Joe Deshotel

BEAUMONT – Fresh from a rousing fundraiser/birthday celebration amongst friends and supporters Joe Deshotel, D-Beaumont, announced that he has filed for a seventh term as District 22’s State Representative. “I want to continue putting Southeast Texas’ interests first and continue to serve as our voice in Austin,” Deshotel stated.

The start of the election cycle officially starts today, where upon I have filled for the 2010 March Primary and 2010 November General Election.

Deshotel has represented the 22nd House District, which includes Jefferson and part of Orange Counties, since 1999. “We have gone through a lot over these years,” Deshotel said, “we have enjoyed more funding for the Lamar System, increased funding for transportation projects, and worked for a better quality of life. We should build on these successes, and I want to be a part of that.”

Currently, Representative Deshotel serves as Chairman of the House Business & Industry Committee; which oversees most business transactions in Texas. It is also charged with protecting consumers and furthering worker safety. In his last term Deshotel was appointed to serve as Chairman of the House Economic Development Committee.

Citing his list of legislative accomplishments benefitting public health, higher education and consumer protection measures, Representative Deshotel wants to promote those efforts and tackle emerging issues including better workforce compensation measures, Windstorm Insurance, and bettering regional economic conditions to help lower the area high unemployment rate.

“I’ve done my best to serve the people of Southeast Texas and I look forward to doing it again,” Deshotel stated.