Legislative Staff Week: Snapshots.

VIRGINIA

Steve Pike

Chief of Police, Division of Capitol Police

What's your role in the legislature?

My division is responsible for the public safety services to state agencies, state employees and elected officials.

How are you staying resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic? I feel my resiliency pales in comparison to the people battling against this virus, as well as the doctors and nurses on the front lines saving lives. They're the resilient ones.

What do you find most rewarding about your job? I have the honor and privilege to meet hundreds of visitors each year at our Capitol. And, I'm responsible for leading the nation's oldest police force.

When you're not working, what might we find you doing? I enjoy photography and visiting the spectacular national parks across the United States.

NEVADA

Megan Comlossy

Principal Policy Analyst, Research Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau

What's your role in the legislature?

I assist legislators by researching issues, analyzing policy options and helping to develop legislation.

How are you managing during the pandemic? It's important to have "work time" and "family time," so I can focus my attention on my boys or my work. Keeping in regular communication with colleagues--through phone and video chats and instant messaging--helps maintain as much "business as usual" as possible.

What's most enjoyable about your job? In a time when information is more available than ever, I am excited to be in a position where I get to provide "just the facts" and to have the opportunity to help policymakers filter facts from the noise and make educated decisions based on objective, accurate, nonpartisan information.

When you're not working, what might we find you doing? Running, hiking or skiing in the mountains of Lake Tahoe, my home; going to the beach, playing outside or riding bikes with my almost 2-year-old son.

GEORGIA

Tara Boockholdt

Budget and Policy Analyst, House Budget and Research Office

What's your role in the legislature?

I staff several committees and, as non-partisan staff, answer questions from our representatives related to topics in those committees, such as Medicaid, public health and graduate medical education.

How are you dealing with the pandemic? The COVID-19 pandemic started two weeks after I gave birth to my second daughter. We would not be surviving without our daily walks, evenings in the backyard, and taking time to cook meals together. We're trying to look on the bright side and...