Ariella Nichelle Olivarez, Little Miss Rio Grande Valley 2003, being welcomed to the Texas Senate by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen and Senator Eddie Lucio of Brownsville.

Lt. Governor Dewhurst gavels in his first Session

AUSTIN - David Dewhurst took the reins today, January 22, 2003, for his first official day as Lieutenant Governor. Dewhurst said he looked forward to working with the Senate and gaveled in the session with "Now, let's get to work."

Senator Todd Staples from Palestine sponsored two resolutions recognizing the Stephen F. Austin State University student government and alumni association and January 22nd as Nacogdoches County Day. Senator Juan Hinojosa from McAllen sponsored the resolution commending Little Miss Rio Grande Valley 2003 Ariella Nichelle Olivarez for Literacy for Children, and Senator Steve Odgen from Bryan congratulated the members from the eighth class of the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership program.

Senator Judith Zaffirini introduced guests dressed in historical costumes onto the Senate floor from her hometown of Laredo. She sponsored a resolution to commend the members of the 106th Washington's Birthday Celebration in Laredo, the longest fiesta in Texas.

Upon adjournment, the new Lieutenant Governor met with the press to discuss the budget crisis. He remains optimistic and said he will be sitting with members of the Senate Finance Committee this afternoon and tomorrow to discuss balancing fiscal year 2003 "and part of that is going to be by having reductions in spending by some of the state agencies."

The Senate will reconvene January 23, 2003, at 10:00 a.m.

###