Gallegos returns
Senators just welcomed their Houston Democratic colleague, Mario Gallegos, to the floor for the first time since January.
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and senators applauded and bestowed hugs on Mr. Gallegos, who is recuperating from a liver transplant.
He returned to Austin today to vote on the budget.
“My constituents expect me to represent them, and despite doctors' orders to the contrary, I cannot in good conscience be away from the Senate floor on the day that I’m expected to vote on the state budget,” Mr. Gallegos said in a written statement.
Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, the Senate's longest-serving member, gave welcoming remarks on behalf of his colleagues.
"It shows that our prayers have been answered," Mr. Whitmire said.
He also singled out Mr. Gallego's wife, Theresa.
A little while later, Mr. Gallegos offered a memorial resolution for the wife of a Houston educator. It passed unanimously.
Gallegos spokesman Harold Cook said the senator was expected to return to Houston after today's floor debate to continue recuperating.
"He will again be in Austin as soon as his doctor clears him to do so, and when he anticipates that his vote would be crucial to the passage or failure of legislation of importance to his constituents," Mr. Cook said.