DAVID DEWHURST: The Senate will come to order, and the secretary will call the roll.

PATSY SPAW: Birdwell, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Gallegos, Harris, Hegar, Hinojosa, Huffman, Jackson, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Ogden, Patrick, Rodriguez, Seliger, Shapiro, Uresti, Van de Putte, Watson, Wentworth, West, Whitmire, Williams, Zaffirini.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Madam Secretary. Members, a quorum is present. Would all those on the floor please rise this afternoon -- and also in the gallery, if you would please rise. For the invocation this afternoon to be delivered by the Reverend Jack Knox, the First Christian Church of San Marcos.

JACK KNOX: Will you join with me.

(Invocation.)

DAVID DEWHURST: Amen. Thank you, Reverend, and thank you for being with us. Please be seated, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much.

The Chair will here excuses for absent members. Senator Whitmire moves to excuse Senators Carona and Uresti on matters of important business. Is there any objection from any member? The Chair hears none. It is so ordered.

Senator Whitmire moves to dispense with the reading of yesterday's (inaudible). Is there any objection from any member? The chairman hears none, it's so ordered. Mr. Doorkeeper.

DOORKEEPER: Mr. President, there's a message from the House.

DAVID DEWHURST: Admit the messenger.

SPEAKER: Mr. President, I'm directed by the House to inform the Senate the House has taken the following actions. The House has passed the following measures. HCR41R, recognizing January 31st, 2011, as Bosque County Day at the State Capitol. HCR43 Grande, inviting the Chief Justice of the supreme court of Texas to address a joint session of the legislature on February 23rd, 2011. HCR44, Gerin inviting the governor to address a joint session of the legislature of February 28th, 2011. HCR 7 Whitmire, granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days for a period beginning on Wednesday, January 19th.

DAVID DEWHURST: Members, if there's no objection, I'd like to postpone the reading and refer all the bills until the end of today's session. Is there any objection from any member? The Chair hears none, so ordered. The Chair recognizes Senator Birdwell for an introduction.

SENATOR BIRDWELL: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I rise today to welcome my guests who have traveled to Austin from Bosque County, which this year marks its 157th anniversary. The county is home to many museums, art galleries, businesses, Bosque River, all of which promote year-round tourism. Many of our guests today come from Clifton which was just honored (no audio) constituents I have today I would like to recognize some of Bosque County's renowned patrons of the arts. Mr. George Larson, Ms. Ollie Edinger, Michelle Slaughter, Phyllis Gamble and Judy Blue accompanied by her husband Charlie. I'd also like to recognize these three fine elected officials, the Honorable Judge Cole Word, Bosque County Judge, the Honorable Mayor of Clifton, Fred Volcansek, and the Honorable Republican Party Chairman Tom Blanchard, all of whom have joined as well. At this time I'd like to have the entire delegation from Bosque County stand and be recognized in the southern balcony. Thank you for joining us today. Thank for, members, for welcoming my constituents and recognizing today as Bosque County Day. Thank you again, Mr. President.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Birdwell. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Senator Jackson to introduce the doctor for the day.

SENATOR JACKSON: Thank you, Mr. President, members, I'd like for you to direct your attention to our physician of the day is Dr. Gregory Johnson of Linville, Texas. And Linville is in Brazoria County, just up the road from Alvin which was home of Noland Ryan, who we had out here last week. So if you would, help me welcome Dr. Johnson. We appreciate you being here today. Thank you.

DAVID DEWHURST: Senator Shapiro, are you ready for an introduction? Chair recognizes Senator Shapiro for an introduction.

SENATOR SHAPIRO: Thank you very much Mr. President and members. Today I'd like to recognize the Texas Municipal Police Association. TMPA is visiting the Capitol for the legislative day as they do quite often, they're up here in the north gallery, and I just want to make sure that they realize how important they are in the safety of all of our communities and how much respect we have for each and every one of you. You have been involved and participated with us through numerous, numerous budget sessions and there is not a time that I have asked the police officers and chiefs in my district to help us with things like heroin overdoses or Ashley's laws or the sexual predators, and it doesn't matter what it is, they are always there to help us they're always there to share K2, I hope you'll be by our side as we do that. And I just want to say from all of us, how grateful we are to each of you for the work that you do. So please help me welcome the Texas Municipal Police Association. Please stand.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator. Don't sit down quite yet. The Chair lays out Senate Resolution No. 105 by Senator Shapiro. The secretary will read the resolution in full.

PATSY SPAW: Senate Resolution 105. Whereas, the State of Texas is pleased to recognize January 31st, 2011, as Texas Capitol School House Day and we will come the representatives of the Texas Capitol Schoolhouse and the Capitol Schoolhouse Foundation to the State Capitol. Whereas, since 1995 a Texas Capitol schoolhouse event has been held at the start of each legislative session to demonstrate how educational technology funding is being used to improve public schools in our state. The theme for the event this year is Texas Exceptionalism and Educational Technology. And whereas, the Texas Capitol Schoolhouse participants this year are from the Amarillo, Carrollton Farmer Branch, Coleman, Flodata, Irving, Klein, Manor, Pasadena, (inaudible) independent school districts, the Texas School for the Deaf and the Remote Virtual Learning (inaudible), Starkdale and (inaudible) independent school districts. And whereas, classrooms are set up in the Capitol rotunda basement where teachers and students conduct classes as they do every day in their home districts. Students use computers to work with video and sound editing, robotic, IPods, IPads, on-line learning virtual environments, one-to-one laptops, computing online, interactive learning and other educational technologies. And whereas, the Texas Capitol Schoolhouse Project provides the opportunity for legislators and other state leaders to observe firsthand how state funding for educational technology is preparing the young people in school today with the tools they will need to succeed in the future. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Senate of State of Texas, 82nd Legislature hereby commend participants in the Texas Capitol Schoolhouse Project and extend to all best wishes for a successful Texas Capitol Schoolhouse Day. By Shapiro.

DAVID DEWHURST: Recognize Senator Shapiro to explain the resolution.

SENATOR SHAPIRO: Thank you very much, Mr. President. And thank you, Madam Secretary. This is, I think, one of the most exciting activities that we have on the Senate floor. These are young people whose -- whose objective and goals it is to actually work with technology on a regular basis besides just the tinkering that I do. They are learning every single day about the real world and about what we're doing in technology to move forward into the future. With us on the floor today are just five out of all those schools that Madam Secretary just described, and they have been chosen to join us today so that you can just get a brief glimpse of the school districts that are involved in this project. If you haven't been downstairs to the rotunda in the basement, please go by there. You will be amazed, the techniques and the technology that these young people are doing on a daily basis will make your head spin. Somebody called it magic. I guess for somebody at my age it looks like magic, but they are amazing and it's an honor for me, when I call your name, if you would, step forward. I'd like for the Senate to recognize you. We have Elias Davis, 12th day, Irving ISD. Elias actually told us -- Elias actually told us that he has -- has discovered a new app for his school and the app computer people were there with us and I hope that they will come over and meet Elias because I think he's got an incredibly bright future. At Irving Independent School district every single student, ninth through 12th grade has a laptop computer. Every student. And that's how they do their work. Thank you, Elias. Christine Escamala. Christian is at the School for the Deaf, and I spent a long time this morning talking to her and visiting with the students at that school. They are amazing members and they are so adept at what they're doing and they love the computers that they're using. The biggest concern they had was it's a four-year turnaround, and so some of the seniors don't have the latest, most up-to-date, but the freshmen do. So that was the only complaint, short of that, they are very, very happy to be in the technology field and we're very proud of the work that they do. Clay Harris, 12th grader at Klein ISD, also a school district that's outside -- outside of Houston, will do some very creative and very innovative things there as well. Thank you very much for being with us. And last but not least, Tanner (inaudible), 11th greater at San Saba High School. For those of you that know me -- that know me pretty well, San Saba has a very important place in my heart, since that's where my husband went to school. And Tanner, obviously is -- I've missed one, I see it, Senator Harris. Thank you. Carina. I got it. Thank you. And -- and Tanner is also a senior this year and -- I mean, 11th grader at San Saba High School, and every student at San Saba High School 9th through 12th grade is also working on an -- a computer, on a laptop, so even from the smallest to the largest school districts, they're using this technology in a wonderful way. Tanner, thank you so much for being here. And, Carina Monocone, I am so sorry. She's so little, I hardly saw her. Carina is an 8th grader at La Sleta (phonetic) ISD, and they are doing some great things at La Sleta ISD. Thank you so much for being here with us. Members, this is a very exciting day from these youngsters in the Capitol and what you're going to see downstairs is technology that they're showcasing to show you the modern version of what we used to call, as I said, magic. They are coming to the Capitol to illustrate to you the importance, the essential importance of technology in their day-to-day education experience. Please join me in welcoming this great group. I'd like -- Senator Zaffirini would like to make a mention and then I would like to recognize those up in the audience. Senator Zaffirini.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Zaffirini.

SENATOR ZAFFIRINI: Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, senator Shapiro. You did an excellent job in telling us about the Texas Capitol Schoolhouse and about the wonderful programs at the School for the Deaf, and we appreciate your leadership in this effort. I'd like to recognize the student from Laredo in the group Christian Escomena. Christian attended public schools in United ISD in Laredo before enrolling at the Texas School for the Deaf, and she stepped forward to be recognized. She enrolled there so she would have more exposure to American sign language, and one of the things that the students have taught us to say in sign language is this (indicating), I love you. And the students love that sign and I love to say it with them but it means very simply I love you. Christian personifies the commitment to excellence in all arenas including academics, athletics and fine arts. She is an avid swimmer an accomplished musician and performer and she represents at the Texas School for the Deaf at last year's Miss Best Teen pageant. A straight A student she is likely to graduate this year as the school's valedictorian. After graduation, she plans to attend Texas A&M university at Corpus Christi and major in animal biology. Congratulations to Christian and her peers for their success. It is my hope that they will inspire others and work hard and to always remember that in the Texas Senate we love you. Thank you for being with us today, and thank you, Senator Shapiro.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you. Chair recognizes Senator Rodriguez to speak on the resolution.

SENATOR RODRIGUEZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I also rise in support of Shapiro's resolution. I just wanted to recognize some folks from the (inaudible) school district that are here from back home. We've already mentioned Carina Monocone, she is a student at Desert Middle School in El Paso and with her are some of her other students that visited with me this morning. Senator Shapiro, I have to tell you they were videotaping me the whole time they were asking questions, right from the start, including something along the lines of what do you think about just using computers in schools. It kind of stumped me for a while because while I support that, absolutely I'm old school, I said, but books, don't forget books. Computers are good, but you got to read books. I wanted to also recognize Dr. (inaudible) from the (inaudible) school district. I think she's up here for instruction and here's -- she's here with the students, so I wanted to welcome them to the Texas Senate. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. President.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Rodriguez. The Chair recognize Senator Shapiro to close.

SENATOR SHAPIRO: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President and members, I would like to ask all of the students who are here for the Texas Schoolhouse Project if you would please stand. The students first, please. This is our future members. Help me welcome them. And now if I could also ask the teachers that are here and the parents that are here with these students, if you would please stand. Thank you so much for everything that you do for these students. Mr. President, I move adoption of resolution SR105.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator. You heard the motion by Senator Shapiro. Is there any objection from any member? Chair hears no objection, and the resolution is adopted. Thank you.

Senator Ogden, did you wish to be recognized?

Members, the president's desk is clear. Are there any announcements? The Chair recognizes Senator Ogden for an announcement.

SENATOR OGDEN: Mr. President, members, the senate finance committee will reconvene at 2:30. 2:30.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Ogden. The Chair recognizes Senator Shapiro for an announcement.

SENATOR SHAPIRO: Thank you, Mr. President and members. Tomorrow in E1028, we're going to be having a -- an education committee meeting. You're all invited if you'd like to attend. It is specifically based on mandates that have been given to the school districts that they believe we should relieve them of, some I'm sure are very valid and some I'm sure we're going to look at, others kind of nonnegotiables for me because we've got a school forum that we've done over the years. But I think it's very important that we listen to all their concerns and try to work with them in order to be able to find ways to bring local control back to the local school districts. Thank you, Mr. President.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank --

SENATOR SHAPIRO: At 10:00 o'clock. Tomorrow.

DAVID DEWHURST: And what time, Senator?

SENATOR SHAPIRO: 10:00 o'clock a.m.

DAVID DEWHURST: 10 o'clock. Thank you.

SENATOR SHAPIRO: Thank you.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Ellis for an announcement.

SENATOR ELLIS: Mr. President, I just wanted to announce that two of our colleagues completed -- two of our colleagues completed half marathons this weekend, Senator Kirk Watson completed the Austin half marathon in under two hours and yours truly completed the Houston half marathon in a slightly -- slightly longer time period. But I did complete it.

DAVID DEWHURST: Members, for your information, we're going to be referring about 310 bills this afternoon, I just got the package this morning, read through them and so we'll be referring about 310 bills. Probably the first 310 bills of what eventually will be four to 5,000, so we have a lot of work to do, all right? The Chair recognizes the dean of the Senate for a highly privileged motion.

DEAN OF THE SENATE: Thank you, Mr. President. The senate will adjourn until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow pending reading and referral of the bills.

DAVID DEWHURST: Members, I'm going to bring to your attention, the motion that the -- that the dean just mentioned. But remember, we're going to caucus on different -- on a briefing, approximately 12:00 o'clock tomorrow. So factor that in. We're going to come in at 11:00, and we're going to have lunch served in the reception room while we're hearing from different -- from the DPS and others on different procedures, all right? Okay.

So we'll motion before us, but from the dean to adjourn until 11:00 o'clock tomorrow pending reading and referral of bills. Is there any objection from any member? Chair hears none. So ordered.

(Adjourned.)