Sadie Smeck

Then I was exposed to state policy in graduate school and it clicked. I knew I could make the kind of difference I wanted working on issues closer to home.

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I began with a focus on state education policy, then transitioned into government oversight and accountability in my current position as a policy analyst with the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. We review state agencies from top to bottom—their efficiency, their fairness, how well they serve the public. We make recommendations to our legislative commission on whether they should be renewed or reformed, which must ultimately pass the full legislature.

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My biggest win so far was getting a bill passed with recommendations to improve the state agency that licenses and regulates police officers, jailers, and telecommunicators in Texas. We had done a review and proposed changes initially, but that first Sunset bill failed. Undeterred, our team conducted a follow-up review, strengthening and refining our recommendations. This time, through productive conversations with the agency and a community of engaged stakeholders, we were able to craft a bill that brought about significant improvements to how law enforcement is regulated in Texas. 

It is deeply gratifying to know that my work directly contributes to enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the institutions that serve the people of Texas. I am driven by a steadfast belief in the power of good governance to positively impact lives.