Ben Barnes: Social Change Advocate
Ben Barnes remains an influential name in Texas politics despite his resignation from government service in 1973.
After all, Ben Barnes’ spectacular rise to political power is hard to forget. At only 26 years old, Ben Barnes became the youngest individual ever to be elected Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. At the age of 30, he also became the youngest Lt. Gov. in state history ever elected to office.
The legislative record of Ben Barnes of Austin Texas is rock-solid. From the beginning of his career, Barnes authored legislation that advocated equal rights and reforms to uplift the lives of the underprivileged.
Ben Barnes wrote bills that raised workers’ wages, provided minimum wage for farmers, upgraded teachers’ salaries and tripled spending in higher education. Under his leadership as Lt. Gov., the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation was created.
The initiatives and advocacy of Ben Barnes of Austin Texas continue despite his departure from public office. As a private citizen and businessman, he volunteers his talents and experience as Council Advisor for the Texas Civil Rights Project that pushes for equal racial and cultural rights through legislation and litigation.
He also contributes his time to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and the Democratic Majority Trust.
