The 87th Texas Legislative Session began on January 12, and with that also began the start of a unique program involving the Brazos Valley.
The Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service aims to sculpt future lawmakers of America and Texas.
”It’s almost all connected to and unified by the concept of public service, and that’s really what the Bush School is all about,” said Ann Bowman, a professor as well as Hazel Davis and Robert Kennedy Chair of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service.
The Legislative Capstone Program takes place every two years, allowing Bush School students to gain first-hand experience of the legislative session.
”While all our students get a research experience as part of their capstone, this one is a little different in that it actually puts the students in effect on the front lines of policy making,” Bowman added.
Seven students embarked on this educational journey as the gavel fell to start the 87th Legislative Session.
”Though the students starting this session are getting a bit of a different experience, with regard to COVID and some of the adjustments made in the legislative process,” Bowman expressed.
Four students from the 2019 Legislative Session remained working for the legislature. Now they are mentoring incoming Bush students.
”It’s quite a network, not just the formidable Aggie network that we talk a lot about, but a Bush School network as well, and so these students really mentor the former students, mentor the current students,” Bowman stated.
Professor Bowman attributes her student's eagerness to be a part of this experience to the idea that they’re a part of creating history
”The sense that this legislation they worked on may ultimately be passed by legislatures, adopted and become law in the state of Texas,” Bowman shared.