Allan Ritter is the Vice Chairman of the influential House Committee on Ways and Means and is a member of the Land & Resource Management Committee.
While focusing on the issues affecting District 21 and all across Texas, Allan has advanced legislation in areas ranging from criminal justice and tax policy to economic development and higher education. In 1999, he was elected “Freshman of the Year” by his House colleagues in a bi-partisan vote.
He authored legislation to create the Police and Firefighter Home Loan Program and passed a bill that protects the Texas Enterprise Fund through new accountability measures. He also passed a “Truth in Taxation” measure that gives taxpayers more say in how their taxes are raised and spent. Through the years, he has worked to secure appropriation increases for the Lamar University campuses and has passed legislation affecting management and protection of coastal public land.
A native of Beaumont, Allan Ritter represents District 21 covering the western part of Jefferson County. He is President of Ritter Lumber Company which has operated as a family business for more than 50 years.
Chairman Ritter has been active for many years in the Nederland Chamber of Commerce and other business and charitable organizations in Jefferson County, including the Young Men’s Business League, Mid and South Jefferson County Crimestoppers, and Communities in Schools.
He and his wife, Peggy, have four children and two grandchildren.