Senator, Political Science Club Host Trip to Capitol

Austin Capitol Tour — Sen. Carlos Uresti and the Political Science Club hosted a day-long tour to the state Capitol on April 6. Photo by Cornelio Ontiveros.

Thousands gathered at the Capitol yesterday to attend the “Save Our State” rally. Present among the ralliers, the protesters and the lawmakers were dozens of students from Texas A&M-San Antonio, who toured the Capitol during a day-long event sponsored by the Political Science Club and State Sen. Carlos Uresti Sr., who made it possible to rent the Star Shuttle and Coach that transported students and faculty from San Antonio to Austin. In all, contributing writer Sarah Ortiz estimates there were 30 students who took advantage of the tour, which cost students only $7. Ortiz, who traveled to Austin with fellow dedicated students, Political Science Club President Carlos Uresti, Jr. and Faculty Adviser Dr. Christina Suthammanont, takes us along for the ride, below. -Mesquite Editors

By Sarah Ortiz
Contributing Writer

After arriving on the Capitol grounds, we were welcomed by Scheduler Allison Brooks, a staff member from Sen. Uresti’s office. Brooks led our group through security and into the Capitol rotunda. Brooks then led us to the House gallery where we witnessed the liftoff of SR 710, a senate resolution encouraged by the American Heart Association to promote fitness. Representatives declared National Start! Walking Day on April 6 by wearing sneakers with their spiffy suits.Because we were on a tight schedule, we made our way to the Senate gallery. The Senate started with the resolutions and the introductions of nine archbishops from around Texas, including San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller and Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantú.

The gallery was filled with students, parents, teachers and Catholic school staffs from all across the state. Funding for private schools was on the table.

Our classmate and pier Carlos Uresti, Jr. joined his father, Sen. Uresti, D-San Antonio, on the Senate floor. Uresti Jr. shook the hand of each Texas senator as proceedings began and the Senate floor came to life with discussion.

On our way to lunch, we passed protesters marching for a better solution to the state budget. Brooks led our group to the rooftop of a neighboring building which offered a gorgeous view of the state Capitol.

Lunch was delivered and we marveled over the view, while appreciating generous treats provided by Sen. Uresti’s office. Toward the end of lunch, Sen. Uresti joined us for a photo opportunity and thanked us all for coming, including the Political Science Club for organizing the trip and Allison Brooks for putting together an eventful day for us.

After lunch, we divided into smaller groups. Some returned to the Capitol to meet individually with Rep. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio and Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio. Another group joined Sen. Uresti in his rally against Child Abuse where he spoke of child abuse statistics in Texas and how the new state budget will cut funding to Child Protective Services and resources needed to help children. Other representatives and senators joined Sen. Uresti with speeches advocating better support for children, insisting on using the rainy day funds to prevent budget cuts and funding to essential state services.

In a powerful speech that received enthusiastic applause, a rallier spoke of his childhood experience with abuse and how Child Protective Services helped him and his siblings survive. He encouraged everyone to get involved in advocating against child abuse in their own neighborhoods and getting the word out to protect children.

After the rally, Ms. Brooks led us to Sen. Uresti’s office where members of our group were able to ask questions and voice our concerns. We were then greeted by the archbishop and auxiliary bishop of San Antonio. Once again, Sen. Uresti thanked each person with a handshake as we departed.

Many students thought the trip was informational and a great opportunity to meet our legislators.

“After going on this Austin trip hosted by Senator Carlos Uresti, Sr. and the Political Science Club, I will definitely come back to Austin and visit the Capitol,” said psychology senior Gabriel Bautista, who offered Sen. Uresti her sincere thanks.

Hopefully, if there is another trip, more students will be able to participate in the excursion. It was more than worth the $7 fee to venture to the Capitol.