First Week Of Session

The first week of session is behind us. We finished the week late yesterday afternoon. I got up early this morning to try to dodge the stormy conditions in and around Austin so that I could make my way home to the Valley. It was 38 degrees when I left Austin. Here in Edinburg as I type this entry it is a balmy 85 degrees.

The diversity of today's Texas weather is a good segue metaphor for the first days of session. We began the session with the swearing in ceremonies with our friends and families. That is always a touching moment. But like a Texas norther, the weather in the chamber rapidly changed as we moved into the election of the speaker of the house. As expected our former speaker was reelected to lead the chamber. This came as a surprise to some, but for readers of this blog and for the keen observer willing to look past the spin, it was not the excessively volatile and unpredictable race reported by many in the various mediums. This, the first speaker's race waged over the internet, is not likely the last.

As in the passing of a weather front, the temperature in the chamber fell, rose, and eventually settled, as the body got to work on establishing the rules governing the legislature.

Before a vote could be taken, Rep. Fred Brown was sworn in. The representative was unable to attend opening day ceremonies due to the passing of his mother. All members greatly respect Rep. Brown and expressed our condolences to him.

The House went on to pass a rule to ban smoking in the members' lounge and bathroom, leaving Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, who smokes two packs a day, to reminisce with reporters about the days 15 years ago when members could smoke on the House floor.

Others had their own way of exhibiting their displeasure with the rule.

Freshman Rep. Juan Garcia had his introduction to the process when he advocated a rule requiring record votes on the second reading of a bill. Juan who is from Corpus Christi is a good friend with a bright future in the House. His efforts led to the amendment that record votes be taken on third reading.



All in all, an exciting week, a very tiring week, but a strong start to what should end up a productive session. Next week, we return on Tuesday, following the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend. Tuesday begins the Governor's inauguration and related ceremonies. Let us see if the weather cooperates.