Senator Kevin Eltife of Tyler headed up the budget workgroup for articles V and VII, which fund criminal justice and business and economic development.

Senator and Finance Committee Vice-chair Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen led the workgroup for articles I, IV, VI, and VIII, covering funding for general government, the judiciary, natural resources and regulatory services.

Greenville Senator Bob Deuell chaired the workgroup that dealt with Health and Human Services funding.

Senator Royce West of Dallas was in charge of the Article III workgroup, which appropriates funding for public and higher education.

The Senate's chief budget writer, Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden of Bryan, votes in favor of the $182 billion biennial budget.

It's tradition in the Senate to give a freshman Senator laying out his or her first bill a gentle ribbing, so Senator Joan Huffman (on mic) enlisted the support of her fellow woman Senators. Pictured behind her are (L-to-R) Senators Jane Nelson, Florence Shapiro, Wendy Davis, Judith Zaffirini and Leticia Van de Putte.

Wichita Falls Senator Craig Estes and two staff members listen to Wednesday's budget debate in the Senate Chamber.