Freshman lawmakers emphasize compromise with “Purple Thursdays”

by Justin Dehn of The Texas Tribune, Alana Rocha of The Texas Tribune

Hopeful for strength in numbers, the freshman class makes up nearly a third of the body.

Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Rep. Ron Simmons R-Carrollton and Rep. Oscar Longoria D-Mission show off their purple ties on Purple Thursday at the Texas Capitol.

AUSTIN — Since the start of the 83rd Legislature, the dozens of freshmen in the Texas House have worn something purple every Thursday as a symbol of their willingness to work across party lines.

Now that the bill-filing deadline has passed, the man credited with coming up with the idea, Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, outlines what issues he sees the potential to compromise on.

Freshman lawmakers ready to realize purple movement

Across the aisle, his fellow freshman Rep. Mary Ann Perez, D-Houston, said she hopes there are no non-negotiable items this session. Perez said this new batch of freshman lawmakers has strength in numbers, accounting for nearly a third of the body.

Texas Democrat freshman says compromise is ‘a must’

The freshmen aren't the only ones working to seek common ground. Some of their more seasoned colleagues, from Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, to Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, are joining in the color-coded effort.