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 Director of Community Relations for First Liberty Institute, responsible for all efforts to increase First Liberty Institute’s profile in local and national markets. His focus is on ex...

Lathan Watts is Director of Community Relations for First Liberty Institute, responsible for all efforts to increase First Liberty Institute’s profile in local and national markets. His focus is on expanding public awareness of First Liberty’s mission, legal matters, and educational projects by coordinating communication with community leaders, influencers, policy makers, and the public at large. Prior to joining First Liberty Institute, Watts served in various campaign and official staff positions for U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling, U.S. Senator John Cornyn, and Texas Governor Rick Perry. His executive leadership roles in non-profit organizations specializing in political affairs and community outreach contributed to the election of numerous members of the U.S. Congress, multiple state legislators, and governors. His work in and around the political process served him well in the four years he spent as a City Councilman in Lewisville, TX. Watts received his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi where he served two terms in the student senate one as President Pro Tempore. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Harding University, where he was a member of multiple honor societies and the University Concert Choir.