Posted in Texas Legislature 2019

“I’m honestly still stunned that I work here”: Meet the staffers who keep Texas lawmakers in check under the dome

Behind the 181 members of the Texas Legislature, thousands of people work to keep the Capitol humming during legislative sessions. The work isn't always glamorous, but many view their small roles in helping state government function as an honor.

By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia SongMay 14, 2019, 12:01 a.m. CentralUpdated May 14, 2019, 12:01 a.m. Central

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“I’m honestly still stunned that I work here”: Meet the staffers who keep Texas lawmakers in check under the dome

by adminnewspack, The Texas Tribune
May 14, 2019

<h1>“I’m honestly still stunned that I work here”: Meet the staffers who keep Texas lawmakers in check under the dome</h1>
<p class="byline">by adminnewspack, The Texas Tribune <br />May 14, 2019</p>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooBaE-mmM04
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full aligncenter"><img src="https://texastribune-donor-migration.newspackstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TT-UnderTheDome-story_page-logo-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-88148" /></figure>
<p>Watch as the major and minor players in the Texas Capitol navigate lawmaking in the 86th Legislature. Our mini-documentary series takes viewers beyond the business of passing bills and showcases the personalities and predicaments lawmakers face throughout the session.<br />
<a href="https://youtube.com/user/thetexastribune?sub_confirmation=1">Subscribe</a> to our YouTube page and never miss an episode.<a href="https://texastribune-donor-migration.newspackstaging.com/series/under-the-dome/">More in this series</a></p>
</p></div>
<p>Patsy Spaw, the secretary of the Texas Senate, has been around longer than most of the senators. Others are experiencing their first legislative session in the building.</p>
<p>Some spend their days out of sight, ensuring the video feeds run smoothly. Others are a fixture on the live feed, reading legislation aloud so often that they end up getting recognized on the street.</p>
<p>They are all part of a cast of thousands who come to work in the Texas Capitol. Lawmakers know that without those supporting players, they wouldn't be able to get through the thousands of bills filed during each session.</p>
<p>Meet a few of the behind-the-scenes workers in the latest episode of our mini-documentary series, "Under the Dome."</p>
<p><em><a href="https://youtube.com/user/thetexastribune?sub_confirmation=1">Subscribe</a> to our YouTube page and never miss an episode.</em></p></p>
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Article Content:

“I’m honestly still stunned that I work here”: Meet the staffers who keep Texas lawmakers in check under the dome

adminnewspack, The Texas Tribune
May 14, 2019

Watch as the major and minor players in the Texas Capitol navigate lawmaking in the 86th Legislature. Our mini-documentary series takes viewers beyond the business of passing bills and showcases the personalities and predicaments lawmakers face throughout the session.

Subscribe to our YouTube page and never miss an episode.More in this series

Patsy Spaw, the secretary of the Texas Senate, has been around longer than most of the senators. Others are experiencing their first legislative session in the building.

Some spend their days out of sight, ensuring the video feeds run smoothly. Others are a fixture on the live feed, reading legislation aloud so often that they end up getting recognized on the street.

They are all part of a cast of thousands who come to work in the Texas Capitol. Lawmakers know that without those supporting players, they wouldn't be able to get through the thousands of bills filed during each session.

Meet a few of the behind-the-scenes workers in the latest episode of our mini-documentary series, "Under the Dome."

Subscribe to our YouTube page and never miss an episode.

This article first appeared on The Texas Tribune.

Tracking snippet:

Watch as the major and minor players in the Texas Capitol navigate lawmaking in the 86th Legislature. Our mini-documentary series takes viewers beyond the business of passing bills and showcases the personalities and predicaments lawmakers face throughout the session. Subscribe to our YouTube page and never miss an episode.More in this series

Patsy Spaw, the secretary of the Texas Senate, has been around longer than most of the senators. Others are experiencing their first legislative session in the building.

Some spend their days out of sight, ensuring the video feeds run smoothly. Others are a fixture on the live feed, reading legislation aloud so often that they end up getting recognized on the street.

They are all part of a cast of thousands who come to work in the Texas Capitol. Lawmakers know that without those supporting players, they wouldn’t be able to get through the thousands of bills filed during each session.

Meet a few of the behind-the-scenes workers in the latest episode of our mini-documentary series, “Under the Dome.”

Subscribe to our YouTube page and never miss an episode.

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

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