HR1493 - Commending the staff of State Representative Cecil Bell Jr. for their exemplary service.

      H.R. No. 1493       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Throughout the 89th Legislative Session, State   Representative Cecil Bell Jr. has benefited immeasurably from the   outstanding work of his dedicated staff; and          WHEREAS, Travis Griffin has demonstrated exemplary   leadership during his two sessions as Chairman Bell's chief of   staff; he has served with the Texas Legislature for 11 legislative   sessions, including six as a chief of staff with the House of   Representatives; he previously acted as political director of the   Republican Party of Texas and as the first executive director of the   Innovation & Technology Caucus of the Texas House; in 2025, he is   marking 27 years in public service and political engagement; and          WHEREAS, Amy Rister has worked tirelessly to run the House   Intergovernmental Affairs Committee as Chairman Bell's committee   director; during her nine legislative session with the House, she   has served as chief of staff for four members and as director of   multiple committees; she has also used her clerking expertise at   Texas GOP conventions, and she volunteers with the Junior League   and holds the role of vice president for the Capitol Republican   Women; in August, she will be graduating with a master of   jurisprudence degree from Texas A&M University School of Law; and          WHEREAS, Returning for his second session on Chairman Bell's   staff, legislative director John Durr has provided invaluable   support by undertaking a wide variety of challenging tasks,   including constituency services and policy analysis; a native of   Austin, he has worked for the Texas Legislature for seven sessions,   including four with the House of Representatives; and          WHEREAS, Having previously worked in Chairman Bell's office   during the 85th Legislative Session, district director Nira Miller   returned for the 88th and continues to play a vital role in managing   the representative's district office; a former congressional   staffer, she has also worked on congressional campaigns and   coordinated media relations for think tanks, government agencies,   and nonprofits; and          WHEREAS, In his first legislative session, Eric Parikakis has   served as assistant committee clerk to the House Intergovernmental   Affairs Committee; a native of Plano, he is the policy director of   the Texas Young Republicans; he is a graduate of Texas Christian   University and The University of Texas at Dallas; and          WHEREAS, Quintin Lorenz joined Chairman Bell's staff this   session as an administrative and legislative aide, playing an   invaluable role in ensuring the smooth operation of both   legislative and administrative functions; a proud native of the Rio   Grande Valley and a Texas State University alumnus, he is committed   to advancing the Republican cause in Texas, whether by helping to   grow his local Young Republican chapter, by working for an office,   or by volunteering on the campaign trail; and          WHEREAS, Two remarkable interns from The University of Texas   at Austin, Emma Corbell and Connor Nihem, also served in the office   of Chairman Bell; their efforts have been invaluable, and they are   well prepared for success as they continue to pursue their academic   and professional dreams; and          WHEREAS, These esteemed public employees have performed   their duties with great skill and dedication, and they are indeed   deserving of special recognition for their fine work; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby commend the staff of State Representative Cecil   Bell Jr. for their exemplary service and extend to them sincere best   wishes for continued success; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared   for each member of the staff as an expression of high regard by the   Texas House of Representatives.     Bell of Montgomery     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 1493 was adopted by the House on June   2, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House