One-on-One with Joe Straus

Description

The former speaker of the Texas House on how the Legislature can work more effectively, how to refresh the Republican brand and the issues that should be at the top of the agenda next session.

This session was available to ticket holders of the 2020 Texas Tribune Festival for the duration of the monthlong event.

Check out the Festival website for some of our freely available favorite sessions, and sign up to receive updates from the Festival team about available session videos, upcoming events and news on #TribFest21.

This session is supported by IBC Bank and Pastors for Texas Children.

Speakers

Joe Straus

Former Speaker of the Texas House

Straus served as speaker of the Texas House of Representatives from 2009 to 2019, making him the longest-serving Republican Speaker in state history. Previously, he served as a member of the Texas House, representing District 121. Straus is the chair of the Texas Forever Forward political action committee, which supports causes focused on Texas’ future, and serves on the board of directors of the Republican State Leadership Committee.

Moderator

Kirk Watson

Dean of the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston

Watson was selected to be the founding Dean of the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs and began his position in May. Previously, he represented the Austin area in the Texas Senate for 13 years and served as chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus. Watson also served as an appointee of Gov. Ann Richards before being elected mayor of Austin in 1997.