86R29287 SME-D

By: Raney H.R. No. 1395

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Twenty-three Texas A&M University students are providing valuable support to the 86th Texas Legislature while gaining experience in public service as members of the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program and the Public Policy Internship Program; and

WHEREAS, For nearly three decades, the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program has sent student interns to Austin and Washington, D.C., where they work on a wide array of issues; their strong background and interest in agriculture and natural resources allow them to offer specialized knowledge to legislators; the program was founded in response to a request by a member of the United States Congress for an intern who could assist his office with these matters, and it has since grown to include numerous congressional offices as well as the United States House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture, and offices on the state level during legislative years; approximately 1,000 students have participated in semester-long internships; and

WHEREAS, The Public Policy Internship Program, established in 1999, works with various colleges and departments to create an interdisciplinary environment for comprehensive academic training, research, and policy programming; interns in the nation's capital and in Austin serve in a variety of settings that align with their academic and professional goals; some 900 students have participated in semester-long internships; and

WHEREAS, Led by director Stephanie Webb, both internship programs select their highly qualified and dedicated participants through a rigorous application process; in addition to academic achievement, students must demonstrate their potential to take full advantage of the opportunities for scholarly and professional development as well as the desire to serve our state and nation; and

WHEREAS, The 2019 Texas A&M University policy interns serving in Austin are Brandon Alaniz, Julia Awad, Grace Binger, Montana Cortez, Brittany Frazier, Spencer Krumholz, Koy Kunkel, Alexis Little, Alejandra Luna, Samantha Mares, Lindsey Moore, Andrea Nwachukwu, Tyler Roberts, Halee Sanderson, Lauren Savage, Erin Smith, Maggie Sullivan, Julia Szabuniewicz, Wesley Tanton, Sara Uddin, Noemi Valiente, Armando Vendrell-Velez, and Ashley Wilde; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy and Public Policy Internship Programs have helped exceptional students deepen their understanding of governmental operations while developing professional skills and networks, and alumni have gone on to make vital contributions and assume leadership roles in a variety of arenas; the outstanding young people who are giving of their time and talents throughout this legislative session can indeed take pride in their achievements and service to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby recognize the Texas A&M University Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program and the Public Policy Internship Program and commend the current participants for their diligence and commitment; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the students as an expression of high regard from the Texas House of Representatives.