Day01



	FIRST DAY - TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1999 In accordance with the laws and Constitution of the State of Texas, the members-elect of the House of Representatives assembled this day in the hall of the house of representatives in the city of Austin at 12 noon. The Honorable Elton Bomer, secretary of state of the State of Texas, called the House of Representatives of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature of the State of Texas to order. The invocation was offered by Dr. Wallace Davis, President, Wayland Baptist University, as follows: May we pray. Our most gracious Heavenly Father, on this historic day we acknowledge with grateful hearts those manifold blessings you have so graciously showered upon our state. In both good times and bad, you've blessed our land, you've preserved its people. Dear Father, as this legislative body now convenes, we pray your continued blessings on its members, on its leadership, and on those families willing to accept personal hardships so these men and women can serve a grateful state. And we pray your blessings on a people. A people who ask only that those who sit in this body protect with word and deed both the rights and responsibilities of the free people of Texas. In your holy word it is written that where there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with honest, sensible leaders, there is stability. Sadly we have witnessed the painful truth of your words. So today we pray that, as you have blessed Texas in her past, you will bless her in her future. You will bless her by helping these who have sought a place of service to realize that your truth, coupled with these members' own personal integrity, continue to be the only foundation strong enough to support the twin towers of liberty and justice. In the days of this session, we pray that you will invest these men and women with stately wisdom, uncommon courage, and personal virtue, so that our Texas can truly serve as a beacon for all who honestly seek after truth and freedom, goodness and mercy. We ask these things in the name of the Father, the giver of all great gifts. Amen. ADDRESS BY THE HONORABLE ELTON BOMER The Honorable Elton Bomer, secretary of state, addressed the house, speaking as follows: Members-elect, families, friends, distinguished guests, welcome. If I were to deliver a prayer to you today, it would be as follows: Dear God: We'll be here for 140 days. Hope you will be too. Amen. As Pete Laney has said before, I'm house broke. I know your anticipations, fears, and desires.



	Every secretary of state should first have to stand at the front microphone and lay out his first bill with Steve Wolens anxiously standing at the back microphone just waiting to utter those six dreaded words: "Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield." One hundred years ago, there had not yet been the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk. This nation had less than 75 miles of paved highways outside the cities. The vast majority of Texans lived on farms and had no phone, electricity, or plumbing. In the twinkling of an eye we will begin the journey of the 21st century. We will venture into a world of cyberspace, the Internet, instant global communications, machines that think, or react as if they think. Access to global markets will come to us at the speed of light. Technology that perhaps will save us, we can only hope won't enslave us. Change-constant change-is now woven into every fabric of society. I first served in this body 18 years ago. I, along with you, have witnessed the world change before our eyes. Yet since the days of Genesis and God breathing life into man, some things are constant and eternal: love of God; love of country; love of family and friends. These things must always exist for us to exist: the need for honor; the need for integrity; and the need for courage never changes. Texas needs-Texas demands-leaders of such a mold. I proudly serve a governor who embodies those three virtues and I'm proud of his candor, I'm proud of the fairness in his demeanor, I'm proud of his sincere desire to do the right thing. I proudly serve a state that bears witness to so many who not only believed, but lived those three words: honor, integrity, courage. I want to publicly thank Governor Bush for giving me the opportunity to serve the people of Texas as the 101st secretary of state. I salute you, the victorious. I salute the leadership of your entity of honor. But, most of all, I salute this fine institution. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family for their love, support, and encouragement: my wife, Ginny; my son, Cliff and his wife, Michelle; my daughter, Elayne and her husband, Glen; and my grandsons, Adam and Chase. It is my great honor to join Governor Bush and you as we now move on into tomorrow. I pray God's blessing for us all. APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES The Honorable Elton Bomer recognized the chief clerk, who announced the temporary officers and employees for the House of Representatives of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature. Chief Clerk and Assistant Parliamentarian Sharon Carter Parliamentarian Robert I. Kelly Journal Clerk Elena Castaldi Sergeant-at-Arms Rod Welsh Assistant Chief Clerk Robert Haney Chaplain Dr. Wallace Davis



	Doorkeeper Pete Peterson Honorary Pages Jared B. Freeze, A. Graham Gonzales, Gabriel Q. Gonzales, Adam Rust, Chase Rust, Ashley Stokes, Matthew Lane Bradley, Shannon Jean Bradley, Ashley Cameron Lane, Tiffany Anne Lane, Sarah Beth Barry, Owen James Carver, Tanner Scott Clark, Payton Elise Harrell, Tyler Michael Hull, Tatum Margaret Lowe, Trysten Lynn Lowrey, Destry Lanea' Morgan, Drayton Lane Morgan, Dalton Lee Nichols, Benjamin John Osgood, Mary Elizabeth Ross, McKenna Nicole Shelton, Allye Margaret Tankersly, Avrey Kate Tankersly, Brant Michael Walker, John Ronan Wenmohs, Sydney Morgan Kane, Lee Madison Cardwell, and Baylee Ann Bonham. ROLL OF MEMBERS-ELECT SHOWING DISTRICTS REPRESENTED The Honorable Elton Bomer directed the chief clerk to call the roll of members-elect of the House of Representatives of the State of Texas of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature, according to representative districts. The roll was called as follows: DISTRICT NAME District 1 Barry B. Telford District 2 Tom Ramsay District 3 Mark Homer District 4 Betty Brown District 5 Bob D. Glaze District 6 Leo Berman District 7 Tommy Merritt District 8 Paul Sadler District 9 Wayne Christian District 10 Jim Pitts District 11 Todd Staples District 12 Clyde Alexander District 13 Charles B. Jones District 14 Fred Brown District 15 Thomas "Tommy" Williams District 16 Ruben Hope District 17 Jim McReynolds District 18 Dan Ellis District 19 Ron E. Lewis District 20 Zeb Zbranek District 21 Allan Ritter District 22 Joe Deshotel District 23 Patricia Gray District 24 Craig Eiland District 25 Dennis Bonnen District 26 Charlie Howard District 27 Dora Olivo District 28 Robert L. "Robby" Cook



	District 29 D. R. "Tom" Uher District 30 Geanie W. Morrison District 31 Judy Hawley District 32 Gene Seaman District 33 Vilma Luna District 34 Jaime L. Capelo, Jr. District 35 Irma Rangel District 36 Kino Flores District 37 Rene O. Oliveira District 38 Jim Solis District 39 Miguel "Mike" Wise District 40 Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa District 41 Roberto Gutierrez District 42 Henry Cuellar District 43 Tracy O. King District 44 Ignacio Salinas, Jr. District 45 Edmund Kuempel District 46 Rick Green District 47 Terry Keel District 48 Sherri Greenberg District 49 Elliott Naishtat District 50 Dawnna Dukes District 51 Glen Maxey District 52 Mike Krusee District 53 Harvey Hilderbran District 54 Suzanna Gratia Hupp District 55 Dianne White Delisi District 56 Kip Averitt District 57 Jim Dunnam District 58 Arlene Wohlgemuth District 59 David Lengefeld District 60 Jim Keffer District 61 Phil King District 62 Ron Clark District 63 Mary Denny District 64 Ronny Crownover District 65 Burt R. Solomons District 66 Brian McCall District 67 Jerry Madden District 68 Rick Hardcastle District 69 David Farabee District 70 David Counts District 71 Bob Hunter District 72 Robert Junell District 73 Robert "Bob" Turner District 74 Pete P. Gallego District 75 Manny Najera District 76 Norma Chavez District 77 Paul C. Moreno



	District 78 Pat Haggerty District 79 Joe C. Pickett District 80 Gary L. Walker District 81 G. E. "Buddy" West District 82 Tom Craddick District 83 Delwin Jones District 84 Carl H. Isett District 85 James E. "Pete" Laney District 86 John T. Smithee District 87 David Swinford District 88 Warren Chisum District 89 Sue Palmer District 90 Lon Burnam District 91 Bill G. Carter District 92 Todd Smith District 93 Toby Goodman District 94 Kent Grusendorf (Absent) District 95 Glenn Lewis District 96 Kenneth "Kim" Brimer District 97 Anna Mowery District 98 Vicki Truitt District 99 Kenny Marchant District 100 Terri Hodge District 101 Elvira Reyna District 102 Tony Goolsby District 103 Steven D. Wolens District 104 Domingo Garcia District 105 Dale B. Tillery District 106 Ray Allen District 107 Harryette B. Ehrhardt District 108 Kenn George District 109 Helen Giddings District 110 Jesse W. Jones District 111 Yvonne Davis District 112 Fred Hill (Absent) District 113 Joe Driver District 114 Will Hartnett District 115 Leticia Van de Putte District 116 Leo Alvarado, Jr. District 117 John Amos Longoria District 118 Carlos Uresti District 119 Robert Puente District 120 Ruth Jones McClendon District 121 Bill Siebert District 122 John H. Shields District 123 Frank J. Corte, Jr. District 124 Juan Solis III District 125 Arthur Reyna



	District 126 Peggy Hamric District 127 Joe Crabb District 128 Fred M. Bosse District 129 John Davis District 130 John Culberson District 131 Ron Wilson District 132 Scott Hochberg District 133 Joe Nixon District 134 Kyle Janek District 135 Gary Elkins District 136 Beverly Woolley District 137 Debra Danburg District 138 Ken Yarbrough District 139 Sylvester Turner District 140 Kevin Bailey District 141 Senfronia Thompson District 142 Harold V. Dutton, Jr. District 143 Joe Moreno District 144 Robert E. Talton District 145 Rick Noriega District 146 Al Edwards District 147 Garnet F. Coleman District 148 Jessica Farrar District 149 Talmadge L. Heflin District 150 Paul J. Hilbert A quorum was announced present. OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED The Honorable Elton Bomer, secretary of state, recognized the chief clerk who administered the constitutional oath of the office to the members-elect of the House of Representatives of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature of the State of Texas, all of those present rising together and repeating the following oath, prescribed by the constitution, as it was read to them, as follows: "I, _______________, do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of a member of the House of Representatives of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature of the State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State. So help me God." TEMPORARY RULES ADOPTED Representative Wilson moved to adopt the house rules of procedure from the Seventy-Fifth Legislature as temporary rules for the election of the speaker. The motion prevailed without objection. HR 1 - ADOPTED (by D. Jones and J. Jones) The chair laid before the house the following resolution:



	HR 1 BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas, That pending the election of the speaker, all persons other than members of the legislature, members of their families, temporary officers, and approved press representatives be barred from the floor of the house of representatives inside the rail. HR 1 was read and was adopted without objection. HR 2 - ADOPTED (by Bosse and Goodman) The chair laid before the house the following resolution: HR 2 WHEREAS, Section 9, Article III, Texas Constitution, requires that the house of representatives elect a speaker of the house from its own membership; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the secretary of state shall call for nominations from the floor for the election of speaker of the house of representatives for the 76th Legislature and shall recognize every member who desires to make a nomination; that each person recognized shall immediately advance to the front microphone to make his or her nomination in a nominating speech not to exceed five minutes in length; and, be it further RESOLVED, That after all nominations have been made, nominations shall be closed; whereupon seconding speeches shall be allowed, one for each nomination, in the order in which the nominations were made; and then other seconding speeches shall be allowed in rotation, with speeches in each round made in the order in which the nominations were made; provided that each nominee shall be allowed a maximum of five seconding speeches, none to exceed three minutes in length, and no person shall be considered a nominee unless his or her nomination is seconded by at least one member; and, be it further RESOLVED, That all votes taken for election of speaker shall be record votes and entered in the House Journal; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the secretary of state shall announce the results of the election; and if one nominee has received a majority of the votes cast, the secretary of state shall declare him or her to be elected to the office of speaker of the house of representatives; but if no nominee has received such a majority, the two nominees receiving the largest number of votes in the first ballot shall be in a runoff election and the procedure shall be repeated a second time with votes being cast for one or the other of the two nominees, the member receiving the higher vote being declared elected; and, be it further RESOLVED, That after the election, the oath of office shall be administered under the direction of the secretary of state to the speaker-elect, and the speaker shall thereupon take the chair. HR 2 was read and was adopted without objection.



	ELECTION OF THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The secretary of state announced that the next order of business would be the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature of the State of Texas, and stated nominations for speaker would now be in order. The secretary of state recognized the Honorable Gary Walker of Yoakum County, who placed in nomination for Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature of the State of Texas the name of the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney of Hale County, speaking as follows: Governor Bush, Mr. Secretary, honored guests, members of the Texas House of Representatives: Four years ago, on a January day, I cast my first vote as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. That vote was for Pete Laney as speaker of the house. Four years ago, I watched the green light go on by my name, and felt an incredible thrill that I was actually part of this process. It was my first vote and one of my best. A vote for Pete Laney is an easy choice. Four years ago I had the honor to vote for the man who would lead this house well. Now I stand before you to nominate the same man. In Washington, Speaker Hastert has called on Republicans to work together with Democrats. What incredible perception. Speaker Hastert has learned what Speaker Laney has known all along. It doesn't matter whether you have a "D" or an "R" by your name. Although we are both from West Texas, and have a lot in common, the Texas State Directory shows that Pete and I have different consonants by our names. But what matters to Pete are constituents, not consonants. To him, what matters is that you represent your constituents to the best of your ability. Speaker Laney helps us all to rise to the best of our ability and beyond to do for those we represent, and for Texas as a whole. We have gone through a cycle of declining trust in the institutions of our democracy. The president, congress, the courts, the political parties all have been weakened by a cross fire of attacks on their integrity. In the Texas Legislature, we haven't suffered quite so much, and I believe it is because we all work together. In this house, the aisle down the middle doesn't separate the Democrats and Republicans. It's the place where we come together to debate and share ideas. The speaker of this house has continued to create an atmosphere where we feel comfortable with each other. That is not an easy thing to do. Henry Ford said, "the question of who ought to be boss is like who ought to be the tenor in the quartet? Obviously, the man who can sing tenor." I don't know if Pete Laney can sing tenor. But I do know that he can lead. If you want to see the house of representatives led successfully into the new millenium, you elect Pete Laney as our speaker. Pete commands the respect of those who have served with him. He could pick up his gavel, enjoy the privilege of being called Mr. Speaker, and leave the hard decisions to others. But Pete is not the speaker for the glory. He



	works hard and listens well. He respects your right to say what's on your mind even if he doesn't agree with you. His knowledge of the process cannot be equaled. Many of us may think we have seen it all, but Pete truly has. And in spite of seeing it all, he is still here! Pete is sincere in his belief that Texas can be an even better place than it is right now. And best of all, he doesn't want to do it alone. He seeks the support, and the ideas, of each one of us. We are all included in the process. That sincerity carries over to you and me, and makes us better representatives, better people. Our constituents get the true impression that we are trying, and wanting to do what is right for Texas. Pete is not a lecturer who insists that we see things his way, he is a teacher who guides us to finding our own way. For some of you, Austin is the real world because it is your home. For most of us, "real Texas" is another place. It is the place we call home and where our constituents live, work, and play. We will stay in this place for approximately five months, then we will go home and explain to our constituents what we did. The best way to represent our part of Texas is to do the best we can to the best of our ability, leave partisan bickering for someone else, and to elect someone who will guide us to doing a better job. That person is Pete Laney. Abraham Lincoln once said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." We have given Pete Laney power for six years, and his character has stood the test. Let's do it again. It is with great pride, and for Texas, that I hereby nominate the Honorable Pete Laney as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. The secretary of state recognized the Honorable Vilma Luna of Nueces County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney, speaking as follows: Secretary Bomer, Governor Bush, members of the house, special guests. I am pleased and personally honored to second the nomination of James E. "Pete" Laney as speaker of the Texas House of Representatives for the 76th Regular Legislative Session. Pete Laney is a house member, just like you and me. And yet, he has never forgotten what that means. He knows that each of us is here to represent our constituents-to be their vote and their voice. He asks little of us. He asks that you work, and work you hard he will. He asks that you represent the interests of your district, and exemplify the best for all Texans. He asks you to be fair and decisive and allows you plenty of resources to be informed on the issues. He has often said and demonstrates, by his style of leadership, that we must rise above partisan politics and do what is best for all of the people of Texas. Pete Laney believes in the importance of each of you and he has worked to open the process to give each member the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way. Pete Laney knows that we cannot control the wind, but as legislators we can adjust and direct the sails and work to create a government that helps Texans help themselves. Speaker Laney has led this chamber in a positive



	and progressive manner. He has backed the adoption of extensive reforms in the process by which the house conducts its business. This process allows each one of us to review proposals and put an end to last-minute surprise legislation. Under Speaker Laney's leadership and with close bipartisan relationships, past sessions have produced landmark reforms in education, welfare, juvenile justice, children's health issues, and much more. We look for his valued leadership to continue in this session. Laney's leadership is best described by Aristotle: "Consensus omnium," which means "What everybody believes is true." In our world that means, "the will of the house." And today, Mr. Speaker, it is the will of this house that you lead us into a new millennium. Today we honor your accomplishments of the past and we look forward to working with you for the future of Texas. With great respect and pride, I rise to second the nomination of a great leader, a special friend, and a unique mentor, Pete Laney as speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. The secretary of state recognized the Honorable Kyle Janek of Harris County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney, speaking as follows: Mr. Secretary, Governor Bush, members of the house, and honored guests: For the next 140 days, the eyes of Texas will be upon us-and that's not an easy thing for an Aggie to say. Texans everywhere will be watching this chamber. How we conduct our business, the civility of our dialogue, the quality of our colloquy, and the spirit of our actions will tell the public whether we are mere politicians or true public servants. The public's first glimpse into what this session will be like is how and whom we choose as speaker of the house. The qualities found in our choice will tell the rest of the world what we want Texas to be like. James E. "Pete" Laney personifies what people believe our great state is all about. Pete Laney is hardworking and honest. He respects the views of others, yet never abandons his own principles. You can always talk business with Pete, but don't try to rush it because first he's going to ask how your family is, and-like any good West Texas dirt farmer-what you think about the weather. That's what I want Texas to be like. Speaker Laney stands by his friends, even when they're down-in fact, he stands by his friends especially when they are down. His word is his bond-a contract that will not be broken. He understands that just taking a few minutes to listen to the problems of others goes a long way towards helping them find a solution. That's what I want Texas to be like. Pete holds a sense of history for this chamber, and a passion for the commitment of its members. As our economy moves into the high-tech and service sectors, I take great comfort in knowing this body is led by a man who has the patience, the endurance, and the faith in God and family to grow cotton for a living.



	That is what I want Texas to be like, for me, and for my family. I want Texas to be like James E. "Pete" Laney, and therefore I am very proud to second his nomination as speaker of the house of representatives. The secretary of state recognized the Honorable Ruth Jones McClendon of Bexar County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney, speaking as follows: Mr. Secretary, colleagues, fellow Texans and friends, I am honored to be given the opportunity to second the nomination of James E. "Pete" Laney as speaker of the house. I finished college in the turbulent `60s and set out on the road to my career working with troubled kids as a juvenile probation officer. Had you told me then that one day, I would be standing here before all of you, I would have sent each of you back for more counseling. Yet here I am. The great thing about America is that she gives you the opportunity to give your very best. I have found that same thing to be true in the house, under the leadership of Pete Laney. I am proud today to be one of you. I am proud today to be part of this historic event. And I am proud to stand with you in support of a great man and proven leader. Sam Rayburn once said, "Anyone can be elected once by accident. Beginning with the second term, it's worth paying attention." Speaker Laney has been elected 13 terms to this body, and today to a fourth term as speaker. It's no accident, and we are paying attention. I knew from my first meeting with Pete Laney that he was unlike other powerful people I had known. Shortly after I was elected in `96 to fill an unexpired term as a new member, and even though I did not know him well, I asked Speaker Laney to come to my home district to swear me in so that my constituents could attend. I was new. We did not have a relationship then. Yet he made the effort. He came to my hometown and from my first meeting, he made me feel welcomed and an important part of this process. That's Pete Laney. From our first encounter, I learned that to him, respect and courtesy are always the order of the day. Pete teaches us that respect is earned, not demanded. That power is shared, not monopolized. All of us know that his West Texas philosophy includes competence and cooperation, not dominance and control. That's Pete Laney. He empowers us to be the best we can be; to do the best we can for our constituents and for Texas. He leads by example. While he appreciates our individualism, he helps us find our common ground. That's Pete Laney. He is a leader who understands the dimension and diversity of our great state. He governs by inclusion, not exclusion. Yet he keeps us focused on what is in the best interest of all of Texas. As I look around me today, I wonder if I could lead this bunch. Maybe you have wondered the same. Being speaker is a tough job. The task: bring together 149 unique individuals; each with different ideas about how to best educate our children, how to prioritize state spending, and how best to prepare Texas for the next century.



	This tough job needs one tough leader. So today, even though we come from different towns, different political parties, different cultures, and different religions, we come together in support of Pete Laney. That is why it is my distinct honor to second the nomination of the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. The secretary of state recognized the Honorable Craig Eiland of Galveston County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney, speaking as follows: As I was trying to think of a way to express what makes Pete Laney so special, especially to the new members and our fellow Texans, the first thought was to share one of our first conversations, which let me know that he focuses on what's important. It also demonstrates how he communicates with us sometimes. As a brand new freshman member, I went to talk to the speaker about what I thought was an important problem. He asked me questions that he already knew the answers to. Our conversation went like this: "Eiland, you're from Galveston, right?" Yes, sir. "Ya'll got any trees down there?" Yes, sir. "Shade trees?" Palm trees, shade trees, all kinds of trees. "Ya'll got water down there?" We're surrounded by water; not always crystal clear, but plenty of water. "Is it wet? Can you drink it? Can you water crops with it?" Yes, sir. Most of it. "Do ya'll have pretty sunsets like we do?" Bragging, I said, "I can watch the sunrise over the gulf and watch the sunset over the bay, except for when the trees block it." "How's the education?" Pretty good. One of my schools, Friendswood, has been the academic state champs for the last three years. We have two fine community colleges, UTMB, A&M Galveston, UHCL up the road a piece. The only unfortunate thing is that we don't have Texas Tech in the area. "Do you have any hospitals close?" We have one of the finest medical centers in the country, UTMB, and a Columbia hospital, and if you're more than 20 minutes or so away, they'll send a helicopter. "How are the jobs?" Petro-chemical plants, NASA, tourism, maritime, UTMB; there are opportunities if you're looking. "How's the football?" Six teams usually go pretty far in playoffs, and La Marque is in the state championship game every year.



	"What was it that was so important you wanted to talk about?" he asked. I realized what he had done to me. We had just touched on the truly important things: jobs, education, health care, and quality of life issues, which my "problem" had nothing to do with, so I acted like my beeper went off and said, "Mr. Speaker, we'll have to talk about that later. I have some constituents in my office." He told me, "Take care of your constituents. Represent your district. If everyone does that, Texas will be all right." The next day he called me and said, "Eiland, you know that problem that you came to see me about? I think we took care of it." I don't know how he knew, and I didn't ask. Although the anecdote shows that the speaker has the leadership skills and the vision of Texas that make him intellectually qualified to lead us, it doesn't really let you know who he is, and why we have chosen this man of extraordinary character-which complements his vision-to lead us. In my efforts to explain this, I keep coming back to the fact that he is a cotton farmer from West Texas. There must be something to it, Mr. Speaker. Our governor's parents had the good sense to get him a dose of West Texas. I think that is one reason ya'll work so well together. I will tell you when it struck me. I called about seven o'clock one morning to talk to the speaker. Nelda answered the phone. "Pete's on the tractor. He took his lunch so it will probably be a while, but I'll have him call you when he comes in." About six-thirty, he hadn't called back, so I called again. Nelda answered the phone, and graciously told me, "He's still on the tractor. I'll have him call you as soon as he gets in." Which he did about an hour later. What is so important about Pete being on the tractor? With the events that have transpired over the last year across our nation, Pete being on the tractor is very important. You show me a cotton farmer who has long, straight rows; who can get on the tractor and plow, alone, for 10 to 12 hours a day, and not be afraid of it, and, in fact, enjoy it; and I'll show you a man who is right with himself, right with his conscience, right with his Lord, right with his family, and right with his friends. Because when you're on a tractor-even though it's loud-the silence can be deafening. If you are not right with yourself, your Lord, your family and friends, you can't sit on that tractor for 12 hours. You show me a cotton farmer with weeds and unplowed fields; I'll show you someone that isn't necessarily lazy; just scared to face themselves or their problems with themselves, their Lord, their family, or friends. That's why it is important that Pete's been on the tractor, and enjoys being on it. And, he knows when the session is over, he'll be back on that tractor by himself. And he knows what it takes as our speaker to be able to do it. So, members and fellow Texans, late in the session when things are tense, take comfort: Pete's been on the tractor; the house will be all right. It is my privilege and honor to second the nomination of James E. "Pete" Laney as speaker of the house. We have a man of extraordinary leadership skill, a vision for the future of the entire state, and the character to make them



	work for us without grandstanding or seeking recognition for himself. We are truly fortunate to have him lead this house, servants of Texas, into the next century. We have found a good one, let's keep him. The secretary of state recognized the Honorable Kip Averitt of McLennan County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney, speaking as follows: Mr. Secretary, Governor Bush, honored guests and members: In 1891, Speaker R. T. Milner opened the 22nd session of the Texas House of Representatives in this very chamber, articulating a rule of reason that still resounds over 100 years later. He said, "I believe with Jefferson, the greatest advocate of popular government, that the will of the majority, in all cases, should prevail. But, in the same sentence in which he laid down this wise axiom, he declared that we should, at all times, bear in mind the sacred principle that the will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possesses their equal right...." Today, I am honored to rise on behalf of my friend, and our leader, Pete Laney, for speaker, not only because he embodies these historic principles of reason and fairness, but also for what he has done and what he will do for all of Texas. As a former committee chairman, and now, as the speaker of the Texas House, Pete Laney has contributed honor and integrity to this chamber. Pete Laney keeps our Lone Star State shining. Consider just a few examples: Under his able leadership, we have a house of representatives that is more open and accessible to the people of Texas than at any point in our state's history. When the very first Texas Legislature convened on February 16, 1846, the house took the same actions to swear-in and elect their officers as we are doing here today. The very next day, one of the first resolutions passed guaranteed public accessibility to the proceedings of this house. Our speaker has continued and enhanced this Texas tradition. This session, for the first time, the house's legislative proceedings will be broadcast not only on television and radio, but on the Internet as well and let me take advantage of this opportunity to say, "Hi Mom!" As you can see, indeed, Texans and their elected representatives will be brought even closer together. Internally, the speaker has also made us proud by making the legislative process more manageable and accessible for members. He has embraced rule changes that allow all voices to be heard. You know, I've even heard a rumor that he intends to extend this courtesy to freshmen members this session-just as long as they don't spend too much time at the microphone. Under the guidance of Speaker Laney, the house committee structure is better than ever. Today, committees and chairmanships are appointed on the basis of ability, and not along party lines. Pete believes that a strong committee system is the foundation for building good legislation, and that this process must include representatives with a variety of views. Under the leadership of Speaker Laney the past several years, we've passed far-reaching legislation that includes a major tax-reduction package, significant education funding and reform, practical juvenile justice reform, and other major efforts too numerous to mention. As you know, Pete has played a major role in this and has always acted in the best interests of Texas.



	Speaker Laney has also allowed us to benefit from his gracious and kind wife, Nelda, who contributes her own distinction to this house. She has ever-present grace and a heart as big as Texas. Her contributions will endure throughout the years. Thank you, Nelda. I know I've only scratched the surface of what the Laneys have accomplished, but all of these things-large and small-are the result of a man who walks and acts with integrity. But members, I support Pete Laney not only because of what he has done. I am for him because of what he will help us accomplish for our state in the coming session. It's said that the only thing worse than a tax bill is a budget surplus. As we work with our surplus this session, we need a wise and strong leader to guide us through what will be a formidable challenge with competing priorities. We also have other issues that we must face with equal strength: a possible revision of our constitution; proposals to deregulate the electric industry; health insurance issues; and other major legislation that will weave the fabric of a better Texas. It is for these issues that we know-as well as those that we don't know-that we need the experience of Pete Laney. Finally, as we begin this 76th session, we all know that house bills and senate bills will go through many changes, and the dynamics of the ever-evolving legislative process will keep us busy. But as a member of this house, I want to rest assured that through all of this change, we will still have a reliable, solid constant in our speaker, Pete Laney. I want to know that we have his wisdom and fairness guiding us through this process. Members, it is for these reasons and because he is a good friend, that I am honored to rise and second the nomination of James E. "Pete" Laney as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives for the 76th Legislature. Representative Averitt moved that nominations cease and that the chief clerk of the house of representatives be instructed to cast the vote of all members of the house of representatives for the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney of Hale County for Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature, and that the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney of Hale County be unanimously elected speaker by acclamation, with any member being permitted to cast a "Present" or "Nay" vote by providing such information to the journal clerk. The motion prevailed without objection. The secretary of state directed the chief clerk to cast the ballots of all members for the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney for Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature of the State of Texas. On the motion to elect the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney of Hale County for Speaker of the House of Representative of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature of the State of Texas, the chief clerk cast the ballots of the members as follows: Yeas - Alexander; Allen; Alvarado; Averitt; Bailey; Berman; Bonnen; Bosse; Brimer; Brown, B.; Brown, F.; Burnam; Capelo; Carter; Chavez;



	Chisum; Christian; Clark; Coleman; Cook; Corte; Counts; Crabb; Craddick; Crownover; Cuellar; Culberson; Danburg; Davis, J.; Davis, Y.; Delisi; Denny; Deshotel; Driver; Dukes; Dunnam; Dutton; Edwards; Ehrhardt; Eiland; Elkins; Ellis; Farabee; Farrar; Flores; Gallego; Garcia; George; Giddings; Glaze; Goodman; Goolsby; Gray; Green; Greenberg; Gutierrez; Haggerty; Hamric; Hardcastle; Hartnett; Hawley; Heflin; Hilbert; Hilderbran; Hinojosa; Hochberg; Hodge; Homer; Hope; Howard; Hunter; Hupp; Isett; Janek; Jones, C.; Jones, D.; Jones, J.; Junell; Keel; Keffer; King, P.; King, T.; Krusee; Kuempel; Laney; Lengefeld; Lewis, G.; Lewis, R.; Longoria; Luna; Madden; Marchant; Maxey; McCall; McClendon; McReynolds; Merritt; Moreno, J.; Moreno, P.; Morrison; Mowery; Naishtat; Najera; Nixon; Noriega; Oliveira; Olivo; Palmer; Pickett; Pitts; Puente; Ramsay; Rangel; Reyna, A.; Reyna, E.; Ritter; Sadler; Salinas; Seaman; Shields; Siebert; Smith; Smithee; Solis, J.; Solis, J. F.; Solomons; Staples; Swinford; Talton; Telford; Thompson; Tillery; Truitt; Turner, B.; Turner, S.; Uher; Uresti; Van de Putte; Walker; West; Williams; Wilson; Wise; Wohlgemuth; Wolens; Woolley; Yarbrough; Zbranek. The Honorable Elton Bomer, Secretary of State of the State of Texas, then declared the Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney of Hale County to be the duly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature of the State of Texas. COMMITTEE APPOINTED The secretary of state announced the appointment of the following committee to escort speaker-elect James E. "Pete" Laney to the speaker's rostrum for the purpose of the taking of the constitutional oath of office by the speaker-elect: Representatives Uher, chair, Dukes, Dutton, Flores, Hawley, D. Jones, McCall, McReynolds, Naishtat, Pitts, Puente, and Smith. Speaker-elect Laney and his party were escorted to the speaker's rostrum. OATH OF OFFICE TAKEN BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE The Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney of Hale County, having been escorted to the speaker's rostrum, took the constitutional oath of office as Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Seventy-Sixth Legislature of the State of Texas, which was administered by the Honorable Bob Bullock, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Texas. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS The secretary of state recognized the Honorable Brian McCall, who introduced the following members of the speaker's family: Nelda Laney, his wife; KaLyn Laney, his daughter; Jamey and Ronald Phillips, his daughter and son-in-law; J Pete Laney and Melonie McCutchin, his son and his son's fiancee; Ryan Laney, his nephew; Helen McQuien, his mother-in-law; Larry, Carol, John, and Scott McQuien, Nelda Laney's brother and his wife and children; and Jan Bullock, Lieutenant Governor Bullock's wife. HOUSE NOTIFIED A committee from the senate was announced at the door of the house and, being admitted, notified the house that the senate is organized and ready to transact business.



	ADDRESS BY SPEAKER LANEY Representative McCall recognized the Honorable Tom Uher of Matagorda County, who introduced Speaker James E. "Pete" Laney. Speaker Laney addressed the house as follows: Members of the house of representatives, distinguished guests, families and friends, thank you. I thank you for your continued support, your friendship, your help, and for the trust that you have placed in me to serve as your presiding officer. I thank every member for giving me the opportunity to serve you and to serve the people of the great State of Texas. And there is one person here today who deserves the special thanks of all of us. He is a person who has had more impact on public policy in our state than anyone else in the last half of this century. I ask everyone here to join with me in expressing our warmest and most sincere appreciation to a great Texas leader: Bob Bullock. Governor Bullock, we are grateful for all you have done for our state and we will miss you. May God bless Texas and you forever. We are gathered here today for this opening session of the Texas Legislature at an historic time; at the close of a century of great progress for the State of Texas. When the 20th century began, Texas was still emerging from the American frontier. We were fighting over water, and everyone was carrying a gun. Maybe that part hasn't changed much. But as we approach a new century, we are the nation's second most populous state: an industrial, technological, and financial giant on the world stage. And we are here at the end of a remarkable decade for the State of Texas. We began the 1990s struggling to emerge from the depths of economic recession and with a continuing financial crisis in state government. When the house convened in this chamber in 1991, we faced the task of dealing with a three billion dollar shortfall in financing state government; a shortfall that stands in stark contrast to the budget surplus we enjoy today. Only one-third of the 150 members who took the oath of office today were members of this body when that session began in crisis in 1991. We should all remember how and why our state's financial situation has changed from crisis to surplus during this decade. Two factors have led to this budget surplus: economic growth and responsible management of state finances. The Texas economy in the 1990s has been the greatest job creating engine in our nation. Today, two million more men and women are employed in Texas than when this decade began. But even more amazing is the fact that in this decade, Texas has generated nearly one out of every six new jobs created in the United States. Not only do we have more people working in Texas but they are earning more than ever before. That does not mean that all is well in every sector of our economy. Agriculture and oil have contributed more to our state's wealth in this century than any other industries. And both industries approach the end of



	this century depressed, due to circumstances beyond the control of this legislature. We cannot solve the underlying economic problems of agriculture and oil production but we should attempt to address the financial hardship facing thousands of Texas families and many of our communities. The fact that our overall economy has prospered in spite of the depression in these two industries is a mark of our success in diversifying the Texas economy. There is no question that our remarkable economic growth in recent years has increased state revenues. But that does not tell the entire story of our state's progress from budget shortfalls to budget surplus. We have managed wisely. The legislature has demanded accountability and performance for every dollar appropriated to every agency of government. We have used the Texas Performance Review, the Sunset Commission, the State Auditor, the Legislative Budget Board, and our appropriations process to eliminate wasteful spending, to improve efficiency, and to increase performance. Above all, we have exercised fiscal restraint. A large part of our current budget surplus is composed of dollars that we deliberately and prudently chose not to spend in the past. Economic growth and sound budget management have served us and our citizens well. As we begin this session today, we should keep in mind how the budget surplus was created. If we continue on our course for economic growth with responsible budget management, our state will enjoy budget surpluses long into the future. The worst mistake we could make is to view this budget surplus simply as a pie to be divided up and parceled out among many competing interests. It should be used to set our course for a secure and prosperous future for all Texans. The best way to ensure continued economic growth is to invest in our greatest economic development tool: public education. Investing in public education does not mean simply appropriating more money for the sake of saying we are spending more on education. Investing in education means addressing specific problems in ways that we know will produce results. We must invest in education in ways that will develop the tremendous potential of every child in Texas. Our greatest resource is our children. We must not only invest in developing that resource but we must also protect our children. We can do that by continuing to build on the progress made last session in making health care available for children. And we must address the alarming and tragic increase in child abuse and neglect in our state. Educating and protecting our children should be among the highest priorities of this session. In addition to making wise investments in our future, we must continue to manage every state dollar carefully. Every agency in state government should be on notice that this legislature will continue to demand accountability and performance for every dollar spent. A budget surplus is not a license for wasteful spending.



	Many good and worthy proposals have been made for how the surplus should be used for the benefit of our citizens. In the months ahead, we will examine and debate every idea and consider every option. My main goal for this session is for our deliberations and actions-on the budget and every other issue-to earn the approval and respect of the people of Texas. We must continue to build public confidence in the Texas Legislature for the work we do here. We have made great progress in that regard in recent sessions but I believe more can be done to raise the level of confidence in our system. When the ever-increasing cost of political campaigns is fueled by many millions of dollars from a small number of individuals and groups, it undermines public confidence in our political system. It adds to the perception that the average citizen does not have a voice in their political process. It discourages many qualified people from giving their time and their talents to serving their communities in public office. And it contributes to the alarming decline in voter participation. I hope this legislature will consider solutions to the growing problem of financing campaigns for public office. I believe public service is an honor. My service to my district and to the members of this house has been personally rewarding and one of the greatest honors I could have. I know that you, members of the house, are here for the same reasons that I am: to do our very best to serve every person in our districts; to give voice and action to the opinions, the ideas, and the hopes of the people we represent. Today, I renew my pledge to serve the members of this house and ensure that each of you has every opportunity to do your job of representing your district. We have 139 days of hard work ahead of us. In the weeks and months ahead, let us work together to give the people of Texas the kind of representation and leadership they want; the kind of representation and leadership that the people of this great State of Texas deserve. Let's get started. Speaker Laney introduced the Honorable George W. Bush, governor of the State of Texas, who addressed the house briefly. INTERPRETER FOR THE DEAF The speaker presented Sandra Rouse who provided the interpretation of the proceedings of the house. CAPITOL PHYSICIAN The speaker presented Dr. Stephen Benold of Georgetown, president of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, as the "Doctor for the Day." The house welcomed Dr. Benold and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day Program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.



	ADJOURNMENT Representative Uher moved that the house adjourn until 10 a.m. tomorrow in memory of the Honorable Dan Kubiak of Milam County. The motion prevailed without objection. The house accordingly, at 1:47 p.m., adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow.