Three Weeks

I have been slacking and not keeping up on my updates the way that I need to. Sorry guys. Instead of walking through the last few weeks chronologically, I just want to look at them topically.

First, let me talk about Community Leadership days. In many of the larger cities and towns around the state offer community leadership programs that provide an opportunity for citizens to learn about their local and state governments. Though each group is unique, it is special to be able to honor them with floor resolutions during session. Over the last three weeks we have had groups from Granbury, Cleburne, and Waxahachie come to the Capitol.

It is encouraging for me - as someone who is passionate about governance - to see other people interested in making their communities a better place. The news often talks about national and statewide issues, but rarely do we hear about local leaders and the difference they are making. The participants in these classes are businessmen and women, lawyers, doctors, and other community leaders. These are the people changing your cities. These are the people making your lives better. So it is encouraging for me, and I know it is a highlight for many of the members, to recognize these leadership classes.

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The Texas Tribune is a non-partisan news outlet here in Texas. Last Friday, Sen. Birdwell had the opportunity to sit on what the Tribune calls a "Hot Seat". The Hot Seats are conversations, hosted by different universities around the state, that bring together Evan Smith (the Tribune's CEO and Editor in Chief) and elected officials to discuss state issues. The most recent event had a panel of Sen. Birdwell, Rep. "Doc" Anderson (represents Waco / McClennan County) and Rep. Kyle Kacal (represents the section between College Station and Waco).

The issues ranged from water and transportation - specifically using the Rainy Day Fund to help pay for them - to public education and Medicaid expansion. To brag on my boss a bit… Though I wasn't there (I actually only got to watch the video of it this morning), I believe Sen. Birdwell did a great job. One of the things that I really like about working for the Senator is his ability to get down to the root of issues. He doesn't just take our briefings and regurgitate facts, figures, or talking points (believe me, the office was very busy prepping him for the Hot Seat much of last week). Instead, he can easily cut to the core and clearly articulate the big ideas that are at work behind the scenes.

Watch the Hot Seat here: http://www.texastribune.org/2013/02/26/the-hot-seat-a-conversation-with-waco-lawmakers/

I'll get off my soap box, but I really enjoy working the Sen. Birdwell.

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Lastly, tomorrow is Baylor Day at the Capitol. I get to wear my green and yellow bow tie, and hopefully won't get too much grief about it.

I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but earlier in the session I got to meet Judge Starr and a number of other top Baylor administrators. Needless to say, I was a little star struck (no pun intended). [For those of you who don't attend Baylor, Ken Starr is second only to God…. Yes… He is that cool.]

We have a reception to attend, a recognition on the floor of Judge Star and other dignitaries, and meetings with Baylor representatives.

Sic Em Bears!

[N.B. - All the opinions expressed in this blog are mine, and mine alone. I do not represent the opinions of the office of Sen. Birdwell, the Texas Senate, or the State of Texas.]

Week 4: Warriors

Outside of those committees that I am directly assigned, I have the opportunity to participate with the Veteran's Affairs and Military Installations and the Higher Education policy areas. Week Four became a week where I became engrossed in Veterans and Military issues and had some great opportunities to learn and grow.

Monday morning, Jason (the head VAMI policy analyst in our office) and I had the chance to go to Camp Mabry here in Austin. Mabry serves as the National Guard headquarters for the state of Texas. While there, we were briefed on the missions and operational ability of the TX NG by the sitting Adjunct General. I knew some of what the NG did, but didn't fully realize the contributions that they make to handling a wide range of state issues. Tasks can range from defense support of local law enforcement to rapid disaster relief efforts. I learned a lot.

Friday, I got another chance to go off site - this time to travel to Fort Hood. Some legislative members and a handful of staff members loaded buses early Friday morning and drove to Killeen, TX (roughly a ninety minute drive). While there we learned about the educational opportunities for our military personnel offered by Texas A&M - Central Texas and Central Texas College. Once we got to base, the fun began. We were able to try a number of the simulators that soldiers train on every day. Technology has changed the way that our military trains, and we got to see that first hand. Almost like a video game, soldiers can train in mock ups of Humvees and other tracked and wheeled vehicles, practice on virtual weapons ranges, and walkthrough shoot houses to drill room and home clearing. Add to that the helicopter tour we got of the entire base, and Ft. Hood was a fantastic day.

However, the most meaningful experience of last week was on Wednesday during the Senate session. It was Wounded Warriors day at the capitol, and Sen. Van de Putte (Chair - VAMI) invited and recognized a number of wounded service men and women. What was most special was that she surprised Sen. Birdwell by recognizing him on the floor as a wounded warrior himself. As I have mentioned before, Sen. Birdwell was severely injured in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He has had a miraculous recovery since and his story is quite powerful. Check it out: http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/brian-birdwell/

Until next time…

[N.B. - All the opinions expressed in this blog are mine, and mine alone. I do not represent the opinions of the office of Sen. Birdwell, the Texas Senate, or the State of Texas.]