State Representative Toni Rose is currently serving her sixth term in the Texas House of Representatives, representing the 110th District, which includes communities in Oak Cliff, Pleasant Grove, and Balch Springs. As a proud alumna of Paul Quinn College, Representative Rose has dedicated her legislative career to a variety of critical issues, including mental health reform, affordable healthcare access, and criminal justice reform.

During her time in office, Representative Rose has been recognized for her outstanding legislative work. Texas Monthly Magazine included her in their 2023 list of the "10 Best Legislators," and the Texas Tribune acknowledged her as the most influential woman in the Texas House. She currently serves in leadership roles as the Vice Chair of several committees, including the House Subcommittee of Article II Appropriations and the House Committees on Calendars and Human Services. Additionally, she is a member of both the Redistricting Committee and the newly formed House Select Committee on Health Care Reform.

Toni Rose has been actively involved in various legislative initiatives. Notably, she has played a significant role in advancing healthcare policies that positively impact mothers and children. She championed legislation to extend postpartum benefits from two months to twelve months, which expands access to essential medical and psychological care for new mothers. Furthermore, she has worked on legislative efforts targeting the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease, enhancing medical school curricula to include education on the condition, and promoting Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers to support families with medically complex children.

In her role on the Appropriations Committee, Representative Rose has also advocated for several important budgetary items. Her initiatives include providing free breakfast for children qualifying for reduced-price meals, expanding re-entry services for individuals transitioning from incarceration, and increasing funding for Healthy Community Collaboratives to assist those experiencing homelessness in Texas. Additionally, she secured funding for mental health initiatives, notably the Texas Behavioral Health Center at UT Southwestern.

Her legislative efforts extend to supporting vulnerable populations, which includes extending transportation services for senior citizens and the establishment of a Statewide Interagency Aging Services Coordinating Council to create strategic plans for the aging demographic in Texas. Importantly, Rose was instrumental in designating December 1st as Rosa Parks Day in Texas, a reflection of her commitment to civil rights and social justice.

Representative Rose’s political leanings can be characterized as progressive, focusing heavily on health care reform and social equity. Her support for bills like House Bill 2044, which mandates mental health screenings in county jails, showcases her dedication to mental health reform within the criminal justice system. Furthermore, her endorsement of the legislation to create the Office of Food System Security and Resiliency highlights her commitment to addressing food insecurity issues within Texas. Additionally, Toni Rose’s involvement in various committees, including the Health Care Reform and Select Committees, suggests an ongoing focus on improving health outcomes for marginalized communities.

Beyond her legislative duties, she holds memberships in several professional organizations that reflect her community engagement and commitment to civil rights, including the NAACP Dallas Branch and the League of Women Voters of Dallas. Representative Rose has also held key positions, such as Financial Secretary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and Deputy Whip of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, which further emphasize her leadership in advocating for equity and justice at the state level.

Through her ongoing legislative work and commitment to her constituents, Representative Toni Rose demonstrates a robust dedication to advancing social issues, healthcare reform, and legislative accountability in the Texas House of Representatives.