It’s common for the Texas Tribune Festival to tackle hot topics and few topics are as discussed as artificial intelligence. This year’s festival offered multiple sessions on AI, including panels that addressed the regulations implemented in response to the technology as well as speculation on what the future holds.
The panels included Rep. Giovanni Capriglione; Mayor Pro Temp Vanessa Fuentes; Matte Dunne, Director, Center on Rural Innovation; Betsy Greytok, Associate General Counsel, IBM; Professor Sherri Greenberg, UT Austin; Amanda Crawford, Director, Texas Department of Information Services; Daniel Culbertson, Economist, Indeed; and Elizabeth Rhodes, Director, OpenResearch. In short, a lot of human intelligence to discuss the importance of artificial intelligence.
A key part of the discussion was Capriglione’s HB 149 (TRAIGA), a sprawling bill that prevents companies from manipulating software to encourage self-harm; prohibits government entities from creating “social credit” scores; bans governments from capturing biometric information; forbids individuals from creating sexual deepfakes or simulated child pornography; while also providing for various enforcement mechanisms.
The legislation, Capriglione emphasized, is limited in what it bans, but it is capable of accommodating future directions of AI. Such would allow the legislation to keep up with developments in the field.
One such development on minds is the extent to which AI threatens people’s jobs. Rep. Capriglione addressed this, asking the audience, “How many of you think AI will take your job in the next five years?” When only about six people raised their hands, Rep. Capriglione said something to the effect of (I am paraphrasing): “The rest of you are in denial, I guess?”
Not everyone agreed with this assessment. Culbertson suggested that AI would be a position augmenter rather than a position replacer. Of course, if productivity is augmented, then companies may not need their current work forces–suggesting they could let employees go and retain their current levels of productivity and profits.
A recurring theme is that, in most cases, AI will not replace jobs. But people who can use AI well may replace people who cannot use AI well. This may be bad news for seniors and those who primarily perform menial tasks, people not well-known for keeping up with technological advances. In a major study, Goldman Sachs estimates that “at most” 2.5 percent of the workforce may be replaced by automation owing to AI.
For what it’s worth, Chat GPT seems to agree with the panelists. According to Chat GPT, “You won’t compete against AI — you’ll compete with people who use AI.”
The panel–and Chat GPT–have thus provided some programming suggestions for LEAP Center staff and the LEAP Ambassadors.
Although our foray into The Texas Tribune Festival brought us to different panels, focusing on different levels of government, and from different branches of government, a common theme pervaded: government works best when it isn’t dominated by one figure or one branch. It’s perhaps no surprise to hear federal judges push back against pressure from the executive branch, but it was more unusual to hear former Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan share the same sentiment.
Nonetheless, this is what we heard as we ventured into the Bethel Hall at St. David’s Episcopal Church. Despite the presence of the Texas Tribune Editor-in-Chief Matthew Watkins and Political Reporter Eleanor Kilbanoff, the focus was on former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, who recently announced his retirement from the Texas House.
Somewhat unusually, this elicited a comment from President Donald Trump weighed in on Phelan’s impending retirement: “Fortunately for the Great State of Texas, their Former Speaker, who is no longer Speaker, Dade Phelan, is quitting politics…” Trump’s unhappiness with Phelan probably stems from 2023, when the then-Speaker brought impeachment proceedings against Attorney General Ken Paxton, a close Trump ally. President Trump went on to endorse Phelan’s primary opponent in his next election, although Phelan was able to manage a win in a closely-contested runoff.
Ultimately, however, Phelan made a choice not to run for Speaker: “I couldn’t ask the House Republicans to choose between me and President Trump.” Noting that he wasn’t a MAGA Republican, he felt like his confrontations with the President would make things difficult for his constituents (the members of the House of Representatives) if he continued as Speaker.
President Trump also dominated the discussion at “Living Document” panel, in which UT Law Professor Grove moderated a discussion with former Federal District Judges Royal Ferguson, Lee Yeakel, and Vanessa Gilmore.
The words “messy,” “wrong,” and “unprecedented” popped up again and again like literary motifs throughout the hourlong session. A recurring theme was the role of the “Shadow Docket” of the Supreme Court, which are often decided without full oral arguments and in unsigned form. President Trump has filed 20 “emergency applications” in seven months to the shadow docket, and the Court has, at least for now, seemingly expanded Trump’s control over the executive branch.
This has resulted in the overturning of many appellate and district-level decisions, the latter of which was particularly unsettling to the panel. “The District Court level,” noted Judge Ferguson, “is where the facts are settled.” The judge and the jury have the ability to assess the credibility of the witnesses and, at times, the defendant beyond merely reading a transcript. Overturning these cases with such regularity is, according to the panel, disregarding the role of fact assessment in reaching a verdict.
Equally as appalling to the panel have been the “attacks on the judiciary,” a point Judge Gilmore noted repeatedly. Top level executive branch officials have called for impeaching judges (something that has rarely occurred throughout history) or used harsh language to criticize judges for rulings adverse to the administration.
More alarming, however, are the increasing threats against judges. Last year there were more than 500 threats to federal judges, and the threats are becoming increasingly personal. In many cases, pizzas are being delivered to the judges’ homes, ordered by a “Daniel Anderl”–the name of a judge’s son who was murdered at his front door in 2020. Such “pizza doxxings” are a clear message to judges, a reminder of their vulnerability.
It is also a clear and concerning repudiation of the philosophical foundations on which the US Government was built, laid out in the Constitution and in Madison’s Federalist #51, in which he said, “it is evident that each department should have a will of its own; and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others…”
On that discordant, we retreated to the Voltron Room at the Capitol Factory, where we listened to the soothing sounds of Texan singer Mollie Danel and contemplated the responsibilities of citizenship.
Our second day at the Texas Tribune Festival started early, ambitiously, and promisingly. But with an itinerary that included sessions on Criminal Justice, the next legislative session, Dan Crenshaw, the world of philanthropic foundations, local government, and a visit to the TX Capitol, the day was also daunting. But we were beginning with an always popular topic—criminal justice—and that provided just the juice for a good start to a busy day.
CJ and the 89th Legislative Session
by Michelle Moya
Kicking off day two at the Texas Tribune Festival, we started our day at the Criminal Justice and the 89th Legislature panel. The panel featured two prominent Texas State Representatives: Republican Jeff Leach and Democrat Joe Moody. The session started off with a broadcast opening statement from charismatic actor, Glen Powell, explaining the importance of entering the festival with an accepting mind. This opening set the tone for the thought-provoking intersection on criminal justice and its place in the Texas Legislature.
Rep. Jeff Leach takes a “selfie” with Glen Powell
In a time of huge political division, Leach and Moody are proving that bipartisan cooperation is possible and can create a major impact. What makes their partnership so powerful is their commitment to finding common ground, rather than simply occupying entrenched positions. Rep. Leach explained in the discussion that it is not about changing the other’s mind, but finding a way to compromise.
One pressing issue they touched on was the death penalty in Texas and what it involves in the current system. This topic, I am particularly enthusiastic about learning more about, yet it is considerably more intricate than we realize. As seen by national debates over capital punishment, Leach and Moody are leading attempts to have a significant impact in the state of Texas. Their work, aimed at reforming Texas’ death penalty system, reflects a dedication to upholding justice while also acknowledging the system’s fallibility. This case is depicted within the Melissa Lucio case, in which both representatives have worked tirelessly to try and get her off death row. Leach and Moody are helping to ensure that Texas avoids the irreversible tragedy of a wrongful execution. They stated that their biggest desire was to bring Lucio home for Christmas.
Ending this educational and insightful session, one realization I had was as Texans, we are fortunate to have these two dedicated public servants working tirelessly on our behalf. Their collaboration serves as a powerful reminder that, despite our differences, we share a common commitment to justice, fairness, and the well-being of our state.
The Future of Local Control
Most people don’t think about their local government until they need it. Citizens will vote in presidential elections, and maybe for US Congress, but if elections exclusively involve local officials—mayors, county commissioners, and district attorneys—less than a fifth of eligible voters will turn out. It is precisely these officials, however, that control many essential functions: water, emergency services, roads, sewage, and trash, and recently, these officials have been asked to do more with less.
Some of these officials were on hand today to discuss “The Future of Local Control.” Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard; Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee; and Mackenzie Kelly, the only conservative on Austin’s City Council discussed challenges facing local government. Increasingly, these challenges have involved the loss of discretion. The State of Texas has passed a series of laws restricting how cities can set their own policies in areas such as taxes, pandemic response, homelessness, and employment law.
Generally speaking and understandably, local officials don’t look at such restrictions favorably. Indeed, Commissioner Howard and County Attorney Menefee argued that the State of Texas was actually targeting specific local governments—notably Travis and Harris Counties. In the past, cities had almost complete control over their tax rates; today, following the passage of state laws, cities must lower their tax rates if citizens’ property values increase beyond a certain percentage. Homelessness, too, is no longer in the exclusive purview of the cities. After Governor Abbott signed a law banning homeless encampments, however, that is no longer the case. In short, cities must find new and innovative ways to solve problems.
The panelists did not devote their time to such solutions. Harris County Attorney Menefee highlighted many of what he saw as misguided regulations aimed at Harris County and “silly” characterizations of his policy positions. Commissioner Howard delved into some of the structural problems faced by fast-growing regions, shining light on the rural-urban divide, particularly when it comes to issues such as infrastructure, traffic, and development. Councilmember Kelly offered an interesting view of the councilmember’s role, describing her process of learning from her constituents, educating her constituents, and working with residents, businesses, and other governmental entities to ensure the right information is being considered and that saving taxpayers’ money remains a goal.
As if to punctuate the different challenges facing local governments, the questions from the audience covered various topics. One question involved affordable housing; another related question involved the paperwork and seemingly needless bureaucracy of filing for homelessness benefits; still another asked about what cities can do about relieving loneliness in communities.
The particular questions often related to a specific city’s problems, or even a specific resident’s problems. Looked at broadly, however, the questions all related to the essential role of cities in modern life, and whether state governments or the federal government should encroach on local governments’ discretion in solving its own problems. These issues, we found out throughout the day, would be raised repeatedly in different contexts.
Giving Their All
by Caitlin Nortonen
After enjoying the morning session, Saara, Cinthia, Katherine, Maggie, and I decided to spend our afternoon gaining more knowledge on the impacts of philanthropy in the state of Texas.
The panelists included: Allan Golston, U.S. Program President of the Gates Foundation; Peter Miller, CEO and President of the Meadows Foundation; and Maribel Perez Wadsworth, President and CEO of John S. and James C. Knight Foundation. It was evident that their main goal is investing into communities and addressing some of Texas’s most pressing problems.
Mr. Miller’s main focus within the Meadows Foundation is funding grants for those in need pertaining to the environment, education, mental health, and the issues revolving around homelessness in Texas. He shared with us that his foundation alone has practically eliminated homelessness among veterans.
After Mr. Golston educated us on the funding for schools that don’t have significant resources, he stressed to us that our leaders need to give Texas schools more attention. Something quite interesting and saddening was that many educators leave their position after only two years even though they have invested so much money into their teaching careers.
This session was very interesting, and made us all have a better understanding and further respect for our educators!
Higher Aspirations
by Olivia Discon
Higher education is a field of multitudes. A quality education doesn’t just rely on professors and classrooms-it’s shaped by the politics of healthcare, workforce development, the economy, and the state of Texas.
Who better to hear about the current state of Texas higher education than from the experts themselves?
We had the opportunity to hear from the Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, Tedd Mitchell;
…President of The University of North Texas and former Commissioner to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Dr. Harrison Keller;
…and President of Northwest Vista College, Amy Bosley.
Each brought their respective experience and insight into what makes a good education and what it takes to build a “Talent-Strong” Texas.
A major point of discussion in the political sphere, and on this panel, is workforce development. A thriving community requires a strong quality of life, which depends on good-paying jobs—and these jobs demand high-quality education. As you could imagine, this can become quite the headache. Fortunately, Texas universities, alongside the state legislature, are working to meet these challenges in real-time. Chancellor Mitchell emphasized the need to pivot our education system to align with industry needs, and all panelists agreed that adopting an “outcomes-based” approach is essential to putting students, and Texas’s future, first.
I found it incredibly interesting to gain a higher-level perspective on the issues Texas universities face while appreciating the resilience and investment that have led to their many successes. The discussion inspired me, as a student, to think about how I can contribute to the growth and service of our great state.
The Senate Next Time
by Katherine Burnett
A Democrat and Republican in the same room, who would’ve thought! Well, for the Texas Senate, this is a common situation. Texas Senators, Carol Alvardo, Nathan Johnson, Kevin Sparks, and Phil King sat down together at the Texas Tribune Festival. Despite party differences, they talked about issues that both Democrats and Republicans can equally agree need to be handled.
The representatives agreed on various topics, such as the misconception that Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is “running the building.” Further, the current electricity concern and the need for future alternatives.
It was a unanimous consensus between the representatives that despite arguments over beliefs and personal feelings, both sides need each other, and everything is put aside when it comes to the well-being of the State of Texas. After a discussion about the importance of working together, Nathan Johnson and Phil King filled the room with tension over talk on the school choice bill; though, the kerfuffle did not get far. Nevertheless, it did not stop little slights from being thrown for the remainder of the discussion.
The senators ended on a note of high hopes for the future of housing, electricity, rehabilitation, and various other problems that were brought to their attention during the closing remarks of the session.
One on One with Dan Crenshaw
by Maggie Betancourt
With feelings of anticipation and obscurity filling the theatre as Congressman Dan Crenshaw took the stage, we knew we were in for a contentious discussion. Known for his profound achievements as a former Navy Seal and his work to combat the Mexican drug cartels, Congressman Crenshaw stressed the importance of upholding the values and traditions on which our country was founded. The first question of “who is Dan?” set the tone for the conversation as Congressman Crenshaw defined himself as a “classic Reagan Conservative.” How does that differ from a regular conservative? Well, in the words of Congressman Crenshaw, a classic Reagan conservative believes in trying to conserve the nation’s founding and less on “making people happy.” He emphasized that instead, there is need for “protecting the laws that give people the ability to be happy.”
The crowd began to express strong emotions as Congressman Crenshaw articulated his opinion on how conservatives are viewed in the media. As he explained that people tend to let personal distaste for political figures cloud their judgment over policies, the crowd began to “boo.” The tension subsided as Congressman Crenshaw began to speak about his accomplishments with the FIZA Act, which allows wiretapping to detain the cartel members integral to the organization. He also discussed his works with the “Youth Summit,” which is a non-partisan program that prides itself on educating high school students on how government works along with how to make it a career.
Although Congressman Crenshaw’s beliefs were deemed as controversial, his patriotism and love for the American people and the nation shined brighter. The conversation ended with questions from the audience with one asking what he would be doing for a career if not a politician. Wrapping back around to his introduction, Congressman Crenshaw answered by saying he would have never left the military, as being a Navy Seal was all he dreamed of as a child.
Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani by Saara Maknojia
The 88th legislative session marked a historic moment when two Muslim Texas State Representatives were sworn into office. To have a deeper understanding of this moment, we headed to the Capitol to meet with Jordan Villarreal, the District Director for Representative Salman Bhojani.
Mr. Villarreal began with giving us a brief overview of Representative Bhojani’s office and explained the role of a District Director, who can be referred to as a “hawk,” as his daily duties comprise of keeping a close eye on all the counties that fall under District 92. While engaging in the conversation with Mr. Villarreal, we learned that Representative Bhojani stresses the importance of allowing local governments to have the freedom with their policies. Mr. Villarreal expressed how Representative Bhojani will continue to fight against the recent controversial topic over the legislation concerning school vouchers. Additionally, that he would continue representing students of different religions by endorsing bills that allow public holidays for respective religions or cultural festivals, without being penalized.
To our surprise, Representative Bhojani just so happened to be in his office before session! We had an incredible opportunity, before the hustle and bustle of the 89th session, to learn a bit more about him as a person. Since I have personally followed his campaign closely throughout the past legislative session, I had the chance of showing my appreciation for all that Representative Bhojani has accomplished. As the first Muslim State Representative of Texas, along with Representative Lalani, Representative Bhojani has diversified our state legislation. For the first time in history, we witnessed two Muslim representatives being sworn into office with a Quran!
Representative Bhojani then showed us the Quran which he had been sworn into office with. We were shocked to hear the 200-year-old Quran was read by John Adams and the other Founding Fathers so that they could better understand the religious texts; this provided an outline for Sharia Law when drafting the United States Constitution.
Our unexpected, yet wonderful meeting with Representative Bhojani was definitely a learning experience, as we embraced the historical impact of his term in office!
In an age of hyper-partisanship, sightings of moderate congressman are rare—more common than Yeti sightings, yet far less frequent than reports of UFOs. But we were beginning our morning at The Texas Tribune Festival where such encounters are possible, and thus began an educational hour covering the border, the deficit, and the ability of the parties to work together.
Although Representative Gonzales is recognized as a moderate, this is Austin, TX, and he was not greeted with a particularly moderate crowd. To his credit, Gonzales sensed this early on, and he played along, occasionally cueing the crowd to boo him—a request to which the crowd cheerfully complied, most heartily when the congressman noted he was opposed to late-term abortion.
Topics such as the deficit and the border were only slightly less polarizing. Gonzales congratulated VP Harris on her recent attention to the border, and while he noted that her shifting positions on border security might be worthy of more attention from the media, he welcomed Harris’s concern, highlighting the fact that his congressional district contains more than 800 miles of the US-Mexico border.
Gonzales also noted that he expected the Republicans to lose the House in the November election, noting that “we have no one but ourselves to blame.” The moderator, Jake Sherman, returned to this and similar topics repeatedly.
Gonzales believes that Ted Cruz will retain his seat; and he will vote for Donald Trump for President, although he stopped short of offering a prediction of the presidential outcome.
What he was most adamant on is that the parties do need to find common ground, and that doing so will involve giving up positions that hyper-partisans do not want to give up. This willingness to compromise has cost him within his own party, where he has been robustly challenged in the last two primaries, although he managed narrow victories in each. It’s also prompted stiff competition from Democratic challengers in his district. Amidst this electoral environment, such moderates are likely to remain rarities, to the detriment of the country’s civic health.
But with the optimism of youth, and in an environment created to promote civic education, we moved with enthusiasm to our next session, eager to see Luci Baines Johnson.
A Conversation with Katie Rogers and Luci Baines Johnson
by Katherine Burnett
It’s not every day you are given the opportunity to watch a former president’s daughter speak on her personal memories of her father running the country; fortunately, we were able to seize the opportunity! Luci Baines Johnson, the daughter of Lyndon B. Johnson, and Katie Rogers, White House Correspondent for the New York Times, discussed the significance of the role of the First Lady of the United States.
Luci Baines Johnson, clearly the panel’s central attraction, discussed topics such as her father’s decision to not run for a second term. While the media have long portrayed LBJ’s decision as relating to the Vietnam War, Ms. Johnson took strong exception to that view.
Her father, she noted, wasn’t even fully convinced he should run in 1964,let alone 1968. With concerns about his health and his desire to spend more time with his children and grandchildren, Johnson stepped down not because of the war, but because of his other obligations and because he chose to do what he saw as being best for the country–a decision she compared to Biden’s recent decision to suspend his campaign for reelection.
Katie Rogers covered the modern changes in the traditional role of the first lady, mentioning influential figures such as: Hillary Clinton, Melania Trump, and Jill Biden. The session ended with high praise after Mrs. Johnson closed out the conversation with a thought-provoking quote: “Be able to grow from that experience and never lose the appreciation for the opportunity to learn.”
And this is something we decided to act on immediately, by meeting Ms. Johnson and seeking to soak-in even more of her wisdom.
A Conversation with Rick Perry and John Sharp
by Chrissy Biello
From being the longest serving governor in Texas history to the 14th U.S. Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry has a wealth of knowledge. Not to mention, John Sharp, a former member of the Texas State Senate and the Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System since 2011. From living on the same dorm floor in college, to running against one another in the 1998 Texas Lieutenant Governor election, it is evident the two have a long history.
Rick Perry began speaking on past Texas A&M leaders, noting how there have been many great ones. He ensured to pinpoint James Earl Rudder, President of Texas A&M from 1959 to 1970, highlighting how he changed the trajectory of the university forever by allowing women to be admitted in 1963. He continued to stress that he was an exceptional person and anyone who had met him, could testify to this.
Perry then pivoted to illustrate how John Sharp is also one of those exceptional leaders for the Texas A&M University System, stating that remarkable things happened on his watch. Chancellor Sharp then, of course, quickly asked, “is somebody filming this?”
When asked about the future of Texas and whether it would ever be a blue state again, Chancellor Sharp explained that it depends on the swing; if the state goes too far one way, then it will usually go back the other way or in the middle. He expressed how since the 2012 presidential election, there has been a decrease in the percentage that the Democratic Party candidates have lost in Texas. He emphasized that if this trend continues, we will see that Harris will lose Texas by less than seen before, predicting that it would be by three to four percent.
Seeing the dynamic of former Governor Perry and Chancellor Sharp was both fascinating and educational, especially with their never-ending banter! With this being my first time at the Texas Tribune Festival, it was a great first day of discovering all of what the sessions and activities will offer.
A Visit to the Texas Capitol
Former SHAIP Intern, Current Chief of Staff: Melva Gomez
by Michelle Moya
After exploring the Austin Capitol’s unique offerings…
and infrastructure…
…LEAP students delved into the professional world of Melva Gomez, Chief of Staff to Texas State Representative Caroline Harris Davila, former SHAIP intern, and former LEAP Ambassador.
Upon entering, the first thing that caught our attention was the large broadcasting of the committee on insurance taking place. It introduced those of us that are planning to apply to the Austin Internship with a real-life outlook on the issues we will be surrounded by.
Next, we learned of the skills Gomez brought to her Austin internship, as well as the professional development gained from that experience. Aside from all the upsides, she also spoke about the challenges she faced and advised us on the ways to overcome these situations.
After her inspirational words, we went into Representative Davila’s office. Gomez explained the influence Davila has had during her term, noting that the young representative passed Texas Senate Bill 490 and showing us the signed bill by Governor Greg Abbott!
Melva Gomez took us on a journey through the influential role she has played in her community and beyond. She emphasized the significance of kindness and how it fosters a collaborative and friendly environment, especially in political surroundings. Before leaving, we were given the opportunity to take a group picture behind Representative Davila’s desk with Ms. Gomez!
J.M Lozano
by Caitlin Nortonen
After an educational and informative afternoon, we rushed to the Austin Capitol and met with Matt Lamon, Chief of Staff for Representative J.M Lozano.
Katherine, Saara, and I had the great opportunity to have a conversation with Mr. Lamon in his office!
He began by giving us a brief tour of Representative Lozano’s office and provided a short debrief of the 88th Legislation session. He gave us a better understanding of who Representative Lozano is and the District he represents–six counties in the Corpus Christi area. Knowing the district, we learned from both Lamon and Gomez, is key to knowing the world in which the legislator lives.
The group learned more about committees, too. Lozano serves as the Chair of the Urban Affairs committee, while also serving as a member of the redistricting; transportation; and youth, health, and safety committees. Most intriguing to us was this latter committee, which examines the health, safety, and rights of the Texas youth, specifically within the criminal justice system. Lozano chaired this committee in May of 2022, when the school shooting in Uvalde shone a harsh light on the implications of mental health struggles that many youth experience.
A Taste of Ethiopia
by Maggie Betancourt
We concluded our evening with a bit of a “Taste of Ethiopia,” where a stimulating Ethiopian cuisine was experienced. Questions were immediately raised by the group, such as “What is Injera?” or “Bakla – who?”
Although many of the members were unfamiliar with Ethiopian cuisine, everyone was excited to try a world of flavors they have never had before. After some interesting appetizers…
…the server arrived as she placed each dish in the middle of the table, ranging from spicy lentil stew, known as Shiro Wot, to deliciously tender Beef Tibbs. All of the meals came with a side dish known as injera, which is a type of flat bread that is meant to be eaten with all main courses.
Embracing the culture of Ethiopia, which believes that food is a way for people to bond, we all shared each other’s dishes and elaborated on our favorite aspects. Although everyone was fully satiated from trying each other’s meals, this didn’t mean we couldn’t go for a desert dish (or two). Professor Yawn treated the group with the most buttery and flaky baklava, and the most decadent chocolate cake that we’ve ever had, capping a full day with another enriching and educational experience.
Higher education, religion in government, water infrastructure, and domestic policy. What do all these topics have in common? They were all topics deliberated on during LEAP’s first day at The Texas Tribune Festival! With many absorbing and diverse topics covering legal happenings on varying scales, we were eager to expand our knowledge over the course of two days.
We saw a great deal of interesting and influential speakers, including three Chancellors from major Texas University Systems, who discussed the importance of establishing and maintaining their universities as Research Powerhouses…
Chancellor Mitchell encapsulated what it means to work for a university system with this impactful quote: “We are not in the higher (education) business, we are in the business of developing young people.”
And Morgan was able to ask a question!
Before leaving, we were able to get a photo with Chancellors Sharp and Khator.
Olivia and I especially enjoyed the panel regarding water infrastructure with Representative Tracy King and CEO of the Texas Water Foundation Sarah Schlessinger…
…as we are the most interested in local government. In fact, Olivia even asked a question…
….and we were all able to get a photo with Rep. King.
We also had a chance to learn from Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Police Chief Neal Nokes, both of whom were excellent. They discussed “Crime in Cowtown”….
…specifically discussing some of the challenges associated with high-density areas. Although not explicitly asked by the moderator, many of the questions related to how high-profile leaders address the media and, specifically, themes or issues that they cover.
Although there are no magic bullets, both the Mayor and Chief stressed the importance of getting information out quickly and accurately whenever possible.
Our final panel was comprised of three directors of the Domestic Policy Council, who explained their roles and the importance of their staff in the White House.
Ariza and Ashlyn enjoyed speaking with Melody Barnes after the panel and even got a photo!
Upon completing our panels, we took a side trip to the Capitol, where Ashlyn and Morgan had interned this spring–and where Olivia might intern in a future spring!
It was Ariza’s first time in the capitol, and it was a great learning experience and a good activity cap to a day of fun and learning.
But our day of experiences and learning was not over! We concluded our evening with an amazing dinner at Taste of Ethiopia, which was a new food experience for Olivia and Ariza.
Over the delicious meal, we discussed some of what we learned from the day’s sessions and what we are looking forward to learning the next day!
Although this was our last day, it was also one we were most anticipating, full of big hitters and topics of particular interest to us.
The Supremes, by Jessica Cuevas
It is not every day that the opportunity to see one-third of the Texas Supreme Court , including the Chief Justice, presents itself. The LEAP Ambassadors were ecstatic to see and hear from the longest serving member of this court, who has been elected seven times, the 27th Chief Justice: Chief Justice Nathan Hecht. We also had a chance to see Justice Brett Busby, who was appointed in February of 2019, and Justice Rebeca Huddle who was appointed in October of 2020.
I had previously taken Dr. John Domino’s online Judicial Systems course, and hearing the Justices speak of their process for choosing a case and who gets to determine who writes the opinion, was an in-person version of his class! Out of all the hundreds of cases that get appealed and that they receive, they only listen and select about 10% of the cases for the docket.
These are usually cases the Justices believe to be important in determining the legal development in Texas. This process can be extensive since each justice reviews the cases on their own and only reconvenes to discuss which cases they would like to cover.
Typically when this occurs, they are unanimous in agreeing on which cases they would like to listen to and which ones they would rather not. For a case to not be heard or selected, two-thirds of the court need to agree that there is no important legal question being asked. If one of the justices disagrees with this decision and would like to advocate for this case, they can explain why it is important at their next meeting. If the case gets four votes then it is granted, hence “the rule of four.” For the most part, this court prides itself on its collegiality since they tend to be in consensus on many of the cases.
I learned that it is not unusual for a dissenting opinion to become the majority opinion after hearing different sides of the issues and finessing the legal ruling, which is an interesting process. Unlike the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), where the Chief Justice gets to choose someone from the majority opinion to write it, the Texas Supreme Court has the justices draw blue index cards that determine the cases they will write. They do this to prevent one justice from being extremely knowledgeable in one area of the law, and so that everyone has a basic understanding of every area.
Yvette even got the chance to ask the Justices what a typical day for them looks like.
Of course, the justices responded by saying that there is no “typical day,” but there are days that they dedicate specifically to just reading, writing, or having hearings. During hearings, the justices like to ask questions to the lawyers so that they can elaborate on the areas where they see gaps to better understand the case they are trying to make and know what direction they are focused on and why. They want to be persuaded. A member of the audience asked the justices for their thoughts on term limits, to which Chief Hecht responded with how he thought there should not be any for members of the judicial branch since it takes time to develop the experience to become a judge and a good one at that. Funny enough Justice Busby remarked that of course, Chief Justice Hecht would not want term limits, since he is the longest serving member of the court.
One-on-one with Ted Cruz
Morgan Robertson
Staying with TTF’s emphasis on fluidity across the political spectrum, our second session of the day was a one-on-one session with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, moderated by Senior correspondent at the Washington Examiner, David Drucker.
We noticed that major speakers were typically hosted at the Paramount Theatre. I particularly enjoyed the wonderful venue and the art deco design, perhaps because I work for the Old Town Theatre in Huntsville.
Senator Cruz shared with the audience some of his family history, and more specifically, his father’s process through immigration, which he then compared to today’s immigration process. Senator Cruz gave a vivid description of what the border and the Rio Grande look like today.
Drucker then prompted the topic of his presidential run. Senator Cruz said he looks back on his campaign fondly and enjoyed running for President. Although in 2016 he was not the main target of political attention, Senator Cruz was engaged and deliberate with his campaign.
His comments, and at times his mere presence, seemed to irritate the crowd, many of whom came to simply heckle him. To his credit, Senator Cruz said a few times that he will be more than happy to sit-down and have a conversation with everyone. However, he indicated he would not engage in yelling back and forth across the auditorium is not a conversation. Senator Cruz said in an ideal world, both parties could sit at a table together and strive to find a solution.
When it was time for questions from the audience, the first one was about gun control, and this set the tone for the remainder of the program. The audience strongly disagreed with Cruz, and they let their feelings be known.
Beto is Back
Yvette Mendoza
Beto is a favorite of the Texas Tribune, and we have seen him present at more than one, and each time he is a featured speaker and a crowd favorite. This time was no different, although the office for which he is running is different. Having run for the TX Senate, then for President, he is now running for Governor against Abbott. Beto went into great detail on his history, past experiences running for various elected positions, and what changes he would make if he became the next Governor of Texas.
Beto had an exciting track to becoming a politician from El Paso, Texas; as a dream to become a part of a band, he decided to attend Columbia University in New York. He soon realizes the hectic New York lifestyle was not for him and headed back to El Paso as a businessman. He became more interested in local politics, serving as a council member and being mayor pro tempore. He also was a US House member for six years, before embarking on his failed bids for Senator and President, respectively.
He believes in stricter gun laws, specifically moving the age from 18 to 21 to own an AR-15. Regarding our border crisis, Beto advocates that we need immigrants to work for us, which would ultimately benefit our economy in his eyes. Lastly, he touched on universal health care by opting in on Obamacare’s Medicare program.
We will (likely) know the outcome of Beto’s latest bid by the end of the night on November 8!
Public Health Sessions
Ashlyn Parker
I got to venture on my own a bit on this last day of the festival and go to some sessions that specifically piqued my interest. The most impactful event I went to was named “Reality Bites,” which featured a panel that discussed trust in science. The panel consisted of Andrew Dessler, Jehmu Greene, Jennifer Mercieca, and Allison Stewart and was narrated by John Schwartz.
Jennifer Mercieca spoke compellingly about how she and her dad would watch television news together when she was young. Today, however, with programming and advertising often working off algorithms, she and her dad watch very few of the same programs. The news today pushes for reactions, often by appealing to those who already agree with them.
The panel collectively agreed that Republican propaganda has been increasing for years, and its effects are now quite obvious. By 2020, when the pandemic hit, the George Floyd riots were pervasive, and the outcome of the 2020 election tilted Democratic, Republicans were left trusting few media figures and even fewer federal government officials–with the exception, of course, of President Trump.
Allison Stewart, a public health information analyst, discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded differently than previous health scares. In the past, the facts have largely spoken for themselves, and those facts would prompt people to get vaccinated or take precautions, but that didn’t happen in 2020–in fact, resistance to this has morphed into a full-blown anti-science agenda.
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I missed the first LEAP event with Dr. Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, but thankfully I was able to hear him speak on COVID-19 with Dr. Celine Gounder, who served on the Biden-Harris COVID-19 Advisory Board. The session was narrated by the CEO of the Texas Tribune, Evan Smith.
Peter Hotez, being an expert in vaccines, spoke highly of vaccine efforts, but he does not fully agree with mandatory vaccines. Dr. Grounder was also somewhat critical of the CDC for not communicating the airborne nature of the disease. She believed think the mask mandates helped save lives.
Overall, I had a chance to hear from inspiring figures in public health and communications, which appeals to me greatly as a Public Health major. Both of the sessions focused on miscommunication and disinformation in the media, and they both emphasized that the media–and their algorithms–are as much to blame as the people who refuse to see facts.
Liz Cheney
Morgan Robertson
As a fantastic conclusion to the night, we once again took our seats in Paramount Theatre to hear from the closing speaker. Wyoming Representative, Liz Cheney, took the stage to a standing ovation.
Congresswoman Cheney has had an extensive career as an attorney and as an employee of the State Department. She has served as Wyoming’s lone congressperson since her win in 2019 and will remain in congress until January.
Although she is a Republican, she does not shy away from speaking out against certain members of the party, especially Former President Donald Trump. Congresswoman Cheney credits this as the reason for her loss during the Republican primaries.
Congresswoman Cheney is Vice Chair on the House Select Committee to investigate the Attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6. Most of the conversation centered around Evan Smith asking questions relating to the attack, and Congresswoman Cheney disclosing little. She did describe that the members on the committee decided to operate slightly differently than typical committee hearings. Instead of giving each member 5 minutes during a hearing, the committee has split the hearings up so that two or three members are given the time needed to examine evidence.
Smith then asked the Congresswoman a very straightforward question, that I’m sure many in the audience wanted to ask as well: “Will you run for President?” She avoided giving an answer, which in turn led to another question. Smith phrased the question in such a way that hinted to her recent loss of her seat, and how will she keep fighting. Congresswoman Cheney assured the crowd that even though she is no longer going to be a congresswoman, she is certainly not going anywhere and will continue to put her country first.
Indian Cuisine
Yvette Mendoza
To finish off a great day of new experiences, we were able to add to the list an Indian restaurant called Asiana Indian Cuisine.
With the entrees, our waiter highly recommended ‘the bullet,’ which was nan bread with jalapenos that may have been a little too spicy for us but still very tasty. Our favorite had to have been chicken 65, cubes marinated in spices. Having the assorted platter of samosa, spring rolls, reshmo kabobs, and keema samosa it was delicious.
Next up were entrees from the vegetable saag paneer, having a blend of cottage cheese and spinach, chicken tikka masala with a creamy tomato butter sauce, and the butter chicken!
Professor Yawn returned to an authentic traditional dish by getting the curry chicken.
Lastly, for dessert, we had carrot halwa, which was not a favorite, but we did enjoy the Zauq-E-Shah. This was a great way to top off our day!
Following an eventful first day of interviews and new connections, the LEAP Ambassadors were excited to hit the ground running with the 2022 Texas Tribune Festival!
Texas State Capitol
Jessica Cuevas
Our Friday morning began with a trip to the Texas Capitol, where we met with the Chief of Staff for Senator Bryan Hughes, Cody Terry. (Senator Hughes represents the Tyler area, where Morgan is from!) During our time with Mr. Terry, we got a surprise visit from Senator Charles Schwertner’s former Chief of Staff, Tom Holloway. We were also lucky enough to meet Caroline Harris, who, after winning the primary (congratulations!), will compete in the general election for her own seat!
Between welcomed and insightful interruptions, Mr. Terry shared a few words of wisdom regarding internships applicable to any office.
He advised us to find something we are interested in and run with it.
We also met with Scott Jenkines, Chief of Staff for Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez who represents the Valley (District 39). Mr. Jenkines gave us a more technical overview of the innerworkings of the Texas House.
From both chiefs we learned about how different offices and committees work, and what members look for and expect from interns. We were grateful to have been able to sneak some questions in, and we are very thankful for the opportunity to have met with them and learn more about the legislative session. It was a great start for our day, which we soon followed with a trek down to the Paramount Theatre for our second Texas Tribune Festival session!
This session was actually two-pronged. We had the opportunity to experience Austin’s stunning Paramount Theatre, a historic Art Deco structure built in 1915.
The second was, of course, the session topic: a One-on-One with former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, moderated by Kara Swisher!
Our main takeaway from Hillary Clinton was her stance on empowering women in politics. This was perfect for all four of us since we had just left the Capitol, where we all hope to intern in the next session..
With empowerment comes controversial issues, and in her talk, it was clear the most popular topic was her 2016 run against Donald Trump for President. He was a central topic of discussion, specifically regarding the deleted emails, predictions for future elections, and the possible criminal charges he may face.
Clinton repeatedly emphasized that she did not delete any emails and “never corresponded about classified emails.” Clinton has raised money in an interesting, but slightly self-deprecating way, by selling hats that read “But Her Emails.” [FS2] Clinton and Swisher laughed about the merch, but on a more serious note, each dollar raised from the hats is donated to the next Democratic candidate for the next presidential election.
Although she will not be running for office in the future, Clinton still contributes much to the current political officials in the Democratic party. When the question was raised if Trump is likely to run again, Clinton predicted he will run again, although this time he may also have criminal charges pending, after the search of Mar-a-Lago.
Aside from the political drama, Clinton vocalized the importance of Social Security, Medicare, and having a strong social democracy. She believes this will happen only if we continue to vote Democrats into office. But whether or not you are a Democrat or a Republican, we must vote and empower one another. Hearing from Hillary Clinton showed us that you can overcome what may seem to be impossible—an excellent takeaway!
Previewing the 88th: Part Four
Ashlyn Parker
TTF hosts multiple sessions about the upcoming Texas Legislative Session. Although we beelined it to Raise Your Hand Texas, where the fourth session was held, many others had the same idea, and we ended up in the SRO section. Nonetheless, it was completely worth it.
The impressive panel included Senator Carol Alvarado, Senator Cesar Blanco, Senator Sarah Eckhardt, Democratic Candidate for Senate District 27 Morgan LaMantia, and moderator Matthew Watkins, Managing Editor for News and Politics at TheTexas Tribune. With the State of Texas’ budget surplus of about $30 billion, redistricting, and the Texas governor’s election, this session will definitely face new opportunities and challenges.
Abortion is a heavy topic for discussion during this session, after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The panel didn’t suggest that any major bills will pass to restore those rights, but they would like to pass legislation to allow for certain exceptions of abortions like incest, rape, or medical complications. For example, Texas has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, so adopting legislation that will protect the mother’s life from risk of a full-term pregnancy could lower that statistic. Senator Blanco expects this upcoming governor’s election to be a “Roe-vember,” implying that many voters will vote solely driven by their beliefs or stance on abortion.
Another topic this panel expects will be up for much debate is gun regulations. Although gun regulations have been debated for decades, what makes the topic so complicated for this upcoming session is the increase in school shootings, specifically the Uvalde school shooting. Many people are fed up with turning on the news to another school shooting where innocent lives have been lost, and voters will be letting their legislators know that. The panel hopes to see stricter gun laws passed to help stop gun violence in Texas, which has a higher gun mortality rate than the national average. There was a call to action to the right to place more emphasis on the gun laws in Texas.
The panel also mentioned plans to focus on other issues that were “not just political stunts,” such as lowering property taxes and fixing the worker shortage, specifically for teachers and nurses.
One topic the panel did consider a political stunt wasthe border wall. The panel understands Republicans’ concern, but they do not like the way the Republican party goes about it. They would like to focus on improving the treatment of the immigrants coming in and not just throwing them into state camps or foster care. We were informed by the panel that some of these kids being thrown under state custody are dying due to the living conditions they are being put under at the border camps. Right now, the quality of care is improving due to neighboring border city communities that take kids in and provide them with better conditions, so the senators would like to see a change in that sector.
With (hopefully) our internships for this upcoming session, we found this discussion impactful and inspiring. We always enjoy getting to hear different points of views, so it will be great to ponder on these ideas until January!
40 North
Jessica Cuevas
Following a busy day, we met up with SHSU alumna (and former LEAP Center student worker), Annie Jamarik, Chief of Staff for Representative Hugh Shine. Annie recommended a great local pizza joint, called 40 North.
Considering Annie’s recommendations, we ordered the Classic Pepperoni (a bit spicy), the Margherita Di Bufala, the Barbe, and probably (most) everyone’s favorite, the Hot Honey.
As we ate, Annie gave us sound advice, both from the perspective of an intern and as a chief. She advised us to build our networks early and joked that we have already started with her! Along with her encouraging advice, she also had some practical advice, too. We asked about wardrobe and best places to shop, and even what kinds of shoes to wear every day.
We are very thankful to Annie for joining us for a great dinner and for all her advice and words of wisdom about interning in this upcoming session at the Capitol.
Following an eventful first day of interviews and new connections, the LEAP Ambassadors were excited to hit the ground running with the 2022 Texas Tribune Festival!
Featuring Hillary Clinton
Yvette Mendoza
This session was actually two-pronged. We had the opportunity to experience Austin’s stunning Paramount Theatre, a historic Art Deco structure built in 1915.
The second was, of course, the session topic: a One-on-One with former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, moderated by Kara Swisher!
Our main takeaway from Hillary Clinton was her stance on empowering women in politics. This was perfect for all four of us since we had just left the Capitol, where we all hope to intern in the next session..
With empowerment comes controversial issues, and in her talk, it was clear the most popular topic was her 2016 run against Donald Trump for President. He was a central topic of discussion, specifically regarding his accusation against her of deleted emails, predictions for future elections, and possible criminal charges he may face.
Clinton repeatedly emphasized that she did not delete any emails and “never corresponded about classified emails.” Clinton has raised money in an interesting, but slightly self-deprecating way, by selling hats that read “But Her Emails.” [FS2] Clinton and Swisher laughed about the merch, but on a more serious note, each dollar raised from the hats is donated to the next Democratic candidate for the next presidential election.
Although she will not be running for office at any point in the future, Clinton still contributes much to the current political officials in the Democratic party. When the question was raised if Trump is likely to run again, Clinton predicted he will run again, although this time he may also have criminal charges pending, after the invasion of Mar-a-Lago.
Aside from the political drama, Clinton vocalized the importance of Social Security, Medicare, and having a strong social democracy. She believes this will happen only if we continue to vote democrats into office. But whether or not you are a democrat or a republican, we must vote and empower one another. Hearing from Hillary Clinton showed us that you can overcome what may seem to be impossible—an excellent takeaway!
Previewing the 88th: Part Four
Ashlyn Parker
TTF hosts multiple sessions about the upcoming Texas Legislative Session. Although we beelined it to Raise Your Hand Texas…
…where the fourth session was held, many others had the same idea, and we ended up in the SRO section. It was completely worth it.
The impressive panel included Senator Carol Alvarado, Senator Cesar Blanco, Senator Sarah Eckhardt, Democratic Candidate for Senate District 27 Morgan LaMantia, and moderator Matthew Watkins, Managing Editor for News and Politics at TheTexas Tribune. With the State of Texas’ budget surplus of about $30 billion, redistricting, and the Texas governor’s election, this session will definitely face new opportunities and challenges.
Abortion is a heavy topic for discussion during this session, after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The panel didn’t suggest that any major bills will pass to restore those rights, but they would like to pass legislation to allow for certain exceptions of abortions like incest, rape, or medical complications. For example, Texas has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, so adopting legislation that will protect the mother’s life from risk of a full-term pregnancy could lower that statistic. Senator Blanco expects this upcoming governor’s election to be a “Roe-vember,” implying that many voters will vote solely driven by their beliefs or stance on abortion.
Another topic this panel expects will be up for much debate is gun regulations. Although gun regulations have been debated for decades, what makes the topic so complicated for this upcoming session is the increase in school shootings, specifically the Uvalde school shooting. Many people are fed up with turning on the news to another school shooting where innocent lives have been lost, and voters will be letting their legislators know that. The panel hopes to see stricter gun laws passed to help stop gun violence in Texas, which has a higher gun mortality rate than the national average. There was a call to action to the right to place more emphasis on the gun laws in Texas.
The panel also mentioned plans to focus on other issues that were “not just political stunts,” such as lowering property taxes and fixing the worker shortage, specifically for teachers and nurses.
One topic that they do consider a political stunt is the border wall. The panel understands republicans’ concern, but they do not like the way the Republican party goes about it. They would like to focus on improving the treatment of the immigrants coming in and not just throwing them into state camps or foster care. We were informed by the panel that some of these kids being thrown under state custody are dying due to the living conditions they are being put under at the border camps. Right now, the quality of care is improving due to neighboring border city communities that take kids in and provide them with better conditions, so the senators would like to see a change in that sector.
With (hopefully) our internships for this upcoming session, we found this discussion impactful and inspiring. We always enjoy getting to hear different points of views, so it will be great to ponder on these ideas until January!
Meeting With an Alum
In between sessions, we also ran into a LEAP Alum–Christina Gonzalez. Ms. Gonzales works for the Association of Electric Companies of Texas, and her office is located in the same building as one of our sessions. She was able to give us a tour of her office space, while also showing us the gorgeous view of the capitol and providing advice for the upcoming session!
40 North
Jessica Cuevas
Following a busy day, we met up with SHSU alumna (and former LEAP Center student worker), Annie Jamarik, Chief of Staff for Representative Hugh Shine. Annie recommended a great local pizza joint, called 40 North.
Considering Annie’s recommendations, we ordered the Classic Pepperoni (a bit spicy), the Margherita Di Bufala, the Barbe, and probably (most) everyone’s favorite, the Hot Honey.
As we ate, Annie gave us sound advice, both from the perspective of an intern and as a chief. She advised us to build our networks early and joked that we have already started with her! Along with her encouraging advice, she also had some practical advice, too. We asked about wardrobe and best places to shop, and even what kinds of shoes to wear every day.
We are very thankful to Annie for joining us for a great dinner and for all her advice and words of wisdom about interning in this upcoming session at the Capitol.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 