State Rep. Jim Pitts announced today he is retiring from the State House of Representatives after 20 years serving District 10.
District 10 took in parts of the Cedar Creek Lake area and western Henderson County after the most recent redistricting.
“My goal has been to give my all for those I represent. I have done so, now it’s time to come home. It has been a tremendous honor to serve in the Texas House of Representatives on behalf of the citizens of Ellis, Hill, and more recently Henderson Counties,” said Pitts in a statement. “I truly believe there is no better place in which to live, work, and raise a family than the great State of Texas, and I am proud to have been able to help make Texas even better over these past twenty years.”
According to the statement, found on the Quorum Report:
Chairman Pitts has been named to Texas Monthly’s Ten Best Legislators list three times – in 2005, 2009, and 2013 – and has garnered an endless amount of awards, recognitions, and honors during his tenure. In five separate sessions he has been chosen by the Speaker of the House to lead the Appropriations Committee and tasked with passing the only must pass bill of each legislative session, the budget bill.
Rep Pitts’ legislative accomplishments include authoring the largest tax cut in the history of Texas (HB 2 in the 80th session), authoring the largest budget cut in the history of Texas and authoring or sponsoring the three most recent budget bills during and in the wake of the worst economic recession our state and nation had seen in decades.
“Helping my constituents get the services and assistance they need and listening to their input and concerns has always been my number one priority. In addition, it has always been important to me to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. It is my hope that the traditions of bipartisanship and collegiality that I have always tried to adhere to will continue to live on the Texas Legislature.”
Having previously served on the Waxahachie ISD Board of Trustees for 14 years, 2 as Board President, Rep. Pitts was first elected to the Texas House in 1992. In his private life, Pitts founded a law firm and a title company in addition to serving on numerous civic and community boards such as the Sims Library Board, the Presbyterian Children’s Board, and the Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie Board of Trustees.
“My time in the legislature will always be special to me and my family, and I will most remember the things we were able to accomplish in our local communities,” Chairman Pitts remarked. “The expansion of higher education in Ellis County, establishment of the Waxahachie Global High School, and securing funding for much-needed transportation infrastructure projects will enable our area to continue to grow and thrive.”
“I am humbled by the encouragement and support I have received from the voters of House District 10 throughout the years. The decision to not seek re-election was one of the hardest I have ever had to make, but ultimately it is time for me to close this chapter of public service. I am looking forward to spending time with my family and friends and seeing what new opportunities and challenges life has in store.”