Comments from Julie Nieto
on her legislative internship sponsored by
the Mexican American Legislative Leadership Foundation, Inc.
(Moreno/Rangel Internship Program)

What did you learn/gain from the internship experience?
The Moreno/Rangel Legislative Leadership Program provides a unique opportunity for Hispanic undergraduate and graduate students from across Texas to gain first-hand governmental experience working in the Texas House of Representatives during a Legislative Session. I was fortunate to be among the 12 students selected statewide to participate in this internship. This internship has allowed me to see the inner workings of the democratic process up close. I was placed in the office of Rep. Robert R. Puente from Bexar County. I was assigned various bills and charged with seeing these bills through the legislative process. The bills ranged from umbilical cord blood education to family issues and education. As a legislative aide for the Representative, I had the pleasure of meeting with various groups which advocated their causes diligently to make the Legislature aware of concerns that needed to be addressed. Working in this office, I know that

Information on applying to internship programs in Political Science and other disciplines is available by visiting our internships page: http://www.liberalarts.txstate.edu/services/internships.html

Rep. Robert R. Puente and his staff are truly committed to improving the lives of all Texans. Many long hours are put into the lawmaking process. Dedicated individuals work daily and invest a large amount of time and energy to ensure that bills become law. I was surprised at the amount of influence lobbyists, who represent big businesses, have in terms of the legislation which is passed into law. The legislative process significantly impacts all of our lives and, because of my experience during the 80th Legislative Session, I have a better understanding of why it is so important for the average citizen to take part in the process. As I watch the representatives debate bills on the House floor, I am comforted to see so many stand up for the ordinary person, stand up for what is right, and stand up for all of those who otherwise do not have a voice. I have been blessed to have had the privilege of working in an office that has allowed me to experience the intimate workings of the Texas Legislature.

What was a particularly meaningful experience for you?
Rep. Robert R. Puente put me in charge of House Bill 709, which deals with Umbilical Cord Blood Education. This piece of legislation will inform pregnant women of the opportunity of donating cord blood and of the life-saving benefits contained in the cord blood. H.B. 709 allows pregnant mothers to make an informed decision that will ultimately increase the cord blood units available to sick people, in hopes of saving their lives. A family from North Texas, who had firsthand experience with the life-saving cord blood, came to Austin to testify in support of this bill before the House State Affairs Committee and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. I met the 7-year-old boy named Joseph, who at one time had sickle cell anemia. The parents searched for a cord blood match for over a year with no success. Joseph's last chance to live was in the cord blood of a younger sibling. His mother was able to conceive a second child. The family was blessed because the younger brother Isaac was a match for Joseph and his cord blood gave Joseph a chance at a long and healthy life. The successful cord blood transplant restored the life of this young child. I saw Joseph full of life, telling stories, laughing, and jumping. As I looked at the children who have been helped by the cord blood donation, I realized that if they had not had the cord blood transplant, one would not have a normal childhood or quite possibly not be alive. This internship experience and my work on this particular bill really made me understand the great importance of educating pregnant women on this issue. H.B 709 has passed both the House and the Senate and is now awaiting the signature of the Governor of Texas. There are many children, as well as adults who can and will benefit from cord blood and this bill will help with the challenge of educating pregnant women on the donating of this gift of life. It is gratifying to know that the hard work I put into this piece of legislation will positively affect many citizens of the Lone Star State.

When do you graduate, and what do you plan to do after graduation?
I plan to graduate in December of 2007. I would like to intern in a Congressional office someday, but presently, I am making the most out of each day at the Capitol and enjoying every bit. Many doors have been opened due to this experience.  So, at the moment there is no telling where my destiny will take me. One thing that I am sure of is that the political and governmental arena is of great interest to me.