Merrill Matthews, Ph.D., is a resident scholar with the Institute for Policy Innovation, a research-based, public policy “think tank.” He is a health policy expert and weekly contributor at Forbes.co...

Born in Kerrville, Konni was raised in the small town of Banquete where her father was the high school principal and her mom the school secretary. Konni graduated from the University of North Texas (U...

Born in Kerrville, Konni was raised in the small town of Banquete where her father was the high school principal and her mom the school secretary. Konni graduated from the University of North Texas (UNT) with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She and her husband, Phil, met at UNT and raised their two daughters in Tarrant County. Senator Burton previously owned a wedding consulting business. Since 2008, Konni has been active behind-the-scenes in helping conservative candidates get elected at all levels of government. As senator, Konni is a steadfast advocate for the rights and liberties of individuals, ensuring those enshrined in the U.S. Bill of Rights are protected at the state level. Konni is a small-government legislator, believing each level of government has limited, defined roles in which they should operate. A fiscal conservative, she works to direct spending to core functions of government and works to reduce both taxes and spending. During the 84th Texas Legislature, Senator Burton worked with both House members and Senators to pass a large criminal justice reform package. Konni does not hesitate to cross party lines to pass legislation which protects the constitutional rights of all Texans.

Lathan Watts is Vice President of Public Affairs for Alliance Defending Freedom, the world’s largest non-profit legal organization. ADF is dedicated to defending religious freedom, freedom of speech,...

Lathan Watts is Vice President of Public Affairs for Alliance Defending Freedom, the world’s largest non-profit legal organization. ADF is dedicated to defending religious freedom, freedom of speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and parental rights.