CORPUS CHRISTI — State Rep. Todd Hunter, a trial lawyer and veteran lawmaker, understands stress. But after a 140-day legislative session crammed full of controversial emergency items, a gaping budget deficit and redistricting, even Hunter admitted his stress achieved new levels. Hunter was the first Coastal Bend legislator appointed chairman of the powerful House Calendars Committee since former Rep. Hugo Berlanga had the post in 1989. House Speaker Joe Straus chose Hunter to lead the committee, making him the third Republican in history to do so. During the 82nd legislative session that wrapped up Memorial Day, Hunter rode herd on the 15-member committee tasked with balancing legislative emergencies decreed by the governor and acting as the gatekeeper for all other legislation.{read more}
