Senate Transcript, February 15, 2011

THE CHAIRMAN: The Senate will come to order, and the Secretary will call the roll. (Roll Call)

THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you, Madame Secretary. Members, a quorum is present. Will all those on the floor please rise this morning and in the gallery please rise for the invocation to be delivered by the Reverend Charles Reel of Houston but before I do that, I'm going to recognize Senator Jackson to introduce Pastor Reel.

SEN. MIKE JACKSON: Thank you Mr. President. Members, it's my pleasure today to introduce today's pastor of the day, Reverend Charles Reel of Houston. He has spent more than 35 years serving the united methodist church both in Georgia and Texas. Most recently Reverend Reel was the visiting pastor at my church in La Porte. My family and I have sincerely enjoyed getting to know he and his wife Phoebe over the past few months. In addition to his service in the church, he's also developed the Reel Effective Administrative Leadership or the REAL program modeled by churches to help them with all their financial situations and financial development. Please, Mr. President, thank you for allowing me to introduce a member's welcome to Pastor Charles Reel.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Pastor?

THE PASTOR: Let us pray. Gracious and eternal God, we humbly bow before you expressing our sincere thanks for the gift of life. Grant us the wisdom do fully comprehend the responsibility we have as stewards of your creation. Remind us that we are here to serve with honor and integrity. Remind us we are to be faithful to the task to which we're called. Remind us we're constantly to seek your guidance in all decisions we consider. Enable us to know of your presence each and every day in our hearts and minds as we seek to do your will. These things we ask in your holy name. Amen.

THE PRESIDENT: Amen. Thank you, Pastor Reel. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Thank you so much. The Chair will hear excuses for absent members. Senator Whitmire moves to excuse Senator Wentworth on matters of important business. Is there objection from any member? The Chair hears none. So ordered. Senator Whitmire moves to dispense with the reading of yesterday's journal. Is there objection from any member? The Chair hears no objection. It is so ordered. Mr. Doorkeeper?

DOORKEEPER: Mr. President, there's a message from the House.

THE PRESIDENT: Admit the messenger.

THE MESSENGER: Mr. President, I am instructed by the House to inform the Senate the House has taken the following action. The House has passed the following measures: HR52 Keffer, designating February 15th 2011 as Texas Manufacturer's Day, respectfully, Robert Haney, Chief Clerk.

THE PRESIDENT: Members, the following message from the Governor. The Secretary will read the message.

THE SECRETARY: To the Senate of the 82nd Legislature, regular session, I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments: To be members of the Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority, Carlos L. Garcia, Brownsville, Kenneth R. Ross, Houston. To be members of the Judicial Compensation Commission, Rumulo Chavez, Spring, Harold Jenkins, Irving, Michael L. Slack, Austin. Respectfully submitted, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, to nominations.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Madame Secretary. The chair recognizes Senator Uresti to introduce the doctor of the day.

SEN. CARLOS URESTI: Thank you, Mr. President, Members, good morning. It is my priviledge to introduce our physician of the day, Dr. Francisco Barrera. Dr. Barrera is a family practitioner in San Antonio. A graduate of the medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center, he is a member of the National Academy Of Family practitioners in the Bexar County Medical Society. Dr. Barrera earned specialty certification from the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. He and his family live in Boerne. Now, Dr. Barrera has this before, Members, so if anything happens to you today you will be in good hands. Please help me welcome Dr. Barrera, physician of the day.

THE PRESIDENT: The President signs in the presence of the Senate the following.

THE SECRETARY: House Concurrent Resolution Number 53, Senate Concurrent Resolution Number 15.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Madame Secretary. Senator West? Chair lays out Senate Resolution Number 169 by Senator West. The Secretary will read the resolution.

THE SECRETARY: Senate resolution number 169: Whereas members of the Texas assembly are visiting the state capitol on February 15, 2011, and whereas founded in 1962, the Dallas assembly is made up of a diverse group of leaders from the Dallas area. Membership is limited to 150 individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the arenas of civic life, business, education, government law, medicine, religion, science, and the arts, and whereas this exceptional organization, led by president Brent Christopher, inspires the spirit of community activism, provides networking opportunities and encourages an interchange of ideas about a variety of issues and community needs and whereas endeavoring to foster a more informed and involved citizenry, the Dallas assembly is helping to build a brighter and more promising future for the Lone Star State. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Senate of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognizes February 15, 2011 as Dallas Assembly Day at the state capitol by West.

THE PRESIDENT: The chair recognizes Senator West to explain the resolution.

SEN. ROYCE WEST: Thank you very much, Mr. President and members. As a member of the Dallas assembly I rise to welcome the -- to the state capitol current members of the Dallas assembly for Legislative Day at the Capitol. Representatives from this outstanding civic and economically involved organization are visiting the capitol today to witness the process firsthand and not just to be spectators but also to be participants. The Dallas assembly represents a cross-section of the leadership pool from the greater Dallas area in the fields of business, education, government law, medicine, religion, science, and the arts. President Brent Christopher inspires the membership towards community activism and empowerment. The Dallas assembly strives to make the Dallas area a better prase place to live learn and also work. Mr. President and Members, in the west gallery -- not my gallery -- but just the west gallery, I'm going the ask the members of the assembly to stand up. And we have on the floor with us this morning the president, Mr. Brent Christopher -- Brent, raise your hand in the air -- and the vice-president of programs, Dave McAtee, and the 28 members we have in the gallery. So, I'd like for us to welcome them to their state capitol and also ask for passage of the resolution.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Members, you've heard the motion by Senator West. Is there an objection from any member? The chair hears no objection, and the resolution is adopted. Senators the Chair lays out Senate Resolution Number 17 by Senator Van de Putte. The secretary will read the resolution in full.

THE SECRETARY: Senate Resolution 17. Whereas the Texas Senate is pleased to recognize February 15, 2011 as Viva San Antonio Day at the state capitol and welcome the visiting delegation from the Alamo City. And whereas the history of San Antonio can be traced back to 1691, when a group of Spanish explorers and missionaries came upon a river and named it San Antonio in honor of St. Anthony, whose feast-day was being celebrated. And whereas the city was founded in 1718 by Father Antonio Levarez, he established mission San Antonio de Valero, which would become etched in the annals of history in 1836 as the Alamo, the site where 189 brave individuals held the mission for 13 days against an army of some 4,000 Mexican soldiers. And whereas San Antonio became formally incorporated in 1837 when the fledgling republic of Texas granted the city a charter. The city has since retained its sense of history and tradition while carefully blending in cosmopolitan progress. And whereas the city has a proud military heritage, great military figures like Pershing, Stilwell, Krueger, Lemay, Chenault, and Eisenhower served at San Antonio military institutions, including Fort Sam Houston, the headquarters for the Fifth United States Army and the home of the United States army medical command and the Brooke Army Medical Center. In addition, San Antonio is the site of Lackland Air Force Base, the largest training wing in the United States air force and Brooke's City Base, an innovative planned research and technology center. And whereas in April 2011 the city will once again celebrate Fiesta San Antonio, the biggest 11-day party in the state, first held 120 years ago. The event was founded by a group of ladies, who decorated horse-drawn carriages for a parade in front of the Alamo and battled with flower blossoms instead of bullets to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the battle of San Jacinto. And whereas San Antonio is truly one of the treasures of the Lone Star State and Viva San Antonio day provides a welcome opportunity to honor the city and it's many fine residents. Now therefore be it resolved that the Senate of the State of Texas hereby recognize February 15th, 2011 as Viva San Antonio Day.

THE PRESIDENT: The Chair recognizes Senator Van de Putte to explain the resolution.

SEN. LETICIA VAN DE PUTTE: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President and members, it is my honor today to speak on behalf of the author of the Senate Resolution Number 17, our colleague Jeff Wentworth and along with Senators Zaffrini and Uresti. We want to celebrate Texas -- one of Texas most historic cities San Antonio on today with Viva San Antonio Day. San Antonio's history is rich with the people and events that have staked -- really shaped our great state. If you remember the cry -- the battle cry "Remember the Alamo" as we celebrate the 175th anniversary of that battle and to Military City U.S.A and soon to be Cyber City U.S.A. San Antonio is important to our military community and leaders. A city of 1.4 million people and it has been a part of our nation's history with its strong Department of Defense mission. San Antonio is loved as an entertainment and cultural destination. With our attractions as the River Walk, the San Antonio Missions Trail, and, of course, Sea World San Antonio Fiesta Texas, our museum. I am honored today to introduce several individuals who represent our city and its residents. With us on the Senate floor we have members of San Antonio, our councilman Ray Lopez is with us today as well as the chairman of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Chairman Sam Dawson, and members from the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, our chairman Eddie Aldrete and president Ramiro Cavasos and a face familiar to many of us, our former state representative and now CEO of San Antonio Water Systems, Robert Puente. Please join me in welcoming these leaders and San Antonians to the state capitol. We hope that as much as you love your home cities that you consider San Antonio your second city as we know that it is also the number one tourist destination with over two and a half million visitors to our Texas shrine, the Alamo. We also have members from the San Antonio delegation with us in the west gallery today I would ask that they please rise as I move passage of Senate Resolution 17.

THE CHAIRMAN: The Chair recognizes Senator Uresti to speak on the resolution.

SEN. CARLOS URESTI: Thank you, Mr. President, Members. I, too, rise in support of San Antonio and this sterling delegation that we have with us this morning. As y'all know San Antonio is a city of charm, beauty and history. It has been celebrated in books history and in song. Its rich history is a history of Texas and the nation. San Antonio was founded on faith and hope, shaped by the forces of free enterprise and personal endeavor and built by the labor of Native Americans and immigrants looking for a better life. And because our city and county leaders are forward-looking, that promise and opportunity for our children will continue to be available to the people of San Antonio. In San Antonio we are not waiting for the future to define us. We will define our own future and make sure that the Alamo City will continue to be a thriving world city. Thank you, Members, for being here and for those in the gallery as well. Thank you, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT: Members, you have heard the motion by Senator Van de Putte. Is there any objection from any member? The Chair hears no objections, and the resolution is adopted.

DAVID DEWHURST: (continuing)The chair recognizes Senator Birdwell for an introduction.

SENATOR BIRDWELL: Thank you Mr. President. Platform and members, today I would like to recognize my guests that are visiting the Texas Senate on behalf of the Midlothian Leadership Class and the Cleburne Leadership Class. These two groups were hand picked to serve as representatives of the cities of Midlothian and Cleburne, and as the name would imply, these classes are helping to shape the next set of leaders for these two great Texas communities. The backgrounds of the members range from education to finance to energy and health care, the diverse populations of Midlothian and Cleburne and their distinguished talents. They're joined by two of their community leaders today, Sarah Garcia, President of the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce, and Kathy March, President of the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce. At this time I'd like to ask the delegates in the Midlothian and the Cleburne Leadership Classes in the south and north galleries to please rise and be recognized. Members, would you please help me welcome these great Texans to the Texas Senate? Chair recognizes Senator Frazier. The Chair recognizes Senator Frazier for the purpose of an introduction.

SENATOR FRAZIER: We're back here doing legislative activities with the House. Thank you, members. Two weeks today we tried to have Brown County Bronwood Day two weeks ago Tuesday, and the bulk group we determined if it came down were not going to be able to get back. I think all you remember that was the date of -- the night of the rolling blackouts. And so you made a very good decision. But what we're going to do is just declare a two-week period. Instead of just having one day we're going to have two weeks of Brownwood Day this year. They're back, they're up in the gallery today. Every year I think most of you know a lot of people from Brownwood to come down, it's one of my probably my most politically astute parts of my district. They are -- they understand the direction, they do a good job and they come year after year and year to work the process on behalf of the wonderful community that they represent in and around Brownwood. It's good to have you here today. I'll be meeting with them later this afternoon, but all of you are invited. Isn't the reception at the Austin club? 5:30 to 7:00 is that -- for 5:30 till 7:00 at the Austin Club. Everyone is invited. Could we please -- All the people please -- have you -- will all the people from the Brownwood County please stand let, us recognize you? Good to have you here.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair lays out Senate Resolution number 268 by Senator Lucio. The secretary will read the resolution in full. Senate Resolution 268, whereas the Senate of State of Texas is pleased to recognize Tracy for her outstanding service as Chairman of the Board of United Way of Texas. Whereas United Way of Texas has benefited eminently from the dedicated leadership of Tracy Wicket. During her term as chairman of the board from 2009 to 2010, the organization has made significant progress on a variety of statewide initiatives; improving public access to valuable services such as early education and college readiness programs, financial education and tax preparation assistance, health care for children and seniors and assistance in disaster and recovery preparedness. And whereas Tracy has served as president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Southern Cameron County since 1996, and she has played a vital role in the organization's growth. She helped to increase campaign contributions by 26 percent her first year. And the organization has succeeded its annual campaign goal eight times under her direction. And whereas she spearheaded the region's success by an initiative which focuses on the developmental needs of children from birth to age 6. It was recently named one of the top five Success By 6 programs in the nation. And whereas under her expert guidance, United Way of Southern Cameron County has expanded its mission beyond distributing-raising funds to increasing awareness of the root causes of societal problems. She regularly addresses national conferences on the United Way's changing role in the community as a member of the United Way of America's faculty for courses and funding redesign, community impact and creating Success by 6 initiatives. As well as active in numerous community organizations, she's known for her collaborative efforts with state and local officials and she is truly deserving of recognition for the positive impact she has had on the lives of countless people. Now therefore be it resolved that the Senate of the State of Texas hereby commend Tracy Wicket on her many achievements and her dedicated service as chairman of the board of the United Way of Texas, by Lucio.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Lucio to explain the resolution.

SENATOR LUCIO: Thank you, Mr. President, members, today, I present to you Senate resolution 826 in recognition of Tracy Wicket of Brownsville for her outstanding service as chairman of the board of United Way of Texas from 2009, 2010. United Way is an amazing organization that improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good, and I could not think of a better example of that common good more than Tracy Wicket. She is a role model for young and old alike, a hero to many and a beacon of hope. Currently Tracy serves as president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Southern Cameron County, since she began in 1996, she has played a vital role of the origination's growth under her leadership United Way as exceeded in every possible way from increased contributions to developing top programs in the nation, Tracy's exemplary leadership and fostering education and a sense of community in adults and children alike and her commitment for the betterment of humanity continues to inspire all of us. Mr. President, members, join me in welcoming Mrs. Tracy Wicket who is on the Senate floor with us today and show our appreciation for all that she has done for United Way and the people of Texas, as I move adoption of Senate Resolution 268.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Lucio. Members, you've heard the motion by Senator Lucio. Is there objection from any member? The chair hears no objection and the resolution is adopted.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair lays out Senate Resolution No. 219 by Senator Van de Putte. The secretary will read the resolution.

PATSY SPAW: Senate Resolution 219 declaring Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 as United Way Day at the State Capitol by Van de Putte.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Van de Putte to explain the resolution.

SENATOR VAN DE PUTTE: Thank you, Mr. President. Members, today it is my honor to introduce our United Ways from all over the State of Texas with over 88 local organizations distributed throughout the state. Those organizations work to help meet the needs and achieve the specific goals of each community. United Way plays a vital role in charitable giving and volunteerism.

DAVID DEWHURST: Motion by Senate. Is there objection from anybody? Chair hears no objection and the resolution is adopted. Thank you, senator.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair lays out motion No. 244 by Senator Rodriguez. The secretary will read the resolution.

PATSY SPAW: Senate Resolution 244. Whereas the Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Arc of Texas Getting to the Heart of the Matter Program for facilitating better understanding. And also advocate in every sense of the word witnessed a life. She's an expert on how persons with disabilities must, on a daily basis, balance themselves sufficiently against the reliance on programs established for people with disabilities. In addition to Representative Moody for the Getting to the Heart of the Matter Program, she also helped guide the El Paso Co-county Judge Aranhoe Escobar motorized roundabout to experience barriers a person in a wheelchair faces on a daily basis. And she also worked on behalf of the program to open law makers' eyes to the dangers people with disabilities face when venturing out in traffic, including dangers presented by cars, walking ramps and sidewalks, up and down the curb, cuts in the medians and all of those other areas that act as barriers. Members, I'm very pleased to welcome today -- help me give them a warm welcome to the Texas Senate and the Capitol, my constituents, members of our -- who have made the program a success. And, with that, also I would ask for your support as I move for the adoption of the resolution, Mr. President?

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Rodgriguez. Very good resolution. Members, you've heard the motion by Senator Rodriguez. Is there any objection? The Chair hears no objection and the resolution is adopted. Thank you, sir.

PATSY SPAW: (continuing)Senate Resolution 230 declaring Tuesday, February 15th, 2011, as Kidney Day at the at the State Capitol by Duncan.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Madam Secretary. The Chair recognizes Senator Duncan to explain the resolution.

SENATOR DUNCAN: Thank you, Mr. President. Members, chronic kidney disease affects 33 million Americans, which represents 16 percent of our population. I doubt there's one, not many of you on this floor that don't have a family member that's adversely or potentially adversely affected by kidney disease. More than a half a million Americans are undergoing lifesaving dialysis or have had a kidney transplant. Many Texans remain unaware that they are at risk. If left undetected, chronic kidney disease relates to premature death. The Texas Renal Coalition is a leader in the prevention and mitigation of the risk, effects and burden of chronic kidney disease. Volunteers and physicians are this coalition deserve recognition for their dedication and valuable services in their efforts to provide the best care for kidney patients. Senator Harris was going to speak on the resolution today. He is -- he is a kidney donor and I don't know how many of you knew that, but -- And many of us have members of our family with diabetes. My little sister, who has been a recipient of a kidney, is on the list again. On the floor today we have very dedicated people who have helped us. First I want to introduce to you Chronic Disease -- Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force Chair and District of Transplantation at Methodist Hospital Physician Organization in Houston, Dr. -- Sam Gapper, Dr. Gapper. And then I want to introduce to you someone you all know and have identified with this fight against kidney disease, is president of the Texas Renal -- let me start over, the president of the Renal Coalition, Rita Littlefield. Rita, welcome to the Texas Senate floor. Members, help me welcome them. And I think we also have some folks from the Renal Coalition in the gallery. And if they would stand and be recognized as well? Right here in the -- in the back -- well, all over the gallery. Mr. President, I move the adoption Senate Resolution 230.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Watson to speak on the resolution.

SENATOR WATSON: Thank you very much Senator Dunn. Thank you, I really appreciate you bringing this to everyone's attention and calling attention to this very important issue. As you point out, there's probably very few of us that aren't in some way touched. And folks don't even know it, they don't know about a family member or someone that has either had the need or is someone that may someday really need to be in a position to receive a kidney. And I want to take a moment to say thank you to the two that you have brought this to the floor today, because their work is special work. There will be us that at different points in our lives, maybe with a loved one or ourselves in need of care, and we ought to pause at whatever moment that is and at that moment also say thank you for the good work that you're doing now. Thank you very much for being here. And, Senator Dunn, thank you for being a part of this. Thank you, Mr. President.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Gallegos to speak on the resolution.

SENATOR GALLEGOS: Thank you, Mr. President. I also want to join Senator Dunn on this resolution. I am a patient at Methodist Hospital. A liver transplant patient under Dr. Godan. Obviously, there's a lot of good doctors over there. And I am also a diabetic, so I just wanted to join you on this very important resolution. Senator Dunn, I'm glad, brought it to the floor and I hopefully -- that if you do need some kind of kidney care and the Methodist is one of the best in the nation. I just wanted to join you, thank you, Mr. President.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator. Members, you've heard the motion by Senator Dunn. Is there any objection from any member? Chair hears no objection. And the resolution is adopted. LEFT 1: The Chair recognizes Senator Shapiro for a recognition.

SENATOR SHAPIRO: Thank you, Mr. President. This is a little unusual, and I appreciate the opportunity. Members, earlier this morning, the House recognized some individuals that are now over here, and I would very much like to recognize them as well. They are here with us today. This is a team of editorial writers from the Dallas Morning News. And you wonder why in the world would we be honoring these three individuals who are editorial writers for the Dallas Morning News? Would y'all come forward? You can stand right at the railing, please. And you wonder why we are recognizing them. Well, the reason is that these three fine individuals, as well as I'm sure their staff back home, are honorees of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing. That is a really, really significant award, and one that all people in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex and all Texans should be very proud of. For those of you that don't know, Bill McKenzie, he spends quite a bit of time down here. Bill McKenzie, if you would wave? Colleen -- Colleen McCain Nelson is also with us. Colleen, many of you might see her on television. She often goes on the Inside Texas Politics on Channel 8. And we have Todd Robertson, who is also with us. And I know -- Would you like to wave? Oh, you did. Good. Good. Okay. It was just a brief one, I guess. We are very honored, I think, to have these fine individuals. They wrote a series of stories called Bridging the Gap. This was really all about Bridging Dallas, is what it was called, and an ongoing campaign, "Bridging Dallas North South Gap." Pardon me for not knowing the exact title. What this did was call attention to the Dallas community and the area of the southern part of Dallas. And I'm really sorry that senator isn't here. We've been trying to get him, but I think he's on a call, and I was afraid we might not be able to keep him here for very much longer. This is all about the difference between the south part of Dallas and the north part of Dallas. And it really brought to the attention of all individuals some of the problems, some of the discrepancies, some of the issues. And it's not just that they want won a Pulitzer Prize for it, but they're continuing to dialogue about this issue on a very regular basis. So it really is an honor for us to have them here in the Capitol. And I didn't want the time to go away without us at least saying thank you for the fine work that you do and for being here with us in the Texas Capitol. And I do think we have a couple of other Dallas senators that would like to just say a couple of words. So thank you for being here.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Corona to speak on the recognition.

SENATOR CORONA: Thank you, Mr. President. Bill, Colleen and Todd, all three of you, I want to congratulate you. I want to also commend the newspaper, you know, at a time when print media is undergoing enormous changes. I think those of us that read the Morning News really are impressed by the fact that the newspaper is right in there slugging and changing with the times and offering all sorts of innovation to the reader. So not just to the three of you, though certainly worthy today, but to the newspaper's all. Thank you so much for what you do.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Deuell.

SENATOR DEUELL: Thank you, Mr. President. I too want to extend my congratulations. I lived in South Oakcliff as a kid, actually delivered the Dallas Morning News in the '60s. And part of my district covers, as Senator West likes me to say, the Southern Sector; he does not like the other term, South Dallas County. He does not like me to say that now. But, congratulations, a job well done. I think it's brought a lot of attention, needed attention, to the Southern Sector and I look forward to continuing that and working with the other senators and House members in the City of Dallas as we work for that area. Thank you and congratulations.

DAVID DEWHURST: Let me add my congratulations to you. This is a huge award, well deserved. Members, the President's desk is clear. Are there any announcements? Chair recognizes Senator Deuell for an announcement.

SENATOR DEUELL: Thank you, Mr. President. Members, Wednesday I'll move to confirm the nominees listed on the committee action report placed on your desks. These nominees were taken up at our Monday, February 14th meeting.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you Senator Deuell. The Chair recognizes Senator Sulligar for an announcement. SENATOR *SULLIGAR: Thank you, Mr. President. Members, the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting will meet tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in the extension auditorium. This will be our final outreach hearing, or hearing for public comment. No bills have been posted for this hearing. The Census Bureau has announced that we will receive the official redistricting data sometime this week, and once we have the data it will take a week or so for the Legislative Counsel to get the numbers into the Red Apple program. The purpose of the hearing tomorrow is to allow the public in this area of the state to weigh in on the various redistricting issues and their concerns. Thank you, Mr. President.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Sulliger. Chair recognizes Senator Nelson for an announcement.

SENATOR NELSON: Thank you, Mr. President. Members, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will meet today in the Debbie King Room, room 2E, thirty minutes upon adjournment, so 12:30, 12:40. 12:40.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you.

SENATOR NELSON: Thank you.

DAVID DEWHURST: Chair recognizes Senator Shapiro for an announcement.

SENATOR SHAPIRO: Thank you, Mr. President and members. I actually have two very brief announcements. The first one that I want to talk to you about is in the lead-up to the Super Bowl 45, Slant 45 was a program that involved 44,000 students and 445,000 hours of service to the North Texas region. We are very fortunate that these students then put a lot of their contributions on an illustrated art project. And today, down on the rotunda ground floor, we have this project, this exhibit. And I hope that all of you -- From today until, I believe, through February 18th, it will be on exhibit. And I hope you'll all go down there and look at it. They will also be back again April 18th through the 22nd. And I think we'll recognize some of those students at that time. But I just wanted everyone to know about it, if you're wondering what that is down there, it's a group of students from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex that have done some really fine public service. And the art exhibit is a testament to that. Second, Mr. President, I would like to move to suspend the Senate Rules 1110 and 1118, so that the Finance Subcommittee on Public Education Funding may change our location and resume our hearing in room E1028, thirty minutes upon adjournment, which means at 1 -- 12:45. Thank you very much.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator. You heard, members, you've heard the motion by Senator Shapiro. Is there objection from any member? Chair hears no objection and the motion is adopted. Chair recognizes Senator Ogden for an announcement.

SENATOR OGDEN: Mr. President and members of Senate Finance, we'll reconvene at 12:45.

DAVID DEWHURST: 12:45. Chair recognizes Senator Zaffrini for an announcement. SENATOR *ZAFFRINI: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, and members, today is Orange and Maroon day. The Texas Senate has six Texas exes among our members who have earned ten degrees, and four Aggies who have earned four degrees. Today, because it is Orange and Maroon Day, you are all invited to join the delegation from the two universities from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Chelsea's Garden. The delegation would have been here today and we would have accepted a resolution honoring them but, unfortunately, they had a lot of conflicts, so they couldn't come. So I spared you the reading of the resolution. Thank you, Mr. President and members.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator. The Chair -- Are there any additional announcements? Chair recognizes the Dean of Senate for a highly privileged motion.

DEAN OF SENATE: Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate recess until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 16th in memory of Jack Paul Leon of San Antonio, Texas.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator. Members, you heard the motion by Senator Whitmire. Is there objection from any member? Chair hears none and the Senate will stand in recess until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.