Texas 4H Congress

The Texas 4H Congress started today.  This is an event where the 4Hers take over the Capitol Building in Austin for a few days while the normal session is not in order to try their skills as legislators.  Although our family was not able to participate, we had three of our seniors (Caleb, Katy and Treyton) attend from our club.  I hope to hear back from them so I can re-post some of the experience for you.


UPDATE-July 16, 2012
No updates from our group but I did find a picture on Facebook that proves some of them were present.  Unfortunately, it is only a picture of the BACK of their heads.  I even watched the live streaming today in hopes of a glance of them in action.  So here is what I have for now and still hoping for more information when they return.

UPDATE-July 17, 2012

It sounds like the group is doing well and enjoying the experience.  I did manage to see Caleb today on the live telecast giving the voting record for our county.  I believe the group met with Gov. Perry as I found a picture on Facebook with each district taking a picture with him.

UPDATE-July 21, 2012

I got word from Treyton about his experience at 4H Congress.  It sounds like they had a great time.  This is what he said:

Highlights from Congress:

Sunday - 7/15 - toured the State Capitol and attended reception at The Sheraton.

Monday - 7/16 - First day in Congress, Treyton & Katy bills were presented before the committee.  Caleb commented on a few bills on the House floor.  Katy debated on the texting bill.  House Representative - Brian Hughes (District 5) spoke with the 4-Hers in his district.

50's themed party - Treyton was a school jockey with lettermen sweater, Katy - polka-dotted dress, and Caleb- t-bird (greaser). 

Tuesday - 7/17 - last day at Congress.  A lot of discussion on the House floor.  Hot topics - human's eating horse meat, and texting while driving.  Both were passed in the House.  Met Governor Perry.  The governors speech was awesome.  He was a 4-Her and had received the Gold Star award.  Attended a gala reception that evening at the Sheraton.

Wednesday - 7/18 - toured Lady Bird Johnson's wildflower center, toured State Cemetery, hiked down by Lady Bird Lake, toured down town Austin.  Mr. Obama was in Austin on Tuesday night raising funds for the presidential race.  Treyton, Caleb & Brennan saw the motorcade from their motel room window.  Came home through Bastrop and saw the results from the fire.  Brenda & Myra did a little genealogy on the way home.  Brenda found her great grandfathers first wive's grave. (No kin but that was fun to find).  Toured old Dime Box, Texas.  A neat town (looks like people just moved away and left it as it was).  In fact there is a truck on the rack at the old garage.   

A very educational experience.  I learned about how a bill is written, presented to committee, sent to the House, discussed on the floor and then passed or fail.  A wonderful experience to end my 4-H career.  I would highly recommend going and would do it again if I had the chance.