AUSTIN - The 81st Legislature opened wiith a burst of ceremony and pageantry as lawmakers in both chambers began their 140-day biennial session under tight budget constraints to tackle a broad range of issues from property taxes to public education and transportation.
"The people of Texas have high expectations," declared Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade after she convened the 150-member House of Representatives at 12:06 p.m.
Families and constituents packed both chambers in what would largely be a ceremonial opening day.
-- Dave Montgomery
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