Liveblog: House Debates HB 1
On Friday we began liveblogging the debate over HB 1, the House version of the general appropriations bills for the next biennium. After more than fifteen hours of back-and-forth over amendments, parliamentary inquiries and the like, the House adjourned early Saturday morning. Members gaveled in shortly after 4 p.m. Sunday to pick up where they left off, finally completing their work late Sunday night, passing the budget on a vote of 98 to 49.
Comments (2)
Latifah Taormina
Suggestion: If they truly wish to eliminate unplanned pregnancies and abortions — AND save the state a lot of money — mandate that the sperm giver support the child till he/she is 18. There is no state cost to doing this, it puts responsibilities on the individuals themselves, and leaves money to support the arts, the elderly, and other programs. This is probably a good idea anyway as the parents become the responsible parties. Asking the woman to take all the responsibility is discriminatory and could open the state up to law suits.
If they want to save more money for the state, make marijuana use a misdemeanor that requires community service to clean the slate. This will reduce the prison population, saving tons of more money for education, the needy, job retraining, arts, etc.
Jim Becka
Everyone should ask themselves how Texas will continue to function when we close quality schools and lay off exceptional teachers. Our future looks gloomy.