Houston Senator Mario Gallegos poses with an honorary page on the Senate floor. Each day, several young Texans spend the day on the Senate floor helping hand out amendments and other documents while learning about Texas government.

Senator John Whitmire of Houston confers with Laredo Senator Judith Zaffirini about budget issues at a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee.

Senator John Carona of Dallas chats with his son Joey during Senate session this week.

Greenville Senator and Nominations Committee Chairman Bob Deuell waits to ask the Senate to confirm a list of nominations approved by his committee last week.

Senator Glenn Hegar of Katy listens to debate during session this week.

Assistant Sergeants-at-Arms help secure the chamber, sort bill books and track committee action as part of their duties.

The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Bryan Senator Steve Ogden (right) and vice-Chaired by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen, passed the Senate's version of the state budget Thursday.