Texas Legislators Won’t Stand Up For Children’s Health

In today’s world it is all too common for individuals to deny science and medical advice, even in the face of clear evidence of the benefits to society. Unfortunately, some members of the Texas Legislature have chosen to embrace extremism and side with the anti-science group, Texans for Vaccine Choice.

In spite of a recent poll by the Dallas Morning News showing that 75 percent of Texans believe benefits of vaccinating kids outweigh any negatives, a handful of Texas House members are out on the fringe.

The five legislators in question are State Representatives Rodney Anderson, Matt Rinaldi, Gary Elkins, Jeff Leach and Mike Schofield.

• • Rep. Rodney Anderson (R-Grand Prairie) received the endorsement of Texans for Vaccine Choice and an A rating. He is someone who Texans for Vaccine Choice label as a supporter for parental rights.

• • Rep. Matt Rinaldi (R-Irving) received the endorsement of Texans for Vaccine Choice and an A+ rating. Texans for Vaccine Choice labeled him as an outspoken advocate for vaccine choice.

• • Rep. Gary Elkins (R-Houston) received the endorsement of Texans for Vaccine Choice and an A rating. He also is an individual who Texans for Vaccine Choice labeled as a supporter of parental rights.

• • Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano) might be the worst of the bunch. Not only does he have the endorsement of Texans for Vaccine Choice and an A+ but also Texans for Vaccine Choice talk about Leach as being the author for pro-vaccine legislation and an outspoken advocate for vaccine choice.

• Rep. Mike Schofield (R-Katy) received an endorsement and A rating from Texans for Vaccine Choice. He is also someone who has been labeled as a supporter of parental rights.

These politicians are siding with a fringe group in opposition to scientists and medical professionals. If they can’t be trusted to stand up for the health and safety of Texas children, what can they be trusted to do?