Dallas Senator Royce West (right) discusses policy with Senator Robert Nichols of Jacksonville at a meeting of the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee.

Senator Tommy Williams (center) of the Woodlands confers with Lt. Governor David Dewhurst (left) and Dewhurst's Chief of Staff Rob Johnson on the Senate Rostrum.

Senator Carlos Uresti of San Antonio introduces guests in the Senate Chamber.

Brownsville Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. looks over a bill with a staff member.

Lt. Gov. Dewhurst talks with Barbara Smith Conrad on the Senate Rostrum. Conrad, an opera singer, was forced out of a singing role because of her skin color as a UT student in the 1950's. She was honored by both the House and Senate this week.

Barbara Smith Conrad performs in the Capitol Rotunda.