“Or, if there’s a problem in your district…it takes a bill. “If you want to fix something, it takes a bill,” he says. He was looking for, as he put it, “less government, limited government, less rules, less bills.” But, he says, once you’re sucked into the Capitol, you learn it actually takes a lot to get less. Thierry says she filed her first bill on her first day, probably before her computer was even plugged in.īiedermann says he wanted to file as little legislation as possible. Thierry and Biedermann came to the Capitol with contrasting ideas about their roles as lawmakers and how government should work. But he explains that a desk mate can help you keep up with the high speed changes, “especially someone who’s been here.”ĭifferent philosophies, similar frustrations “You don’t always vote the same way,” Biedermann says. They say your desk mate on the House floor is like your lab partner in a high school chemistry class. “I was, I believe, number nine.” Biedermann was number 10.īased on your number, you get dibs on parking, picking your office and choosing your desk mate. “We have this ping pong ball system and whatever the number is that’s your seniority in your class and you keep it with you forever,” Thierry says. Together, they’ve navigated the legislature’s strange rituals and traditions, which started on day one. But over the session, they’ve become friendly. In many ways, Biedermann and Thierry are total opposites. “You get on the elevator and everyone’s nodding their head. The Houston lawyer and Democrat is also new. “He’s 100 percent right on that,” adds Rep. “That was very eye-opening and shocking.” “People already know who you are,” Biedermann says. So his first days at the Capitol were full of surprises. The Fredericksburg Republican owns a hardware store and spent nearly three decades hosting a home improvement radio show. Kyle Biedermann isn’t your typical politician. Your first week, you just want to find the right office without getting lost in an empty hallway.Īs the 85th Texas Legislature starts its final full week, we asked two freshmen members of the Texas House of Representatives what they’ve learned about low bill numbers and high expectations. At the Texas Capitol, being a rookie lawmaker is a lot like starting any new job.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |