To help honor J.W. Ray Elementary's "Top Readers", Representative Branch hosted the thirty 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students to lunch at Chili's Grill & Bar. Each of the students completed twenty or more books during the Fall 2007 semester and have continued their eager reading habits into the spring. J.W. Ray Principal Bernette Austin, who was also honored by Rep. Branch, created the Top Readers program as a part of her school-wide Earning by Learning efforts.

Representative Branch walked the red carpet on a windy opening night of the American Film Institute's 2008 Dallas Film Festival.  The opening night festivities were held at the historic Majestic Theater in Downtown Dallas.  Several Hollywood stars, including Helen Hunt, Mickey Rooney and Bill Paxton, followed Branch and other VIPs on the red carpet for the premier of Hunt's directorial debut film, Then She Found Me.

Chairman Branch welcomed Former Prime Minister of Australia John Howard and his family to District 108. The Prime Minister spoke to members of SMU's John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies at the home of Harlan and Kathy Crow during his first trip to Dallas.

Rep. Branch offered remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dallas Center for Rehabilitation. Afterwards, Branch helped turn the first shovel of dirt on the site.

Rep. Branch honored Highland Park Department of Public Safety Chief Darrell L. Fant with a flag flown over the Capitol and a commemorative certificate for his over thirty years of service.

Representative Branch provided live commentary via webcast and on-air broadcast for Fox 4 News.

Representative Branch visited Wimberley Independent School District, which is located southwest of Austin. Superintendent Dwain York recently appeared before the Select Committee on Higher and Public Education Finance to discuss the financial difficulties currently facing the district.

Chairman Branch opened the second day of the Texas Association of School Administrators Legislative Conference in Austin. Branch updated Superintendents on the progress of the Select Committee on Higher & Public Education Finance and announced 4 hearings to be held around the state during the month of May.