Senator Kevin Eltife R–Tyler For living up to his reputation, even in this pressure cooker of a session, as the one person everyone was always happy to see, the essence of collegiality, respect for principle, and good humor (there’s a reason they call him “Easy E”).
Tom Craddick R–Midland; Vicki Truitt R–Keller For each making a valiant run at reining in payday lenders—though working together next time might get better results.
Yvonne Davis D–Dallas For tirelessly sniffing out nefarious amendments, dragging them into the light of day, and stomping on them like bugs.
Sylvester Turner D–Houston For his passionate defense of the voiceless amid the chorus of fiscal hawks and for the love he showed his adversaries on the House floor.
Senator Kirk Watson D–Austin For his “honesty agenda” bills, which will make the Legislature’s murky budget-writing process more transparent.
