UT/TT Poll: Rising Concerns Over Political Corruption, Leadership

Most Texans still see the nation as being on the wrong track, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. And the issue of political corruption and leadership is rising on Texans’ list of top problems facing the country.

 
Roy Thornhill Sr. (center) voices his concern as residents of the City of Blue Mound, Texas, gather at their community center, on Monday, March 4, 2013.  The small North Texas City of Blue Mound held a town hall meeting on Monday, March 4, for its residents to sign a petition against what they say are unjustifiably high water rate increases.
Roy Thornhill Sr. (center) voices his concern as residents of the City of Blue Mound, Texas, gather at their community center, on Monday, March 4, 2013. The small North Texas City of Blue Mound held a town hall meeting on Monday, March 4, for its residents to sign a petition against what they say are unjustifiably high water rate increases.

North Texas Town Upset With Perry's Veto of Water System Measure

State Rep. Charlie Geren and leaders in the North Texas town of Blue Mound are upset that Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for the town to gain control of its water system, which is currently in private hands.

North Texas Town Upset With Perry's Veto of Water System Measure

Roy Thornhill Sr. (center) voices his concern as residents of the City of Blue Mound, Texas, gather at their community center, on Monday, March 4, 2013.  The small North Texas City of Blue Mound held a town hall meeting on Monday, March 4, for its residents to sign a petition against what they say are unjustifiably high water rate increases.
Roy Thornhill Sr. (center) voices his concern as residents of the City of Blue Mound, Texas, gather at their community center, on Monday, March 4, 2013. The small North Texas City of Blue Mound held a town hall meeting on Monday, March 4, for its residents to sign a petition against what they say are unjustifiably high water rate increases.

State Rep. Charlie Geren and leaders in the North Texas town of Blue Mound are upset that Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for the town to gain control of its water system, which is currently in private hands.


 

Guest Column: Red State, Purple Legislation

Mark P. Jones
Mark P. Jones
Texas Weekly

Texas Democrats exercised considerable influence over the legislative process during the 2013 regular session, in contrast with their relative impotence last fall. While the November election results were unequivocally red, the legislation passed during the session was decidedly purple.

The Evening Brief: June 18, 2013

Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg speaks to members of the media following a November 2010 trial.
Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg speaks to members of the media following a November 2010 trial.

Your evening reading: Lehmberg calls Perry funding veto "misguided"; Senate advances transportation funding fix; Legislature fares better than Congress in new UT/TT poll

TWIA Board Agrees to Steps to Address Financial Woes

Galveston, TX - September 21, 2008
Galveston, TX - September 21, 2008

UPDATED: The board of the state’s embattled Texas Windstorm Insurance Association agreed Tuesday to take steps that it says will better prepare the agency for the 2013 hurricane season and be more efficient over the long term.

 

Medina Leading Coalition Targeting Pipeline Expansion

Former gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina on Sept. 22, 2011, at a press conference on cronyism in Texas politics
Former gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina on Sept. 22, 2011, at a press conference on cronyism in Texas politics

Citing concerns about eminent domain abuse and the potential contamination of water resources, a coalition is asking state lawmakers to conduct interim studies and hold public meetings on the issue of oil pipeline expansion.

Lawmakers Seek Lessons From West Explosion

A vehicle near the remains of a fertilizer plant burning after an explosion in West, Texas, near Waco.
A vehicle near the remains of a fertilizer plant burning after an explosion in West, Texas, near Waco.

A panel of House lawmakers on Monday agreed to join other state officials in calling on the federal government to send additional aid to the small town of West, which was rocked in April by a massive plant explosion.