By Judlyne Lilly
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-814717.mp3
Austin, TX – Today at noon the curtain will rise on the 2009 legislative session in Austin. Through June 1, lawmakers will debate, pass and reject hundreds of bills that include public schools, insurance reform and taxes. Texans visiting the capitol this week took a peek at the chambers where lawmakers will make history. And they talked to KERA's Judlynn Lilly about what they want from their elected officials.
On this tour our guide, Georgia, begins in the vaulted rotunda. Its picture gallery includes leaders who have presided over Texas lawmaking since 1988.
Touring Texans also visit the stately Senate chamber where Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst will lead 19 Republican senators and 12 Democrats. And the much larger House on the other side of the capitol. Here on opening day, representatives will elect a new House Speaker to replace Midland Republican Tom Craddick. Joe Straus, a republican from San Antonio, is expected to assume the podium and preside over a body where a growing number of Democrats will hold 74 seats, Republicans 76.
In this session, lawmakers will file 5,000 to 6,000 bills addressing Public School funding, immigration, tax reform and gambling. Texans on the tour have their own ideas of what they want.
Karen from Austin wants more and improved roads.
Richard from Springtown wants lawmakers to limit spending. And Keith, a student at UT.
Keith, a University of Texas student, wants lawmakers to legalize gay marriage.
In the end, the only bill members must pass is the budget, and that promises to be a challenge in today's dismal economy.