We are pleased to announce that Kate Kuhlmann has joined ATPE Governmental Relations and is now working full-time in our Austin state office. Kate is no stranger to ATPE, having most recently worked for an international law firm in Washington, D.C., where she advocated for ATPE on federal issues such as ESEA/NCLB and Social Security. She has attended several ATPE events in the past and given presentations to our members. Kate is also the daughter of two Texas public educators (who are both ATPE members), making her a natural addition to the ATPE lobby team. As a legislative specialist for Arnold & Porter, LLP, Kate worked on a variety of issues covering many industries including education, transportation and health care. She also served as co-administrator of the firm’s political action committee (PAC). Prior to her time in Washington, Kate worked for an Austin law firm and interned for former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. Kate's hometown is San Angelo, Texas, and she received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Texas Tech University. She remains active as an alumna of Texas Tech and served as vice president and treasurer in the Washington, D.C., alumni chapter. Related Teach the Vote content: Read Kate Kuhlmann's first blog post for Teach the Vote, an update on the national ConnectEd technology initiative, and watch for future posts from Kate on education developments in Washington.