Opening Day at the Capital

Melisa Lopez Franzen was one of the new State Senators sworn in today for the opening day of the 2012 session.  It was the usual festivities of family and friends joining in on the floor of each chamber as everyone promised to work together.

There were the protestors

Welfare rights made the biggest showing.

Paul Thissen is the new speaker of the House.

Dave Senjem is no longer Senate majority leader with the DFL  in control.   That job now belongs to Tom Bakk.

Some more less than happy looking Senate Republicans.

Welfare rights advocate.

Press conference with the Speaker.  It should be another interesting year.