85R8506 BPG-D
By: Lang H.R. No. 1633
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Honorable Jim Keffer concluded his noteworthy
tenure as the representative for Texas House District 60 in January
2017, after 10 consecutive terms in office; and
WHEREAS, First elected in 1996, Representative Keffer
demonstrated a lasting commitment to lowering taxes and eliminating
debt; he coauthored the Texas Taxpayer Appraisal Bill of Rights,
which created the state's first appraisal cap on homeowner property
taxes, and in 1997, 1999, and 2007, he authored three of the largest
tax cuts in Texas history; and
WHEREAS, Representative Keffer also earned a reputation as a
powerful advocate for rural communities, and he led efforts to
reform the education system, eliminate Medicaid fraud, and provide
additional financial security for retired teachers; as chair of the
Natural Resources Committee, he played a key role in the passage of
historic legislation to fund the State Water Plan, and he served
three terms as chair of the Energy Resources Committee; moreover,
he chaired the Ways and Means Committee and the Select Committee on
Property Tax Relief, and he served as both chair and vice chair of
the Economic Development Committee and as a member of numerous
other committees, including Business and Industry, Redistricting,
and Pensions and Investments; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, Representative Keffer was named one of the
state's best legislators by Texas Monthly magazine, and he was
selected as one of the top five legislators by Gallery Watch; in
addition, he garnered such prestigious accolades as the Golden
Flame Award from the Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers
Association of Texas and the Chairman's Circle Award from the
Republican Party of Texas; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Texas Tech University, Representative
Keffer is the president of EBAA Iron Sales; his return to private
life allows him to spend more time with his wife of 40 years,
Leslie, and a treasured family that includes three sons and two
grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his two decades in office, Jim Keffer
represented his constituents with vision, skill, and dedication,
and his lasting contributions to the Lone Star State have earned the
deep respect and appreciation of all Texans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby commend the Honorable Jim Keffer for his
outstanding service as a member of the Texas Legislature and extend
to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Representative Keffer as an expression of high regard
by the Texas House of Representatives.