State Representative Venton Jones is currently serving his first term representing District 100, which encompasses significant areas of South and West Dallas, East Dallas, Buckner Terrace, Victory Park, and Oak Cliff. Elected to the Texas House of Representatives, he has established himself as a proactive advocate for his community and a leader within various statewide legislative groups.
Jones is a member of the House Committee on Public Health and the Committee on Corrections, roles in which he contributes to shaping policies impacting health care access, rehabilitation programs, and criminal justice issues. His work on these committees reflects his commitment to advancing health equity and improving correctional systems within Texas. Notably, he serves as the Legislative Chairman of the Aggie Caucus, and is a member of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, and the Texas Energy & Climate Caucus.
In his legislative endeavors, Jones has sponsored and co-authored several bills of significant impact. Among his contributions is House Bill 965, which addresses post-release housing for inmates transitioning back to society. This legislation aims to enhance support structures for formerly incarcerated individuals, emphasizing the importance of stable housing as a means to reduce recidivism and promote reintegration.
Jones has also been active in public health policy, exemplified by his support for House Bill 3377. This bill seeks to enhance accessibility to HIV testing during screenings for sexually transmitted infections, reflecting his ongoing commitment to tackling public health crises and improving health outcomes for marginalized populations. Additionally, his involvement in House Bill 2798 further illustrates his dedication to healthcare, as it focuses on providing essential health benefit plans for individuals living with HIV.
Beyond his legislative responsibilities, Jones is recognized for his dedication to community issues, particularly those affecting Black and LGBTQ+ populations in Texas. As the founder and CEO of the Southern Black Policy and Advocacy Network, he has been instrumental in advocating for policies that enhance social and economic conditions for underrepresented communities. His leadership in this nonprofit organization demonstrates a profound commitment to advocacy beyond the legislative chambers, striving to make substantive changes in health, social justice, and economic development.
On a personal level, Representative Jones is a Texas native. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health from Texas A&M University and later earned a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. He holds a global certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP). In his spare time, he enjoys karaoke, home improvement projects, and gardening. He values family and community, often spending time with loved ones.
In distilling his political leanings, it is clear that Representative Jones advocates for progressive policies, particularly in public health and social justice. His support for housing initiatives, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform aligns with a broader progressive agenda aimed at equity and support for marginalized communities. These efforts position him as a strong advocate for transformative policy changes that seek to improve the lives of his constituents and the overall health of the community.