January 8, 2018

Dear Legislative Staff:

If you have at least one session but not more than five years of Texas legislative experience, the Texas Public Policy Foundation invites you to join the second class of Texas Capitol Leaders – a year-long leadership program that promotes the philosophical, policy, and professional development of early-career Texas legislative staff. Our vision is that over several years, the graduates of this program will become champions for limited government and the free market.

Almost half of the 28 graduates of our inaugural class have been promoted to a more senior-level role by the start of the 2017 legislative session, indicating that the Texas Capitol Leader designation has already become a mark of distinction for Texas policy professionals.

Texas Capitol Leaders begins with an orientation program on Thursday, April 5, and Friday, April 6, at TPPF’s headquarters, 901 Congress Avenue. Orientation includes small group discussions – facilitated by leading university faculty from across Texas – that explore key questions related to governance, an interactive economics experiment, and other activities to enhance the knowledge base and build comradery within the 2018 leadership class.

Starting later that month and continuing through September, participants will gather at TPPF on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month for a networking reception and dinner discussion. Several of these discussions will connect the principles and concepts learned in the orientation with the key policy issues facing our state and nation, while others will cover topics that enhance one’s professional skillset. Both the orientation and the semi-monthly dinner discussions will include reading assignments to be completed in advance. All program costs will be covered by TPPF.

Participants who complete the program requirements will be honored at a graduation ceremony, where they will receive certificates designating them a Texas Capitol Leader. Graduates also have the option to continue in the program, with additional educational and networking opportunities.

Please find attached a copy of the Texas Capitol Leaders application. All legislative staff who meet the qualifications and commit to the time requirements are encouraged to apply. Space is limited and applications are required from all prospective participants. The application deadline is Friday, February 16, and persons accepted into the program will be notified and receive their orientation reading materials no later than March 5.

If you have any questions about the program or the application process, please contact TPPF Senior Director for Public Affairs David Guenthner at [email protected] or by phone at (512) 472-2700.

We’re hopeful that you will join us in the Texas Capitol Leaders program this year!

Sincerely yours,

Kevin D. Roberts, Ph.D.

Executive Vice President

 

 

TX Cap Leaders Brochure 2018 by texaspolicy on Scribd

TCL Application Form by texaspolicy on Scribd