The Midday Brief: June 2, 2011

New in The Texas Tribune:

• "A top state Republican said Thursday that the newly proposed congressional map, which includes an odd-looking 'horseshoe' district stretching from the northwestern edge of Harris County to the Louisiana border, will undergo significant changes." — Solomons: Congressional Map Will Change

• "The Senate Finance Committee — for the second time — has passed out measures designed to make Medicaid more efficient and effective, and to open the door for medical professions and institutions to collaborate." — Health Bills in Legislative Committees, Again 

• "Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson and Justice Nathan Hecht sent lawmakers a letter Wednesday, urging them to find $20 million during the special session to help needy people access civil courts." — Supreme Court Justices Plead for Legal Aid Dollars

• "Early in the session, there was much talk about how the time was right to invest in new university campus facilities. But a bill to issue bonds to get projects off the ground never managed to do so itself. Could it get another chance in the special session?" — A Second Chance for Campus Construction Projects?

• "The Trib's multimedia team highlights some of the most memorable — and surprising — moments from the 82nd legislative session. Our lawmakers sure do love to make a statement, complete with finger pointing, yelling and props." — The 82nd Lege Session: The Highlights Reel

Your afternoon reading:

• "Republican Ted Cruz has picked up a key endorsement in the U.S. Senate race from FreedomWorks PAC, a Washington advocacy group active in building the tea party movement. FreedomWorks PAC president Matt Kibbe touted Cruz as a strong advocate of limited government." — Ted Cruz endorsed by Tea Party group FreedomWorks, Trail Blazers

• "'I think he'd have a good story to tell ... about the Texas success story and the Texas model,' U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said Wednesday." — Cornyn says Perry would do well as presidential candidate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

• "If teachers must work an increasing number of hours and can’t do the kind of teaching that makes a difference, why stick with the profession?" — Hard Lessons, The Texas Observer