Biography
Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples has an outstanding record of getting things done. Whether helping his family start a nursery and landscape business, serving on his hometown’s city council or being part of local economic development, Todd Staples has proven to be a strong advocate for Texas.
While serving first in the Texas House of Representatives and later as a State Senator, he was a recognized leader on such critical issues as worker’s compensation reform, private property owners’ rights, natural resources, school finance and education just to name a few.
As Agriculture Commissioner, he continues to pursue policies that enable economic strength, youth development, healthy lifestyles and consumer protection. He is charting a course to bring job creation to rural Texas, further the promotion of Texas products around the world, and help farmers and ranchers face tomorrow’s challenges and increase profit margins through the use of new technologies and value-added processing.
| Hometown: | Palestine, Texas |
|---|---|
| Family: | Wife, Janet. Todd and Janet have four grown children: Brian Thorn, Jonathan Thorn, Jared Staples, and Elizabeth Staples |
| Faith: | Norwood Heights Baptist Church, Member and Deacon |
| Education: | Texas A & M University, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, Magna Cum Laude, 1984 |
| Business: | Business owner – real estate appraisal, brokerage & property tax consulting; rancher; retail plant nursery; former instructor, Trinity Valley Community College |
| Elected Office: | Commissioner of Agriculture, 2007-present |
State Senator, Senate District 3, 2001-2007
- Chair, Transportation & Homeland Security Committee
- Chair, Workers Compensation Select Interim Committee
- Chair, Texas Senate Republican Caucus
- Vice-chair, State Affairs Committee
- Vice-chair, Veteran Affairs & Military Installations Committee
State Representative, House District 11, 1995-2001
- Vice-chair, Corrections Committee
- Vice-chair, Juvenile Justice & Family Issues Committee
Palestine Mayor Pro Tempore, 1990-1991
Palestine City Council, 1989-1991
Significant Legislation authored/sponsored:
- Texas Public School Safety Act, SB11
- Texas Homeland Security, SB9
- Texas Workers Compensation Reform Act, HB7
- The One Man – One Woman Constitutional Amendment
Achievements/Awards:
- State Vice-President of Texas FFA
- State Co-chair, American Legislative Exchange Council
- “Golden Apple” Award, Texas Association of Mid-Sized Schools
- Civil Justice Leadership Award, Texans for Lawsuit Reform
- “Fighter for Free Enterprise,” Texas Association of Business
- “Champion for Children,” Equity Center
- Deep East Texas Legislator of the Year
- “Legislative Champion,” Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas
- “Law and Order” Award, Texas County and District Attorneys Association
- Repeatedly been named among Texas’ Top 10 Conservative Legislators
- Family Law Association Award for Efforts in Family Law and Juvenile Justice
- Legislative Hall of Fame, Texas Association of REALTORS
- Commissioner Staples has also received commendations and awards for his service to Texas agriculture from:
- Independent Cattlemen of Texas
- Texas Farm Bureau
- Texas Forestry Association
- Texas Poultry Federation
- Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
- Texas Water Conservation Association