2023S0479-1 07/07/23
By: Schwertner S.R. No. 23
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the staff of the Sunset Advisory Commission for its
dedicated service to the State of Texas; and
WHEREAS, The Sunset Advisory Commission was created by the
Texas Legislature in 1977 to increase government accountability
and efficiency; the commission was formed during a time when
widespread public concern over the expanding power of federal and
state agencies led to the formation of a state accountability and
assessment agency that would provide a way for legislatures to
monitor the need for and value of state programs and
bureaucracies; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Sunset Advisory Commission's
reviews of state agencies have had a tremendous positive effect
on public policy in the Lone Star State; the commission's staff
has received well-deserved recognition and accolades for its
hard work and commitment to excellence, including the National
Legislative Program Evaluation Society's Impact Award in 2019
and 2021; and
WHEREAS, The Sunset Commission staff is headed by Brian
Francis, acting director; Steven Ogle, deputy director and
general counsel; Trisha Linebarger, director of business
operations; Kay Wilson, assistant director of operations; Emily
Johnson, review director; Erick Fajardo, review director; Robert
Romig, review director; and Janet Wood, office manager; and
staffed by Andy McConnell, Anthony Ellis, Austin Oliver, Carl
Perry, Chris Keslar, Darren McDivitt, Elizabeth Jones, Katherina
Wierschke, Katherine Durain, Lauren Ames, Monica Hernandez,
Rachel Gandy, Sadie Smeck, Sarah Gruen, Senaida San Miguel, and
Will Bucknall; and
WHEREAS, These public servants have fulfilled their many
responsibilities on the Sunset Advisory Commission with due
diligence and integrity, and they are truly deserving of special
recognition for their invaluable contributions to the
legislative oversight of Texas state agencies and for their
faithful service to the people of Texas; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby commend the
distinguished staff of the Sunset Advisory Commission for their
outstanding service to the State of Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
them as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.