Topic: Rodney Ellis

Rodney Glenn Ellis (born 7 April 1954) Occupation: Partner - Rice Financial Products Company; Shareholder - The Tagos Group; Of Counsel - Reaud, Morgan, & Quinn Education: Texas Southern University, B.A.; Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, M.P.A.; University of Texas School of Law, J.D. Legislative Experience: Senate Member, 1990 - Present Hometown: Houston Party: Democrat

Rodney Ellis was elected to the Texas Senate in 1990. During his tenure, Senator Ellis has earned praise as a legislative leader on economic development, education, civil rights, tax cuts for the middle class, criminal justice, and workforce development issues.

Senator Ellis has passed over 400 pieces of legislation. One of his most notable accomplishments includes passage of the TEXAS Grant program, which has disbursed almost $1.5 billion in tuition and fees to over 161,000 students. The program continues to educate students for the improvement of the Texas workforce. Senator Ellis passed a middle class tax relief bill that created a 3-day sales tax holiday and provided businesses franchise tax relief for job creation, capital investment, and research and development. The bill has saved taxpayers over $3.2 billion--$2.4 billion in sales tax savings on several items, including energy efficient appliances; school clothing, shoes, and backpacks; nonprescription medicines; and over $800 million in franchise tax savings for job credits, research and development credits, and small business credits.