Honoring former state representative Jim Keffer for his service in the Texas Legislature.
Throughout his tenure, Keffer was also noted for his advocacy for rural communities and for his leadership in areas critical to education and healthcare. He spearheaded reforms to eliminate Medicaid fraud and worked towards providing better financial security for retired teachers. His chairmanships in various committees, particularly the Natural Resources Committee, positioned him to influence key legislation such as the funding of the State Water Plan, thereby addressing essential resource management for Texas.
House Resolution 1633 honors the former state representative Jim Keffer for his dedicated service in the Texas Legislature. Serving ten consecutive terms from 1996 until 2017, Keffer gained recognition for his commitment to reducing taxes and improving the financial welfare of his constituents. He was instrumental in coauthoring significant tax legislation, including the Texas Taxpayer Appraisal Bill of Rights, which established appraisal caps on property taxes, and authored multiple tax cuts recognized as some of the largest in Texas history.
Keffer's work in the Texas Legislature, while honored in this resolution, also reflects broader discussions on the balance between economic growth and legislative responsibility. His approaches have sometimes sparked debates on the effectiveness of tax cuts versus the need for adequate public funding in essential services like education and health. However, this resolution serves to encapsulate his contributions positively, showcasing the goodwill and respect he garnered among his peers and constituents during his legislative career.