Legislative Services

Amy Ruedas joined the TAC Legislative Department as Operations Manager in 2016. She brings more than 10 years of experience working in nonprofit management. Ruedas assists the TAC Legislative Director and department staff, helping to coordinate the operations of the department.

Ruedas was born and raised in Austin. She earned a B.A. in Human Services and M.A.T. with a minor in organization development and training from St. Edward’s University in Austin.

Program(s):
Justices of the Peace and Constables' Association

Kelsey Bernstein comes to TAC from the House Committee on County Affairs where she served as the committee director. Her understanding of county government and ability to create and execute strategic legislative initiatives are invaluable in her advocacy for counties at the Legislature. Bernstein attended the University of North Texas where she received her Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in criminal justice. Bernstein began her career working on campaigns around the country before returning to her hometown of Austin.

Program(s):
County Treasurers' Association of Texas

Elizabeth Choate has experience advocating public policy priorities to state legislators, agencies and other policymakers as both senior legislative staff and as an industry advocate. Elizabeth started her career in the Texas House where she worked multiple sessions as a Policy Analyst and Chief of Staff/General Counsel to the Chairman of the County Affairs Committee. Later she served for more than 10 years as the Director of Government Relations/General Counsel to the Texas Veterinary Medical Association where she managed the association's government affairs program and political action committee while providing association and member advice on legal and ethical matters. Elizabeth has also served as a Government Relations Specialist for AAA Texas & New Mexico where she lobbied company interests before legislatures, regulatory bodies and other stakeholder forums. Elizabeth Choate has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Economics and a Juris Doctor with a certificate in Government Law.

Program(s):
County Judges and Commissioners Association

Katy Estrada started her career in public policy in 2009 as a clerk in the House Committee Coordinator’s office. In 2011, Estrada became the committee clerk for the House Committee on County Affairs. She was promoted to committee director in 2013 and managed hearings across the state aimed addressing major policy issues affecting local governments. In December of 2016 she joined Davis Kaufman PLLC as a governmental affairs consultant. There, she used her knowledge of the legislative process to develop legislative strategy, conduct research on policy issues, and advise interested parties on legislation and policy implementation. Estrada received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and her Master of Public Administration from Texas State University.

Program(s):
County & Districts Clerks' Association

Nanette Forbes has served as a TAC Legislative Manager since 2005, working closely with county and district clerks. She provides assistance with legislative research and communications with state elected officials and state agencies.

Before joining the TAC legislative team, Forbes worked as a paralegal for the TAC Legal Department. She has held a variety of public sector jobs, both county and state, since 1982.

Forbes is a native Texan, growing up in Jim Hogg County. She has lived in the Austin area for the past 20 years. She has also lived and worked in Denver and Chicago. Her areas of expertise include issues affecting the offices of county and district clerks, such as:

• Elections
• Fines and fees
• Open government

Program(s):
Tax Assessor - Collectors' Association

Caroline Love joined TAC in October 2022 with more than 23 years of work experience in Texas. Before joining TAC’s legislative team, Caroline held various positions within Texas state government, including the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), and the Texas Municipal Retirement System. Additionally, she has worked for HillCo Partners and on several Texas political campaigns.

A Chicago native, Caroline received a Political Science undergraduate degree from Loyola University of Chicago then quickly moved to Texas to avoid those long cold, bitter winters. Her broad exposure to work with both public and private entities brings diverse perspectives and solutions. Her previous role for many years as Director of Government and Strategic Communications with TxDMV, including work with stakeholders such as auto dealers and Tax Assessor-Collectors on various motor vehicle issues, makes her a great resource.

Pete Winckler joins TAC after two years in contract lobby work representing a broad spectrum of domestic and international businesses and interest groups. Prior to that, he spent 14 years as an Aide, Director and Chief of Staff to four Texas Senators. Pete has called Austin home for over 20 years, but draws on his Houston roots and experience representing coastal, North and East Texas interests to understand the diverse needs across our great state.

Tim Brown joined the TAC Legislative Department in 1999 and is now the senior analyst for the County Information Program. Brown earned a B.A. in mathematics from the University of Dallas prior to joining the United States Navy. After leaving active duty, he entered the Reserves and attended the University of Texas at Austin where he received an M.A. in library and information science. Brown oversees the following for the County Information Program:

• Fiscal notes
• Taxes
• Demographics
• Special districts

Zelma Smith joined the TAC County Information Program in February 2019. Her focus is on state fiscal matters and the impact of legislative and operational changes on state and local government. She also provides expertise in the state budget process and timely fiscal note responses to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). Zelma has a B.A. in economics from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.A. in urban studies from Trinity University in San Antonio.

Zelma has over three decades of experience in state and local government budgeting and policy, beginning with an internship at the Texas Research League, now known as the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, while in graduate school. Zelma has worked at budget offices in the City of Austin, City of Lubbock and the City of Champaign, IL, and had her longest tenure at the LBB where she worked for nearly 20 years as an analyst and a manager.