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Throughout the session, many constituents travel to Austin to advocate for causes important to them and to meet with their elected officials. On February 11th, the Denison and Sherman Chambers' leadership classes visited Austin, and this week we celebrated Fannin County Day. Both Groups heard from various state agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation, the Water Development Board, the Office of the Comptroller, and the Texas Historical Commission. In recent weeks I have also had the pleasure of meeting with members of ABATE, students from Grayson County College, Texas Farm Bureau representatives, and several of our local educators. As the session continues, I look forward to meeting with other constituents.
While many people who travel to Austin during the session do so on business, others, such as school children and families on spring break, come to tour Austin's historical sites. The Texas Capitol anchors the four blocks that surveyors originally designated as Capitol Square in 1839. The Capitol building was completed in 1888 and measured over 566 feet by 288 feet and cost more than $3.7 million to build. In the early 1990's the Capitol Extension was added to provide for more space for staff , committees, and other amenities. Free tours of the Capitol are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Near the Capitol building is the Governor's Mansion. Built in 1856, it reopened in 2013 after an extensive restoration. Free guided tours of the Texas Governor's Mansion are available Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Reservations must be made at least one week in advance.
History enthusiasts and individuals tracing their genealogy may wish to visit to the Texas State Cemetery. The cemetery is where some of Texas' most notable citizens are buried, including Stephen F. Austin, General Albert Sidney Johnston, and many governors. The Texas State Cemetery is located approximately one mile east of the State Capitol. The Gallery and Visitors' Center are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cemetery grounds are open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guided tours may be booked by calling (512) 463-0605.
Museum lovers will enjoy the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. The museum has three floors of interactive exhibits, a special effects show and Austin's only IMAX Theatre. It also contains 34,000 square feet of permanent exhibits and 7,000 square feet of temporary exhibits. For information on exhibits, ticket prices and hours of operation, please visit the museum's website at www.thestoryoftexas.com.
For more information on state government, please contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us. My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.