LETICIA R. VAN de PUTTE IS SWORN IN AS STATE SENATOR
AUSTIN - Leticia R. Van de Putte of San Antonio was sworn in today, Wednesday, November 10, 1999, at 3:00 p.m., in the Senate Chamber. Senator Van de Putte represents Senate District 26, in Bexar County, formerly held by the late Senator Gregory Luna. She was elected to the Senate after five legislative sessions in the Texas House of Representatives.
Senator Judith Zaffirini of Laredo was Master of Ceremonies, and introduced her new colleague as another woman, Hispanic, and another mother in the Texas Senate. Van de Putte's membership increases the number of women in this legislative chamber to four. Zaffirini's introduction was followed by an invocation from Father Eddie M. Bernal from San Antonio, and the Posting of the Colors by the Central Catholic R.O.T.C. San Antonio Senator Jeff Wentworth introduced Van de Putte's extended family, from her grandparents to her children, and honored guests.
San Antonio Senator Frank Madla introduced Lt. Governor Rick Perry. Perry welcomed the newly elected senator to the chamber, and administered the Oath of Office. Van de Putte was joined by her husband Pete, and four of her six children. After being sworn in, the new senator honored the memory of her predecessor, Gregory Luna of San Antonio, for his outstanding work in support of the education of Texas children. Van de Putte also thanked her parents for giving her "the most important thing parents can give to their children: deep roots, and strong wings."
More than two hundred people attended the ceremony, including elected officials, senators, journalists and family members. Senator Van de Putte will start working immediately on interim charges as a member of the Senate Committees on Education, Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, and Jurisprudence. She says she is anxious to start, ending today's speech with the words "Lt.Gov. Perry, I'm ready, put me to work."
The ceremony was followed by a well-attended reception in the Lt. Governor's Reception Room complete with music and singing.
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