2023S0442-1 05/29/23
By: Hall S.R. No. 731
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, It is a pleasure for the Texas Senate to honor a
beloved and respected longtime staff member, Sushma Smith, by
naming her the 2023 legislative recipient of the Betty King
Public Service Award; and
WHEREAS, As senior counsel to Senator Carol Alvarado,
Sushma handles the responsibilities of her position with the
utmost diligence and professionalism, and she is well liked and
admired by the legislators and by the many Capitol staff members
with whom she has worked throughout her years of employment with
the Texas Senate; and
WHEREAS, Sushma joined the Senate in 2007 and served in the
roles of legislative analyst and general counsel to Senator Eliot
Shapleigh for several years before serving as legislative
director and chief of staff to Senator Jose R. RodrÃguez for more
than a decade; in 2021, she joined the staff of Senator Carol
Alvarado and has served the office as chief of staff as well as in
her current roles as senior counsel and as executive director of
the Senate Democratic Caucus; and
WHEREAS, In her capacity as senior counsel, Sushma plays a
major role in helping to guide legislative and policymaking
decisions and provides her expertise to advise on a range of
matters; she is highly regarded for her superior skill and
insight, and her thorough understanding of the legislative
process and policy issues have made her an invaluable asset to
the senator's office; in addition, Sushma's service as executive
director of the Senate Democratic Caucus has demonstrated her
exemplary leadership, her strong work ethic, and her
uncompromising commitment to upholding the values she espouses;
and
WHEREAS, Sushma is noted for the kindness, intelligence,
and professionalism with which she approaches her work as well as
for the valuable guidance and mentorship she has graciously
provided to so many colleagues and staff throughout her years of
employment with the Senate; Sushma exemplifies the highest
standards of service to the Texas Senate, and her dedication,
integrity, and generous spirit are a source of inspiration to all
who know and work with her; she is an exceptional Senate employee
who is held in highest regard by legislators and by staff members
throughout the Capitol, and the Texas Senate takes pride in
honoring her with a Betty King Public Service Award; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby commend Sushma Smith on her outstanding
service to the Texas Senate and extend to her congratulations on
earning the 2023 Betty King Public Service Award; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
her as an expression of highest esteem from the Texas Senate.