TITLE: Recognizing the Texas A&M University Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program and the Public Policy Internship Program and the programs' interns for the 85th legislative session.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the Texas A&M University Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program and the Public Policy Internship Program and the programs' interns for the 85th legislative session.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Twenty-seven Texas A&M University students are providing valuable support to the 85th 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 more than two and a half 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 900 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 700 students have participated in semester-long internships; and WHEREAS, Led by director Stephanie McMillen, 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 2017 Texas A&M University policy interns serving in Austin are Sarabeth Beauchamp, Chloe Beck, Ethan Boyd, Jordan Buish, Gregory Cline, Samantha Durand, Alexandra Espinosa, Austin Halvorson, Julia Hamilton, Dominique Hawkins, Christopher Johnson, Allison Kesseler, Michael Marucci, Kenneth McIntyre, Lauren Meents, Devin Miranda Pallares, Matthew Murdoch, Siddhi Patodia, MiaMarie Pugh, Abigael Romero, Lindsey Schmalriede, Jena Seidemann, Jordyn Senkirik, Stephen Shuchart, Valentina Tovar, Taryn Woody, and Cassidy Zgabay; 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 85th 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. Ashby Straus Goldman Oliverson Allen Gonzales of Williamson Ortega Alonzo Gonz lez of El Paso Paddie Alvarado Gooden Parker Anchia Guerra Paul Anderson of Dallas Guillen Perez Anderson of McLennan Gutierrez Phelan Ar valo Hefner Phillips Ashby Hernandez Pickett Bailes Herrero Price Bell Hinojosa Raney Bernal Holland Raymond Biedermann Howard Reynolds Blanco Huberty Rinaldi Bohac Hunter Roberts Bonnen of Brazoria Isaac Rodriguez of Bexar Bonnen of Galveston Israel Rodriguez of Travis Burkett Johnson of Dallas Romero, Jr. Burns Johnson of Harris Rose Burrows Kacal Sanford Button Keough Schaefer Cain King of Hemphill Schofield Canales King of Parker Schubert Capriglione King of Uvalde Shaheen Clardy Klick Sheffield Coleman Koop Shine Collier Krause Simmons Cook Kuempel Smithee Cortez Lambert Springer Cosper Landgraf Stephenson Craddick Lang Stickland Cyrier Larson Stucky Dale Laubenberg Swanson Darby Leach Thierry Davis of Dallas Longoria Thompson of Brazoria Davis of Harris Lozano Thompson of Harris Dean Lucio III Tinderholt Deshotel Martinez Turner Dukes Metcalf Uresti Dutton Meyer VanDeaver Elkins Miller Villalba Faircloth Minjarez Vo Fallon Moody Walle Farrar Morrison White Flynn Mu oz, Jr. Wilson Frank Murphy Workman Frullo Murr Wray Geren Neave Wu Gervin-Hawkins Nev rez Zedler Giddings Oliveira Zerwas Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1654 was adopted by the House on May 2, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House