Liveblog: Speaker Straus at the Texas Tribune Festival

Straus has entered the room

Evan calls this "politics church." Yes, it's a little early on a Sunday morning to be chomping down on weighty legislative issues.

Question on committee chairmanships. Straus says House doesn't name chairs until session.

Straus says naming chairs "takes some time." Says there are a variety of chairmanships that are open. "You never know what will happen in the rules process."

Asked about a single education committee (higher ed and public ed) Straus says if there is a better way to structure committees he is open to it.

Straus says "of course, yes" there will be Democratic committee chairs. Says he doesn't want to make TX Capitol like Washington. "I do not want that to happen here in our Capitol ... I want more Republicans than Democrats ..."

Straus: "I think the Congress should be more like the Texas Legislature."

About budget and revenue: "I'm cautious about forecasting too far into the future ... other than to remain optimistic ... looks like we''ll have more money in this current budget."

Straus: "I worry about the underlying strength of the economy." He says he worries TX becoming too dependent on oil and gas.

About budget compact, Straus says "I don't favor new taxes, no." But he won't pledge or promise in advance: "I don't sign compacts or these various pledges that go around." Says he shares views of Jeb Bush on this topic.

Straus: "I'm for growing the private sector." He says the rainy day fund should be "treated very very carefully."

Asked about previous quote regarding not cutting way to prosperity, Straus says it was "poor choice of words" and indicates he was referring to further education cuts.

About infrastructure challenges, Straus says TX can't throw up hands and say problem is too big. Warns TX  "dangerously close" to not preparing for growing population.

Straus notes there are 5 million children in TX public schools. "It isn't all about the money" ... "It's high time" to look at way public finance is handled. "It's time to have that discussion."

Voucher plan: Straus says "too early to say." Says there needs to be a "thorough vetting" of issues before "backstapping" on House floor happens.

Higher education spending is not a "subsidy." It's an obligation. Says we are "dangerously close" to harming our reputation. "If want to continue to bring the very smartest people to Texas," we need to be "more positive."

Straus: "Reputation matters." Despite Texas bravado tradition, "to say we don't care what other people think ... is at least inaccurate."

Regarding in-state tuition for certain illegal immigrants, Straus says he wants more information about how the program has worked. Said he suspects it might be supported again in Legislature for same reason it was passed in 2001.

At fed level, says he is in favor of giving tax breaks and possibly subsidies to individuals, but not tie to employment for health insurance.

Straus says system of tying health insurance to employment is "fundamentally flawed.''

Straus stressing over and over that Texas is very close to slipping behind other states in preparing for future

Straus stressing over and over that Texas is very close to slipping behind other states in preparing for future

Evan asks Straus: What is Trey Martinez Fischer's problem with you? Straus says main problem is Republicans in majority.

Straus says he and TMF are friends. About redistricting: "It will work itself out."

Straus regarding Satan: "He isn't going to be a committee chairman."

Straus about separation of church and state: "With all due respect to the governor ... I would recommend eveyboyd just taking a time out." Said founding fathers endeavored to "protect religion from overzealous politicians."

Straus "not for the expansion of Medicaid at this time." Said it would put Texas on an "unsustainable path." Said it's "smart of the governor to be cautious." Hopes there will be GOP administration to compromise with. And if Obama in WH? Says always willing to talk to administration.

Straus: "We have to make progress" on providing water for growing state or will face wrath of voters.

Toll roads? Straus says it's "the only alternative some communities have had." Said he's not viscerally against, but says tolls should not be only option.

About four-year tuition freeze idea: "It sounds like an intriguing idea" but wants to know more about it.

Straus supports "quality pre-K."

And that ends our liveblog of Speaker Straus