FLORENCE SHAPIRO HONORED AS GOVERNOR FOR A DAY

Governor for a Day Florence Shapiro and husband Howard Shapiro exit the chamber under the sabers of Texas A&M's Ross Volunteers.

Continuing a 50-year tradition, the state today honored Senator, and President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, Florence Shapiro as she was declared Governor for a Day. Shapiro serves as President Pro-Tem for the 79th Legislative Session, meaning she is second in line of succession to be Governor of Texas. Whenever the Governor and Lt. Governor are out of the state, such as today, the President Pro-Tem of the Senate serves as the executive officer of the state.

Governor Florence Shapiro

The Senate Chamber was filled with friends, family and constituents of Governor Shapiro, who came in from all over the state to honor her commitment for state service. Senator John Whitmire of Houston served as co-Master of Ceremonies for the Inaugural Ceremony. "She's been presiding over the Senate lately and runs a tight ship," said Whitmire. "If that's any indication of her as Governor, I think we'll want her to be Governor for many days." As chair of the Senate Education Committee, Shapiro is spearheading this session's top issue, public school finance reform. Shapiro has been commended for her expertise with the state education system, and her devotion to crafting a system that best serves the children of Texas. Unsurprisingly, the theme of her inaugural address was "doing what's right for our youngest Texans." "We can agree to disagree on taxes, agree to disagree on the budget, on transportation or on the border," said Shapiro, "but we must never disagree on our children."

Visitors to Austin were treated to a wide variety of events. The newly inaugurated Governor sponsored tours of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the State Cemetery and the LBJ Library, and the famous Driskill Hotel hosted the Governor's Gala. The Governor-for-a-Day Ceremonies are a welcome respite from the hard work of the session, but they also serve as a tribute to one of the state's most tireless advocates for education and the children of Texas.

Video: Inaugural Ceremonies, April 9, 2005

Photo Gallery

Governor for a Day Florence Shapiro stands with her family on the steps of the Governor's Mansion.	Event Co-host Ron Chapman and newly inaugurated Governor for a Day Florence Shapiro share a laugh on the Senate rostrum.	Senator Florence Shapiro is sworn in as Governor for a day by the Honorable Wallace Jefferson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas.