SECRETARY OF THE SENATE BETTY KING TO RETIRE
AUSTIN - Secretary of the Senate Betty King announced her retirement Thursday, October 19, 2000, effective December 31, 2000. The Secretary of the Senate is an officer of the Senate, elected by the members of the Senate, and serves as the Senate's chief administrator. She has held the post since 1977 and has worked at the Texas State Capitol since 1947. As the Secretary of the Senate, King read all bills, resolutions, and proclamations on the Senate floor and has called the Senate's roll call thousands of times in her 24 year tenure. In addition, King supervises all of the elected officers of the Senate and coordinates the operations of the Senate's central staff.
As Secretary of the Senate, Betty King served under three Lieutenant Governors including Bill Hobby, Bob Bullock and Rick Perry; and 97 senators. She was present through 12 regular legislative sessions and 27 special sessions. Betty King was the first to welcome a newly elected senator to the capitol where they quickly realized the value of her friendship and counsel.
Betty King has been involved in countless community and professional organizations throughout her career, from the Girl Scouts who celebrate 'Betty King Day' every November to being a founding member of the Austin Lyric Opera. She has been a leader for many years in the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL).
Betty King is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. Her first experience at the Capitol was as an Honorary Page at age 14. King's dignified presence in the Senate Chamber lent stability to an ever-changing membership.
At the close of the 76th Regular Legislative Session in 1999, Betty King was honored by the members of the Senate. It was the only time she addressed the Senate from her podium using her own words.
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