![](https://dallasvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_3504.jpg)
Rep. Julie Johnson in her office, standing next to her Ruth Bader Ginsburg print. (David Taffet/Dallas Voice)
I spent Tuesday in Austin for the opening of the Legislature and got to visit with some of the folks that represent us. More about the difference between how we choose a speaker of the house here and in Washington and about the LGBT Caucus in Friday’s paper.
The day was filled with demonstrations around the Capitol and advocacy T-shirts including a number of people wearing “Texit” with a call for a vote on leaving the United States and “Ban Democrat Chairs” calling for the prevention of Democrats from becoming committee chairs — you know: democracy.
Here are some pictures from opening day.
![](https://dallasvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_3579.jpg)
Rep. Rafael Anchia, center, represents parts of Oak Cliff and Oak Lawn with Dallas City Council members Paula Blackmon and Adam Bazaldua.
![](https://dallasvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_3576.jpg)
Dallas County Rep. Victoria Neave in her legislative office.
![](https://dallasvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_3555.jpg)
Rep. Jolanda Jones of Houston in her legislative office with her aunts.
![](https://dallasvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_3539.jpg)
Rep. Christian Manuel of Beaumont on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives.
![](https://dallasvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_3537.jpg)
Rep. Jessica Gonzalez, left, with her wife, Angela Hale and her mother-in-law on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives.
![](https://dallasvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_3528.jpg)
Groups were demonstrating on a number of issues. This group from Fort Bend (southwest of Houston) wanted legislators to know they’re politically involved and they vote.
![](https://dallasvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_3525.jpg)
Rep. Terry Meza of Irving, left, and Dallas County Treasurer Pauline Medrano in Meza’s legislative office.
![](https://dallasvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_3519.jpg)
A demonstration at the Capitol calling for an overhaul of the juvenile detention system.
![](https://dallasvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_3500.jpg)
A demonstration at the Capitol calling for using part of the $30 billion surplus to fully fund public education including pay raises for teachers.