advancing important legislation. Her efforts included expanding the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force and facilitating property tax exemptions for Gold Star families through a constitutional amendment, which received overwhelming support in the 2021 election. Plesa has earned recognition as the first Democratic woman to represent Collin County and the first Romanian-American in the Texas Legislature.

Throughout her legislative career, Representative Plesa has prioritized issues such as public education funding, property tax reduction, and economic development centered on supporting small businesses and families. During the 88th Legislative Session, her key initiatives included bills aimed at improving educational resources and accessibility, which highlighted her commitment to enhancing the quality of life for her constituents.

Plesa is actively involved in several legislative committees, notably the Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services Committee, which focuses on the regulation of public pension systems and financial service policies. Her participation in this committee has allowed her to advocate for enhanced retiree benefits, as demonstrated by her joint authorship of House Bill 830, which proposes a one-time 10% increase in monthly retirement benefits for eligible annuitants and aims to add a cost-of-living adjustment to promote financial security among retirees.

Another significant legislative effort by Plesa is House Bill 108, which seeks to allocate surplus funds from the Foundation School Fund to directly benefit public schools, thus enhancing the basic allotment for educational institutions. This legislation reflects her commitment to equitable educational funding, particularly in a state that ranks low in per-pupil spending. She also co-sponsored House Bill 1179, which aims to increase public awareness regarding protective orders that include provisions concerning pets. This legislation is particularly relevant for domestic abuse survivors, illustrating Plesa's focus on comprehensive support mechanisms within her legislative agenda.

Plesa’s political leanings can be characterized as progressive, advocating for legislation that supports social welfare, educational funding, and economic development through small business support, which aligns with the broader Democratic values in the Texas Legislature. She has co-sponsored bills that enhance the rights of marginalized communities and promote greater inclusivity, such as the initiative to create a low-interest loan program for entrepreneurs with disabilities. This focus on inclusivity extends to her efforts in acknowledging the contributions of local community leaders and improving public services, as seen in her resolutions honoring educators and civic leaders, thereby promoting a culture of appreciation within her district and beyond.

In addition to her legislative responsibilities, Representative Plesa is committed to engaging with her constituents, reflecting her understanding that effective governance is rooted in community involvement. By upholding her family's values of hard work and dedication, she continues to strive for meaningful change in Texas, making her mark as a unique voice in the state legislature.