By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
Dallas, TX – North Texas is losing one of its most influential voices at the state capitol.
District 8 State Senator Florence Shapiro, a Plano republican, says she will not seek re-election next year.
Shapiro has served in the state Senate since 1992, where she has chaired numerous committees including transportation and most recently public education.
Shapiro is also a member of the powerful finance committee which helps craft the state budget.
Shapiro says she is especially proud of passing Ashley's Laws, legislation designed to protect children from sexual predators. She also authored legislation that helped reduce school property taxes; improved college readiness; and is replacing TAKS testing with end-of-course exams.
Shapiro says she's excited about continuing her work on education.