Rachel Bauer loves that her job as chief of staff for Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Denny Hoskins allows her to be on the inside track of what's going on at the Capitol.
"My job includes managing the dais and making sure whoever is presiding has the information they need for the (House) floor to run smoothly," she said. "I make sure everything is cued up so they know what bill is coming up next. I'm there for whatever the speaker or whoever is presiding needs done."
On a typical day, once Bauer gets to the office, she reviews the House calendar and makes sure she's aware of any new bills and amendments. She also makes sure she has the amendments rounded up in a binder.
When the House is in session, Bauer is on the chamber floor with the representatives.
This is her first legislative session working for Hoskins, R-Warrensburg.
Last year, she was Rep. Jeanie Riddle's legislative assistant. Prior to joining Riddle, R-Mokane, she was legislative assistant for Rep. Ward Franz for eight years until he termed out of office.
"When I was a junior in college, I interned for Ward Franz during his first term," Bauer said. "His LA (legislative assistant) wanted to retire, so she was grooming me to come work there."
She said she was offered the job when she had a year left of journalism school at the University of Missouri.
"I loved to write, talk to people and meet people to tell their story and maybe change the viewpoint of their life," Bauer said. "I think that's why I'm drawn to this job, changing lives with bills passed. It's an opportunity to do good for people."
Bauer said she wouldn't be in her current profession without the support of her husband, Chris.
"He's my support system and is an incredible father," she said. "I work late a lot. He's super dad to me."
Bauer lives in Loose Creek with Chris; their 2-year-old daughter Edie; and 8-month-old son Alex.
"They are my life," Bauer said.
She's also found a family among her colleagues at the Capitol.
"Everyone is opinionated and passionate about how they feel," Bauer said. "But, if something happens, we rally and are there for each other.
"We stick together."