In Texas this session will be unremarkable. All the new people at the top will get along, and those wringing their hands about change are manufacturing drama reports the Texas Tribune.
Of course, there is the other side where the mix of new personalities, the split in the Republican party, and a Legislature easily stampeded by noisy outside partisans will provide drama to keep the worriers busy.
Here are the knowns:
· The House will elect a speaker. Two up for the job, incumbent Joe Straus, and Scott Turner.
· Next week’s Capitol activities will revolve around the inaugurations of Gov.-elect Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick.
· The House and Senate will vote on their new rules. The big news there is a change requiring two-thirds of senators to consent before a bill is debated allowing a minority to block legislation.
· Committees will be appointed.
· The new governor will determine emergent issues for consideration in the first 60 days.
What is not known is the Rick Perry-led state government was exceptionally predictable, and the differences between Abbott and his predecessor are yet to be discovered.
To help you know more about your representative, bios and contact information is available from the Texas Tribune.
