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Rep. Gary VanDeaver headshot

Gary VanDeaver Voting Record & Scorecard | Christian Employers Alliance

TX Representative

District: 1 • Republican

2025 Alignment:

69.03%

Lifetime Alignment:

74.17%

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Lifetime Ratings by Policy Category

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Provided by Transparency USA

Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R-TX-1) earned a 69% Christian Employers Alliance score for 2025, showing moderate alignment with biblical business policy positions. Gary VanDeaver voted on 109 of the 110 key bills CEA scored in 2025. Across 2 years rated, Gary VanDeaver's lifetime CEA score averages 74%, with 161 votes recorded across 162 scored bills. Gary VanDeaver represents the 1st District in the Texas House of Representatives. Highest category scores: First Freedom (99%), Operational Freedom (88%), and Economic Freedom (60%).

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 104House 20252x

Raiding the State's Rainy-Day Fund to Provide $5 Billion to Invest in Government Favored Companies.

Against CEA
This bill establishes the "Texas Future Fund" to invest in "frontier technology infrastructure, industry sectors critical to national defense, and other innovative technologies." The bill diverts $5 billion from the Economic Stabilization Fund, commonly referred to as the "rainy day" fund, to the new fund. The bill fuels cronyism and places taxpayer funds at risk to invest in government-favored companies.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship and fairness call for restraint in the use of public funds and equal treatment under the law. Expanding government-directed investment subsidies risks misallocating resources and placing the burden on taxpayers rather than encouraging responsible, voluntary economic activity.
Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Leadership Insight
God challenges wasteful spending and misdirected labor that produces no lasting value. Economic freedom means the liberty to invest resources in Kingdom purposes without government mandates dictating consumption. Leaders who reduce unnecessary taxation and regulation allow individuals to steward earnings toward what truly satisfies - family, faith, and generational wealth rather than bureaucratic waste.
HB 1052House 20251x

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Health Insurance Companies Cover Out-of-State Telehealth Services the Same as In-State Services.

Against CEA
This bill requires health insurance policies in the state to cover telemedicine, teledentistry, and telehealth services where either the healthcare provider or patient is located outside the state, the same as if both parties are located in the state. This applies to patients who primarily reside in the state and healthcare providers who have a physical office in the state. Each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual or business from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, compassion for the sick must be balanced with responsible stewardship of limited public resources. Expanding government health care programs without clear cost controls risks burdening families and future generations while crowding out more personal, community-based solutions to care.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you… You are not your own; you were bought at a price."
Leadership Insight
Healthcare freedom begins with ownership - recognizing that our bodies belong to God, not government or culture. When we understand divine ownership, we resist ungodly control. Stewardship is sacred, not optional.
HB 1056House 20252x

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Recognizing Gold and Silver Specie as Legal Tender.

With CEA
This bill establishes gold and silver specie as legal tender in the state. The bill allows the comptroller to establish a system to allow depositors and vendors to make and receive payments using a currency backed by gold and silver currency. This measure is especially important considering the reckless and dangerous monetary actions that have been taken by the Federal Reserve, such as quantitative easing.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, honesty and fairness in commerce are essential to just economic relationships. Allowing individuals to freely contract and exchange value without unnecessary government interference reflects stewardship, responsibility, and respect for economic liberty.
Ecclesiastes 5:19 – "When God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them... this is a gift of God."
Leadership Insight
Enjoyment is not indulgence - it’s gratitude. God delights in leaders who enjoy His blessings without forgetting His mission. Gratitude keeps wealth from becoming an idol.
HB 112House 20251x

Growing the Size and Scope of Government by Authorizing the Establishment of "Science Park Districts".

Against CEA
This bill allows for the establishment of "Science Park Districts" in counties with a population of 800,000 or more, as well as access to water and transportation sources. These districts would be designed for purposes such as supply chains, scientific and technological research, commercial and workforce development, and developing infrastructure. These districts could impose assessments, fees, and taxes to fund operations and projects, further taxing their citizens.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for fairness and restraint in the use of public resources. Taxpayer-funded subsidies for ventures risk misusing limited resources and prioritizing government favoritism over personal responsibility and free enterprise.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 113House 20252x

Placing a Critical Check on the Powers of Courts by Requiring Laws to be Interpreted as Written.

With CEA
This bill requires courts to interpret laws as written, prohibiting the use of "intentionalism" whereby courts consider legislative intent or legislative history, such as statements made by a legislator during the legislative process or committee reports. The bill also provides that courts are not required to defer to agency constructions of laws, but may consider reasonable constructions that do not conflict with the plain language of the law. Finally, the bill provides that, unless otherwise stated, laws are intended to be severable, whereby if one provision of a law is declared unconstitutional, the rest of the law remains in effect.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, justice requires fairness, accountability, and impartial judgment. Preventing unchecked agency power and ensuring courts independently interpret the law helps protect human dignity and the rule of law entrusted to civil authorities.
Deuteronomy 16:18-20 – "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you."
Leadership Insight
Moses commands impartial justice - judges who follow "justice alone" without showing partiality. First Freedom depends on courts that protect religious liberty impartially, without favoring secular ideology over sincere faith. When judges show partiality against religious conviction, accepting the cultural bribes of elite approval, they pervert the justice God demands. First Freedom requires judges who fear God more than cultural pressure.
HB 1151House 20252x

Protecting Parental Rights by Preventing Government Taking Custody of Children Solely Because of a Parent's Reasonable Medical Decision.

With CEA
This bill prohibits the state from taking custody of a child solely because their parent refused to allow psychiatric or psychological treatment, or because parents choose a recognized "alternative treatment" for their child. This protection applies unless the decision causes a substantial risk of harm to the child or impairs the child's development.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, parents are entrusted with the primary responsibility to guide and care for their children, and conscience rights must be respected. Upholding parental authority and protecting health care providers from being forced to violate deeply held beliefs affirms both family integrity and religious freedom.
James 3:17 – "The wisdom that comes from heaven is... full of mercy and good fruit."
Leadership Insight
Ethical leadership begins with heavenly wisdom. Policies guided by mercy produce fruit that blesses people and honors God. Compassion must never be compromised for compliance.
HB 1201House 20252x

Increasing Government Dependency by Expanding Medicaid to Include Coverage of Doula Services.

Against CEA
This bill requires the Health and Human Services Commission to develop a pilot program to provide Medicaid coverage of doula services in the county with the highest population and the county with the highest "maternal health support needs" (maternal and infant mortality rates and births by Medicaid recipients). This measure further increases government dependency under a state system that already provides substantial benefits. Lawmakers should work to reduce barriers for the private sector and to direct aid and assistance to those that truly need it, not expand ineffective welfare systems and include unnecessary services.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, care for those in need is best rooted in families, churches, and community organizations rather than expanding government dependency. Broadening Medicaid into non-medical services risks weakening personal responsibility and stewardship while placing additional burdens on taxpayers and future generations.
3 John 1:2 – "I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well."
Leadership Insight
God cares about both body and soul. True wellness begins with spiritual alignment, not medical advancement. Leaders who prioritize spiritual health will influence every area of healing policy.
HB 1359House 20251x

Growing the Welfare State by Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize Others' Electric Bills Through a New Payment Assistance Fund.

Against CEA
This bill establishes the "income-based assistance fund" to provide bill payment assistance for low-income electric customers and critical care residential customers. This new fund and program and is unnecessary government intervention in what should be handled by private utilities, charities, or existing federal/low-income programs (e.g., LIHEAP).
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for restraint, accountability, and respect for local decision-making. Creating centralized new welfare programs and spending authority risks displacing family, community, and employer-led solutions with government control.
1 Corinthians 15:58 – "Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Leadership Insight
Nothing done for God is wasted. The world measures success by numbers; Heaven measures it by faithfulness. Perseverance turns ordinary work into eternal fruit.
HB 145House 20253x

Allowing Utilities that Spark Wildfires to Skirt Liability for All Future Damages.

Against CEA
This bill allows utility companies to avoid liability for all damages resulting from any wildfire they spark. The liability may be avoided if they merely enact a so-called "wildfire mitigation plan". Such plans may have little impact in preventing a fire, and may be based on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and other politicized frameworks. This measure follows the sparking of the largest wildfire in Texas history, which utility company Xcel Energy took responsibility for, and is estimated to have caused over a billion dollars in damage. The bill will likely result in skyrocketing property insurance premiums as liability is shifted, and the bankruptcy of Texas ranching operations in the event of a future fire. The ILA's Center to Protect Ranchers is a leading voice on this issue and is fighting for policies that support victims and prevent future harms to the ranching industry.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, justice requires accountability that is fair and proportional. Protecting responsible property owners from undue hardship while encouraging safe practices reflects principles of fairness, stewardship, and limited government authority.
Proverbs 16:8 – "Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice."
Leadership Insight
Integrity is not negotiable for Kingdom leaders. God measures success by righteousness, not revenue. When operations remain pure, outcomes remain blessed.
HB 1781House 20252x

Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize County Fairs and Local Rodeos.

Against CEA
This bill establishes the "Texas Livestock and Rodeo Education and Continuation Grant Program" to provide grants to county fairs and local rodeos. Funds may be used for purposes such as facility maintenance and construction, event programs, and personnel salaries. It is not the proper role of government to fund fairs and rodeos and taxpayer funds should not be utilized to advance government-favored industries.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship requires restraint and fairness in the use of public funds. Extending grants for select events risks misusing taxpayer resources and undermines principles of responsibility, equity, and limited government.
Haggai 1:6 – "You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
Leadership Insight
When priorities drift from purpose, prosperity leaks away. God doesn’t bless motion - He blesses alignment. Economic freedom begins when stewardship follows divine order.
HB 1794House 20252x

Strengthening Self-Defense and Public Safety by Authorizing Concealed Carry at Polling Places.

With CEA
This bill allows individuals with a concealed carry license to carry a concealed handgun at polling places on an election day and during early voting, if doing so at the location is not otherwise prohibited under state law. James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. So-called "gun free zones" do nothing to prevent criminals from breaking the law, they merely disarm law-abiding individuals and unduly infringe their Second Amendment protections and leave them defenseless.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, government should uphold justice and protect the right of individuals to defend themselves while maintaining order. Clear and consistent laws that respect lawful conduct help safeguard human dignity and reflect the proper, restrained role of civil authority.
Luke 22:36 – "He said to them, 'But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.'"
Leadership Insight
Jesus affirms the right to self-defense. Preparedness is not paranoia - it's stewardship of safety. Leaders who defend the Second Amendment defend the biblical principle that protection is both a right and a responsibility. Security begins with the citizen, not the state.
HB 192 (2nd Special Session)House 20251x

Strengthening Public Safety by Requiring Voter Approval to Defund the Police and Prohibiting Transferring Funds Appropriated to the Sheriff or Constable.

With CEA
This bill voter approval for a county with a population of at least 3.3 million (such as Harris County, which includes Houston) to reduce a law enforcement agency budget or the number of peace office positions, or to reallocate unspent funds from a law enforcement agency or reallocate previously appropriated funds from a law enforcement agency to another agency. Additionally, the bill prohibits such counties from transferring funds appropriated to a sheriff or constable or prohibiting the sheriff or constable from using such funds. Protecting property rights and ensuring public safety through a well-staffed police force serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, so-called criminal justice "reforms", have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced across the nation by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, government has a responsibility to protect life and maintain public order while remaining accountable to the people it serves. Requiring voters to approve reductions in law enforcement funding upholds justice, transparency, and the protection of communities.
Romans 13:1-4 – "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
Leadership Insight
Government authority is legitimate only when it reflects God's design - to punish evil and reward good. Leaders submit to righteous authority but resist tyranny. Romans 13 is not a blank check for government overreach; it's a framework for godly governance rooted in justice.
HB 1955House 20251x

Growing Government Dependency Through a New Program to Provide Grants for Early Childhood Mental Health Home Visiting Services.

Against CEA
This bill requires the Health and Human Services Commission to establish the "Early Childhood Mental Health Home Visiting Grant Program" to provide grants to organizations to provide such services. The bill requires that grant recipients have experience providing certain services to "low-income, high-risk families." Creating new government welfare programs only breeds dependency, discourages hard work, and burdens taxpayers with unsustainable debt—true compassion comes from empowering individuals through opportunity, not endless entitlements.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for restraint and accountability in the use of public funds. Creating ongoing programs risks dependency on government support instead of encouraging voluntary, community-based efforts rooted in responsibility and self-sufficiency.
Proverbs 14:23 – "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."
Leadership Insight
God blesses action more than intention. Productivity is not greed - it’s stewardship. Words build ideas; work builds Kingdom impact.
HB 206House 20251x

Combatting Local Government Overreach by Prohibiting Counties from Requiring Cash Bonds for Pipeline Approval.

With CEA
This bill restricts counties from requiring a cash bond as a condition for approving construction of a pipeline. Specifically, counties cannot impose such a bond unless they allow the pipeline proposer the right to approve or deny how the bond proceeds are used. If the proposer denies the use, they are entitled to a full refund of the bond. This applies only to pipeline approval applications filed on or after the effective date. By limiting local government regulations that could impose financial burdens or delays on pipeline projects, this bill facilitates easier development of energy infrastructure, which is seen as essential for economic growth, job creation in the oil and gas sector, and national energy independence.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, excessive regulation can hinder honest work and stewardship by placing unnecessary burdens on businesses and workers. Limited government that respects personal responsibility and economic freedom best allows individuals and communities to flourish while still prioritizing safety.
Luke 14:28-30 – "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"
Leadership Insight
Vision must meet calculation. God honors leaders who count costs before claiming promises. Stewardship without foresight breeds collapse.
HB 2249House 20252x

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Scholarships and Student Loan Repayment for Teachers.

Against CEA
This bill requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish the "Texas Teacher Recruitment Scholarship Program" to provide scholarships and student loan repayment assistance for students in undergraduate teaching programs. Recipients must agree to teach in the state for 4 or 5 years after graduating. The program provides up to $40,000 in scholarship funds, which may also be used to pay off student loans if the individual does not use the full amount before graduating. While it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice - college and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e., tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship requires careful use of public resources and fairness in how assistance is distributed. Expanding government education subsidies beyond true financial need risks burdening taxpayers and weakening the role of families and communities in planning for higher education.
Proverbs 22:7 – "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender."
Leadership Insight
Borrowing beyond purpose is surrendering authority. Debt doesn’t just cost interest - it costs influence. Leaders who manage debt wisely preserve both freedom and dignity.
HB 2284House 20251x

Imposing a Draconian New Licensing Regime on "Music Therapists" Which Increases Employment Barriers and Restricts Competition.

Against CEA
This bill enacts the "Music Therapist Licensing Act," which requires anyone who wishes to provide "music therapy services" in the state to become licensed, pay a fee, hold a bachelor\'s degree, and obtain a national certification. The license must be renewed every two years. This bill represents one of the very worst forms of cronyism and government overreach for a service which presents little to no risk to consumers. This government mandate merely exists to enrich the schools and organizations which provide education and credentialling for this service.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, honest work and providing for one’s family should not be hindered by unnecessary regulatory barriers. Excessive licensing and government control over trades can limit opportunity and undermine the dignity of work, rather than promoting responsibility and fairness.
1 Timothy 5:18 – "The worker deserves his wages."
Leadership Insight
God’s justice includes fair compensation. Exploitation contradicts His design. Leaders who value their teams reflect the righteousness of Heaven in the workplace.
HB 229House 20253x

Protecting Women by Confirming the Definition of "Sex" as One's Biological Sex at Birth.

With CEA
This bill establishes a legal definition of "sex" for use in statutes and state code. The bill defines "sex" as the biological distinction between male and female based on reproductive biology. All individuals - regardless of their sexual identity - should be treated with respect and have the same freedoms, rights and opportunities under the law. This bill helps strengthen safety and privacy in restrooms and locker rooms at educational facilities, prisons and other locations across the state.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, this legislation affirms the inherent dignity of every human and the moral responsibility to protect their privacy and safety. Clear standards rooted in biological reality help ensure that environments remain places of trust, order, and respect consistent with biblical principles.
Deuteronomy 22:5 – "A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this."
Leadership Insight
God's design for gender is intentional, not arbitrary. Leaders who defend biological truth protect the foundation of family, identity, and society. Cultural pressure to erase distinctions does not change divine design. Clarity about gender honors God's created order.
HB 23 (2nd Special Session)House 20251x

Expanding Cronyism Through a Property Tax Exemption for Certain Harris County Nonprofits.

Against CEA
This bill provides an ad valorem property tax exemption for certain nonprofit organizations in a county with a population of at least 3.3 million (Harris County, which includes Houston). The exemption applies property used for "promoting agriculture, supporting youth, and providing educational support in the community" by nonprofits that are organized "exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes." This bill fuels cronyism by enriching government-favored organizations and diluting the overall tax base. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, government should exercise stewardship by treating taxpayers fairly and avoiding favoritism through the tax code. Allowing markets and individuals to make decisions without state-directed subsidies better reflects principles of fairness, responsibility, and limited government.
Proverbs 11:1 – "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him."
Leadership Insight
Integrity in business is not optional - it’s spiritual obedience. Every transaction reflects the character of the Kingdom. Honesty is Heaven’s currency for influence.
HB 2440House 20251x

Protecting Automotive Freedom and the Internal Combustion Engine by Preventing State Agencies from Requiring All New Vehicles be Electric or Zero Emission.

With CEA
This bill prevents state agencies from prohibiting or restricting the sale or use of vehicles based on the power source, or prohibiting owning an engine-powered vehicle. The bill also provides that the state's air quality implementation goal may not restrict the ability to purchase vehicles. This measure is critical to protecting automotive freedom amid pushes by California and other states to force electric vehicle purchases. It is the role of the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - to determine the propulsion of new vehicle sales.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, excessive regulation can hinder honest work and stewardship by placing unnecessary burdens on businesses and workers. Limited government that respects personal responsibility and economic freedom best allows individuals and communities to flourish while still prioritizing safety.
Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Leadership Insight
God challenges wasteful spending and misdirected labor that produces no lasting value. Economic freedom means the liberty to invest resources in Kingdom purposes without government mandates dictating consumption. Leaders who reduce unnecessary taxation and regulation allow individuals to steward earnings toward what truly satisfies - family, faith, and generational wealth rather than bureaucratic waste.
HB 2464House 20251x

Strengthening Property Rights by Restricting Municipalities from Regulating "No-Impact Home-Based Businesses".

With CEA
This bill restricts municipalities from imposing certain regulations on "no-impact home-based businesses," protecting homeowners and tenants from excessive local government restrictions on operating small businesses from their residential properties that are "no-impact". Under the bill, municipalities may not impose certain regulations on such businesses, such as requiring a license or permit or rezoning.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, excessive regulation can hinder honest work and stewardship by placing unnecessary burdens on businesses and workers. Limited government that respects personal responsibility and economic freedom best allows individuals and communities to flourish while still prioritizing safety.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands… so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders."
Leadership Insight
True ambition is not noisy; it’s faithful. Leaders who work quietly with integrity build credibility that speaks louder than self-promotion. Consistency becomes their witness.
HB 25 (2nd Special Session)House 20252x

Strengthening Medical Freedom by Allowing Pharmacists to Dispense Ivermectin Without a Prescription.

With CEA
This bill allows pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription, in accordance with procedures and protocols developed by the Texas Board of Pharmacy. Additionally, the bill provides criminal and civil immunity, and prohibits professional disciplinary action, as long as the pharmacist acted "in a reasonably prudent manner."
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, health care decisions should respect human dignity while also honoring prudent stewardship and limited government. Excessive regulation of private health plans risks higher costs and reduced choices for families, undermining the ability of individuals and communities to responsibly manage care.
Matthew 20:13-15 – "But he answered one of them, 'I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'"
Leadership Insight
Jesus affirms the landowner's absolute right to manage his property without external interference. Economic freedom is rooted in the biblical principle that owners - not governments or envious neighbors - determine how resources are allocated. Leaders who defend property rights protect the foundation of free enterprise: voluntary agreements honored without coercion.
HB 2674House 20252x

Protecting Homeschooling from Government Control by Prohibiting State Agency Rules and Regulations.

With CEA
This bill prohibits the Texas Education Agency, the State Board of Education, and any other state-funded educational institutions from imposing rules or regulations on home school educational programs.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, expanding access to quality educational options respects the role of parents as primary decision-makers in their children’s upbringing. Policies that encourage accountability, opportunity, and freedom in education align with biblical principles of stewardship and responsibility.
Galatians 5:1 – "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Leadership Insight
Freedom is not the absence of restraint; it is the presence of divine purpose. Christ purchased liberty not for comfort but for courage. A free leader under God becomes unshakable, even when culture shifts.
HB 2 (Motion to Table Bryant Amd. 16)House 20251x

Combatting Teacher Shortages and Reducing Employment Barriers by Allowing Open-Enrollment Charter Schools Additional Flexibility in Hiring Uncertified Teachers.

With CEA
This motion tables (defeats) the Bryant amendment #14 to a bill establishing a school choice Education Savings Account program. The amendment expands the restriction on schools employing uncertified teachers to also include open-enrollment charter schools, rather than only school districts. This amendment increases teacher shortages and creates barriers to employment for potential teachers with relevant expertise.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, honest work and providing for one’s family should not be hindered by unnecessary regulatory barriers. Excessive licensing and government control over trades can limit opportunity and undermine the dignity of work, rather than promoting responsibility and fairness.
–
HB 3053House 20252x

Supporting Second Amendment Rights by Prohibiting Localities from Participating in Firearm Buyback Programs.

With CEA
This bill prohibits municipalities and counties from organizing, sponsoring, participating in, or funding firearm buyback programs intended to remove guns from circulation. This targets common "gun buyback" events where cities/counties offer cash or gift cards in exchange for firearms, which are then typically destroyed.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, government should uphold justice and protect the right of individuals to defend themselves while maintaining order. Clear and consistent laws that respect lawful conduct help safeguard human dignity and reflect the proper, restrained role of civil authority.
–
HB 321House 20251x

Growing Government Dependency by Establishing an "Express Lane" Option to Qualify for Medicaid.

Against CEA
This bill requires the Health and Human Services Commission to establish an "express lane" option for determining eligibility and enrolling children in Medicaid and the Child Health Program. Under this option, the commission is directed to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application data to determine a child's eligibility for Medicaid and the Child Health Program, and if eligible, enroll the child in the programs upon parental consent.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, compassion for those in need should be paired with accountability and policies that encourage independence and responsibility. Expanding entitlement programs without clear limits risks fostering dependency and placing additional burdens on families and taxpayers, rather than strengthening community-based care and support.
Proverbs 10:4 – "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth."
Leadership Insight
God blesses action, not apathy. Diligence is not busyness; it’s focused obedience to your calling. Prosperity follows stewardship, not luck.
HB 3225House 20253x

Protecting Minors from Sexual Content by Restricting Access to Sexually Explicit Materials in Public Libraries.

With CEA
This bill prohibits municipal public libraries from making sexually explicit material available in a section of the library designated for minors. Additionally, minors may not check out such materials without parental consent. The bill also requires the libraries to annually review the materials in sections designated for minors to ensure no such material is available. Individuals also may petition the library to review specific materials. Finally, the bill requires libraries to comply with these provisions in order to be eligible for state library grants. It is a role of government to protect children from exposure to obscene material at public institutions, such as schools and libraries.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, children should be protected from sexually explicit material that undermines innocence and moral development. Government appropriately serves the common good when it upholds standards that help families raise children in safe and wholesome environments.
–
HB 3284House 20251x

Promoting Traditional Family Values by Establishing the "Texas Commission on Marriage and Family".

With CEA
This bill establishes the "Texas Commission on Marriage and Family" to promote "strong marriages and healthy families" and provide recommendations to the legislature to help make the state "favorable for marriage and raising children." Identifying and removing government barriers that discourage marriage and strong family formation while promoting stable, two-parent households is the foundation for a healthier, more prosperous Texas.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, strong marriages and families are foundational to a healthy society and should not be undermined by government policy. Reviewing and reforming laws that create barriers to family formation affirms the importance of marriage, personal responsibility, and the flourishing of children.
–
HB 3826House 20251x

Growing Government by Establishing an Unnecessary "Texas Energy Efficiency Council".

Against CEA
This bill establishes the "Texas Energy Efficiency Council" within the Public Utility Commission of Texas to monitor and improve energy efficiency efforts within the state, such as "providing a statewide collaborative approach to promoting energy efficiency." This bill serves as a foundation for future mandates, restrictions on energy use, and/or centralized policies that infringe on individual liberties and free-market principles.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship of land and resources is best guided by families, landowners, and local communities rather than state-directed planning. Expanding government committees risks displacing personal responsibility and voluntary cooperation with centralized control.
Matthew 20:13-15 – "But he answered one of them, 'I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'"
Leadership Insight
Jesus affirms the landowner's absolute right to manage his property without external interference. Economic freedom is rooted in the biblical principle that owners - not governments or envious neighbors - determine how resources are allocated. Leaders who defend property rights protect the foundation of free enterprise: voluntary agreements honored without coercion.
HB 3883House 20251x

Worsening Cronyism and Government Central Planning by Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize Auto Racing and the South by Southwest Festival Under the "Major Events Reimbursement Program".

Against CEA
This bill expands eligibility under the "Major Events Reimbursement Program" to include a Federation Internationale de l 'Automobile (FIA) World Endurance Championship international automobile race and the South by Southwest Conference and Festivals. Additionally, the bill exempts the South by Southwest Conference and Festivals event from the eligibility requirement that an organization select the site after considering at least one site in a different state in a "highly competitive" process. The free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to select the most desired events and provide the necessary funding (via tickets and other user fees). The major event reimbursement program should be eliminated entirely as the state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship requires restraint and fairness in the use of public funds. Extending incentive subsidies for select events risks misusing taxpayer resources and undermines principles of responsibility, equity, and limited government.
Proverbs 11:1 – "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him."
Leadership Insight
Integrity in business is not optional - it’s spiritual obedience. Every transaction reflects the character of the Kingdom. Honesty is Heaven’s currency for influence.
HB 4070House 20253x

Picking Winners and Losers in the Orthodontics Industry by Shutting Down Competition of Online Providers of "Clear Aligners".

Against CEA
This bill is largely targeted towards online providers of clear orthodontic aligners, such as SmileDirectClub. Under the bill, orthodontic devices can't be provided to an individual unless they undergo an in-person examination by a dentist, receive dental x-rays, and are provided a prescription for their usage by a dentist. This measure represents one of the worst examples of cronyism and utilization of government power to stifle competition under the guise of "consumer protection". This protectionism merely enriches orthodontists and dentists and prevents the free market from expanding competition and lowering costs for consumers.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, individuals and families should have the freedom to make responsible health care decisions without excessive government interference. Overregulation that limits access and choice undermines stewardship, affordability, and care for those with limited resources.
Proverbs 3:7-8 – "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."
Leadership Insight
True health begins in humility. When society exalts human wisdom above divine truth, sickness follows. Reverence brings restoration; arrogance breeds decay.
HB 4505House 20251x

Growing Cronyism and Government Central Planning by Providing Zero-Interest Loans for Workforce Housing Development.

Against CEA
This bill establishes the "Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund Program" to provide zero-interest loans to develop and construct single-family workforce housing projects designed for households with income equal to between 30-80% of the area's median income. This includes costs such as land acquisition, flood mitigation, and infrastructure. The program is administered by a nonprofit housing organization. This bill fuels cronyism by enriching select developers through government central planning. Instead of growing government and central planning, lawmakers should empower the free market to make housing truly "affordable" by reducing stringent zoning regulations.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, housing solutions are best addressed through local communities, families, and private initiative rather than expanded government authority. Broadening the reach of state and local housing agencies risks undermining stewardship, subsidiarity, and personal responsibility.
Haggai 1:6 – "You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
Leadership Insight
When priorities drift from purpose, prosperity leaks away. God doesn’t bless motion - He blesses alignment. Economic freedom begins when stewardship follows divine order.
HB 493House 20251x

Strengthening Election Integrity by Prohibiting Certain Felons from Serving as Poll Watchers.

With CEA
This bill makes individuals with a first or second-degree felony conviction, or a felony conviction directly related to an election, ineligible to serve as a poll watcher.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, honest and orderly elections are essential to just governance. Protecting the integrity of the voting process promotes trust, fairness, and respect for the rule of law entrusted to civil authorities.
1 Peter 2:16 – "Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves."
Leadership Insight
Freedom without submission becomes rebellion. Godly leaders understand that liberty is strongest when anchored to righteousness. Submission to Christ secures freedom from corruption.
HB 500 (Lalani Amd. 12)House 20251x

Socializing the Cost of Higher Education by Providing $2.64 Million for Medical Student Residency Positions.

Against CEA
The Lalani amendment #12 to a supplemental appropriations bill adds a $2.64 million appropriation to the Higher Education Coordinating Board for at least 12 medical student residency positions. College and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e., tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship requires careful use of public resources and fairness in how assistance is distributed. Expanding government education subsidies beyond true financial need risks burdening taxpayers and weakening the role of families and communities in planning for higher education.
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HB 5115House 20251x

Strengthening Election Integrity by Increasing Penalties for Election Fraud.

With CEA
This bill increases criminal penalties for election fraud under Texas law by elevating the general offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a second-degree felony (punishable by 2–20 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine), and it specifically makes actions like counting invalid votes or refusing to count valid votes an election fraud offense.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, honest and orderly elections are essential to just governance. Protecting the integrity of the voting process promotes trust, fairness, and respect for the rule of law entrusted to civil authorities.
Micah 6:8 – "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
Leadership Insight
True operational success balances justice, mercy, and humility. Leaders who value fairness and compassion build systems Heaven can trust.
HB 5138 (House Version)House 20251x

Strengthening Election Integrity by Requiring the Attorney General to Prosecute Election Crimes if Local Prosecutors Do Not.

With CEA
This bill provides the Attorney General the authority to prosecute election crimes. Under the bill, a law enforcement agency that submits a report finding probable cause of an election crime to a local prosecutor is also required to submit the report to the Attorney General. If the local prosecutor has not initiated proceedings within 6 months, the Attorney General is required to do so. The bill also requires law enforcement agencies and local prosecutors to provide the Attorney General with all requested information relating to election crimes investigations.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, honest and orderly elections are essential to just governance. Protecting the integrity of the voting process promotes trust, fairness, and respect for the rule of law entrusted to civil authorities.
Exodus 18:21 – "Select capable men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain."
Leadership Insight
Skill can open doors, but character keeps them open. God measures leadership by trustworthiness before talent. Righteous leaders create righteous systems.
HB 5246House 20252x

Reducing Over $7 Million in Wasteful Spending by Abolishing the "Spaceport Trust Fund".

With CEA
This bill abolishes the "Spaceport Trust Fund," which provided funds for the development of spaceport infrastructure. The trust fund has a balance of $7.18 million, which would revert to the state General Fund. The bill also extends the sunset of the Texas Space Commission for an additional year, until September 1, 2033. While the Texas Space Commission should be abolished, this bill is a step in the right direction toward reducing wasteful spending.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for restraint and accountability in the use of public funds. Abolishing redundant funds promotes honesty, accountability, and the responsible use of funds for the benefit of taxpayers.
Luke 16:10-11 – "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"
Leadership Insight
Jesus connects economic stewardship to spiritual trustworthiness. Economic freedom is built on this principle: individuals who manage small resources faithfully should be trusted with more - not have government confiscate their increase through taxation or redistribute their success. When government punishes productive stewardship through progressive taxation, it contradicts Christ's teaching that faithful management of "very little" qualifies you for "much." Economic freedom rewards faithful stewardship.
HB 565House 20251x

Strengthening Government Integrity by Requiring Estimated Costs and Savings of Constitutional Amendments be Provided to Voters on Ballots.

With CEA
This bill requires ballots for voter approval of proposed amendments to the state Constitution to include the estimated costs or savings of the amendment, determined by the Legislative Budget Board. This increases government integrity and accountability by ensuring voters are fully informed on the impacts of decisions with significant financial impacts.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, government should act justly and transparently. This legislation helps preserve integrity in the public square and supports orderly governance consistent with biblical principles of justice and accountability.
Romans 13:8 – "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another."
Leadership Insight
Financial independence begins with spiritual obedience. Debt enslaves; love liberates. God calls His people to relationships rooted in generosity, not control.
HB 6House 20251x

Keeping Children Safe and Improving Educational Outcomes by Making it Easier for Schools to Remove Students Who Disrupt Classes or Threaten Others.

With CEA
This bill contains several provisions related to student disruptions and disciplinary action in schools. Under the bill, in-school suspensions are no longer limited to 10 days. Additionally, students in grades K-2 may be placed in out-of-school suspension for threatening the "health and safety of other students" or "repeated or significant disruption to the classroom." Previously, behavior must have contained elements of a violent offense.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, this legislation affirms the inherent dignity of every child and the moral responsibility to protect their privacy and safety. Ensuring that violent students are held accountable for their actions promotes justice, safeguards students and teachers, and affirms the value of human life.
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HB 644House 20251x

Protecting Businesses from Frivolous Litigation by Establishing Liability Protections for Allowing Concealed Carry of Handguns.

With CEA
This bill provides that businesses are not liable for damages that arise from an individual lawfully carrying a concealed handgun, solely because the business permits individuals with a license to do so. This bill reduces frivolous lawsuits for businesses and strengthens our Second Amendment right.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, laws should be clear, just, and respect the rights of individuals while maintaining order and safety. Clarifying firearm laws to prevent unjust punishment of lawful conduct reflects fairness, responsibility, and proper limits on government power.
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HB 6 (Simmons Amd. 4)House 20251x

Weakening School Safety by Undermining the Bill Making it Easier for Schools to Remove Students Who Disrupt Classes or Threaten Others.

With CEA
The Simmons amendment #4 to a bill making it easier for schools to remove students who disrupt classes or threaten others. The amendment limits in-school suspensions for a student to a total of 30 days per school year.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, this legislation affirms the inherent dignity of every child and the moral responsibility to protect their privacy and safety. Ensuring that violent students are held accountable for their actions promotes justice, safeguards students and teachers, and affirms the value of human life.
–
HB 7 (2nd Special Session)House 20253x

Protecting Life by Prohibiting the Manufacture, Distribution, and Prescription of Abortion Drugs.

With CEA
This bill, the "Woman and Child Protection Act," prohibits manufacturing or distributing abortion drugs in the state, as well as mailing, transporting, prescribing, or providing such drugs to, or from, any person or location in the state. The bill is enforced through civil actions filed by private citizens. All abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, unborn life is sacred and deserving of protection. Preventing the illegal distribution of abortion-inducing drugs upholds justice, affirms the value of life, and ensures the law does not enable harm to the most vulnerable.
Psalm 139:13-16 – "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Leadership Insight
David declares that God forms every person in the womb - a truth that shapes First Freedom's protection of religious pro-life conviction. Believers who hold that life begins at conception must be free to operate hospitals, businesses, and ministries according to this conviction. First Freedom protects religious organizations from being forced to fund, perform, or participate in abortion against their sincere belief that God is the Author of life from conception.
HB 75House 20251x

Strengthening Judicial Transparency by Requiring Magistrates to Provide Justification for Finding No Probable Cause for Arrests.

With CEA
This bill requires magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, particularly mandating detailed documentation within 24 hours if no probable cause is found for detention, while also reforming bail procedures (e.g., broadening restrictions on bail eligibility for repeat violent offenders, those on parole for felonies, or individuals with immigration detainers) and increasing oversight/regulation of charitable bail organizations by shifting enforcement from local sheriffs to the Office of Court Administration.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Micah 6:8 – "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
Leadership Insight
True operational success balances justice, mercy, and humility. Leaders who value fairness and compassion build systems Heaven can trust.
HB 796House 20252x

Combatting Federal Overreach Through the Establishment of "Constitutional Enforcement" Committees to Ensure Federal Actions Don't Violate State Sovereignty or the U.S. Constitution.

With CEA
This bill, the "Texas Sovereignty Act," establishes the "Joint Legislative Committee on Constitutional Enforcement" to review federal actions to determine if the actions are unconstitutional. If both chambers of the legislature vote that the action is unconstitutional, the action is sent to the Governor for approval or disapproval. If the Governor approves the declaration, the federal action has no effect in the state and public funds may not be used to enforce the federal action. This bill provides a crucial safeguard to ensure states' rights and individual liberties are not violated through unconstitutional federal actions. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, and ensuring protections against federal overreach is vital to protecting individual liberties under the U.S. Constitution.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, no single authority should exercise unchecked power over the people. This legislation promotes accountability and humility in governance by ensuring federal powers are balanced and restrained in a manner consistent with biblical principles of stewardship and justice.
Ephesians 6:13 – "Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground."
Leadership Insight
Evil days demand equipped leaders. The armor of God is not symbolic - it’s strategic. Standing ground is not stubbornness; it’s spiritual warfare.
HB 854House 20251x

Hiking Homeowner's and Renter's Insurance Premiums Through a New Mandate on Upfront Payment Amounts for Claims.

With CEA
This bill prohibits homeowner's, renter's, or condominium owner's insurance policies that include replacement cost coverage from reducing an initial payment to repair or replace lost or damaged dwellings or personal property by more than 20%, minus the applicable deductible. The insurer is required to make the remaining payment upon being provided documentation that the repair or replacement is complete, and once the applicable deductible is paid.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, justice requires fairness to both tenants and property owners. Policies that unnecessarily delay lawful remedies undermine stewardship and responsibility by placing additional burdens on those seeking to manage and inhabit property ethically and lawfully.
Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Leadership Insight
God challenges wasteful spending and misdirected labor that produces no lasting value. Economic freedom means the liberty to invest resources in Kingdom purposes without government mandates dictating consumption. Leaders who reduce unnecessary taxation and regulation allow individuals to steward earnings toward what truly satisfies - family, faith, and generational wealth rather than bureaucratic waste.
HJR 138House 20251x

Promoting Economic Growth by Prohibiting Taxes on Fuel Carbon Content and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

With CEA
This resolution proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to prohibit the legislature from imposing a tax on the carbon content of a fuel or greenhouse gas emissions resulting from producing or using a good or service.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, families are better stewards of their resources than the state. Allowing taxpayers to keep more of their income when revenues are strong promotes responsibility, generosity, and respect for the proper limits of government.
Deuteronomy 17:14-20 – "The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself... He must not take many wives... He must not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites."
Leadership Insight
God restricts leaders to protect their integrity and the people's freedom. Limits on power preserve liberty. Leaders who reject accountability invite corruption. Humility before God and equality before the people are marks of righteous governance.
HJR 175House 20251x

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Protecting the Right of Individuals to Hold and Use Different Currencies.

With CEA
This resolution proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to establish the right of individuals to mutually agree on the medium of exchange for transactions for goods and services. This includes cash, coin, bullion, digital currency, and privately issued scrip. Additionally, the amendment prohibits the state and local governments from restricting or prohibiting individuals from owning or holding any form or amount of money or currency. This measure is especially important considering the reckless and dangerous monetary actions that have been taken by the Federal Reserve, such as quantitative easing.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, honesty and fairness in commerce are essential to just economic relationships. Allowing individuals to freely contract and exchange value without unnecessary government interference reflects stewardship, responsibility, and respect for economic liberty.
Ecclesiastes 11:2 – "Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land."
Leadership Insight
Kingdom economics is not fear-driven but future-minded. Diversification is not doubt - it’s discernment. God expects His leaders to multiply wisely.
HJR 2House 20251x

Protecting Against Increased Taxation Through a Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting Estate and Inheritance Taxes.

With CEA
This resolution proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to prohibit the legislature from imposing an estate or inheritance tax, including transfers of estates and trusts, and gifts.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, individuals should be free to responsibly steward the fruits of their labor and investments without excessive government taxation. Protecting families and retirees from unfair taxes upholds economic freedom and responsible stewardship.
1 Timothy 5:8 – “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Leadership Insight
Providing for family is not optional - it's a spiritual mandate. Leaders champion policies that enable work, strengthen families, and protect parental authority. Dependency on government undermines the biblical call to provide. Personal responsibility precedes public assistance.
HJR 218House 20251x

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Energy Efficiency Projects by Expanding Permitted Uses of the Texas Energy Fund.

With CEA
This resolution proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to expand the permitted uses of the Texas Energy Fund by the Public Service Commission to include financing "energy efficiency projects conducted to benefit retail electric customers."
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship and fairness call for restraint in the use of public funds and equal treatment under the law. Expanding government-directed investment subsidies risks misallocating resources and placing the burden on taxpayers rather than encouraging responsible, voluntary economic activity.
Proverbs 29:2 – "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Leadership Insight
Righteous economic leadership creates prosperity that lifts all people; wicked rulers impose taxation, regulation, and cronyism that make the people groan. Economic freedom flourishes under leaders who fear God and protect property rights. When government becomes extractive rather than protective, citizens suffer under the weight of policies designed to benefit the powerful rather than serve the productive.
HJR 4House 20251x

Promoting Economic Growth and Spurring Investment by Prohibiting Taxes on Securities Transactions.

With CEA
This resolution proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to prohibit the legislature from imposing a tax on securities transactions, such as stock trades, or an occupation tax on registered securities market operators.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, families are better stewards of their resources than the state. Allowing taxpayers to keep more of their income when revenues are strong promotes responsibility, generosity, and respect for the proper limits of government.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HJR 47House 20251x

Raiding the State's Rainy-Day Fund to Provide Grants to State Agencies, Local Governments, and Nonprofits.

Against CEA
This resolution proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to establish the "Texas Severance Tax Revenue and Oil and Natural Gas (Texas STRONG) Defense Fund" to provide grants to state agencies, localities, and nonprofit organizations "to address public health and safety concerns and workforce preparedness needs" as well as "supplement educational opportunities." The amendment diverts oil and gas production tax revenue from the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF), commonly referred to as the "rainy day" fund, to the new fund. By diverting 12% of oil and gas tax revenues currently allocated to the ESF — including 10% to the Texas STRONG Fund — it prioritizes new spending over returning surplus funds to taxpayers or strengthening the state’s financial position.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship requires careful oversight and accountability in the use of public resources. Granting broad spending flexibility to government agencies without firm limits risks misuse of funds and undermines responsible governance.
Proverbs 21:20 – "The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down."
Leadership Insight
Wise leaders prepare in prosperity for challenges ahead. Godly economics values foresight over indulgence. Savings is not fear - it’s faith in future stewardship.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rep. Gary VanDeaver's voting record?

Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R-TX-1) earned a 69% Christian Employers Alliance score for 2025, showing moderate alignment with biblical business policy positions. Gary VanDeaver voted on 109 of the 110 key bills CEA scored in 2025. Across 2 years rated, Gary VanDeaver's lifetime CEA score averages 74%, with 161 votes recorded across 162 scored bills. Gary VanDeaver represents the 1st District in the Texas House of Representatives. Highest category scores: First Freedom (99%), Operational Freedom (88%), and Economic Freedom (60%).

How aligned is Gary VanDeaver with biblical business policy positions?

Gary VanDeaver earned a 69% Christian Employers Alliance score in 2025, showing moderate alignment with biblical business policy positions.

What is Gary VanDeaver's CEA score?

Gary VanDeaver has a 69% CEA score for 2025. Across 2 years rated, Gary VanDeaver's lifetime average is 74%.

Where does Gary VanDeaver serve?

Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R-TX-1) represents the 1st District in the Texas House of Representatives as a Republican.

What issue categories does Gary VanDeaver score highest on?

Gary VanDeaver's strongest categories on the Christian Employers Alliance scorecard are: First Freedom (99%), Operational Freedom (88%), Economic Freedom (60%).

Where can I see Gary VanDeaver's full voting record?

View the full list of scored bills, category breakdown, and year-over-year voting record above. Christian Employers Alliance updates this scorecard as new key votes are scored.

Christian Employers Alliance — Faith. Family. Freedom.
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