Rodney Ellis

Nice profile of State Sen. Rodney Ellis, which talks about his propensity for introducing long-shot bills, and his persistence in getting some of them passed over the course of multiple sessions. This bit summarizes it well:

"Occasionally, Senator Ellis will pick an issue whose time has not yet come, but that's the legislative process, in that sometimes it takes a little time so we can get a consensus and a majority," said Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, a Republican, who calls Ellis one of the state's "brightest, most charismatic senators."

The article mentions his bills to have Texas adopt California's emissions standards for automobiles, something he first introduced in 1991. I'd cite his work on innocence matters as well, which are getting a higher profile this session thanks to the large and increasing number of people who can speak to it from their personal experience. It's good to have some legislators focus on the big picture issues, and Sen. Rodney Ellis does a good job of that.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on April 07, 2009 to That's our Lege