The Brief: Nov. 11, 2014

The Big Conversation

Lawmakers filed 365 bills and joint resolutions on Monday, the first day they could pre-file legislation for the upcoming legislative session. Some will serve as the basis for laws that will be enacted by lawmakers. Some are simply the fulfillment of a campaign promise and will go no further.

The practical effect of filing a bill on Monday rather than later on is that it gets a relatively low bill number. "I think getting a low number, getting an early scheduled hearing, I think that helps you," state Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, told the Tribune's Bobby Blanchard. "When you get a bill filed early, it gives you a chance and it gives people a chance to kind of view it and know its there."

Craddick filed legislation again to ban texting while driving, continuing what has become an ongoing legislative priority for the veteran lawmaker.

Other bills would tackle hot-button political issues like open carry, gay marriage and raising the minimum wage. Others, though, would seem to address a need for which the time hasn't come, such as a bill exempting Texas from daylight savings time.

The Day Ahead

•    Today is the observance of Veterans Day. Federal and state agencies are closed.

•    Gov.-elect Greg Abbott is in Brownsville for an 11 a.m. Veterans Day service. He will then participate in an economic development roundtable. He returns to Austin where he will meet with the press at 4 p.m. to give an update on his gubernatorial transition.

•    Former President George W. Bush formally presents his new biography of his father, former President George H.W. Bush, in an 11:30 a.m. conversation with former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card Jr. at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station.

Trib Must-Reads

Oil Boom Presents Challenges for Longtime Crop Dusters, by Tamir Kalifa

Feds Have New Leverage in Medicaid Showdown, by Edgar Walters

Vaqueros Won, But the Broncs Are Still Fighting, by Reeve Hamilton

Sources: Roy Tops AG-Elect Paxton's Hiring List, by Ross Ramsey

Judge Strikes Down State Plans for "Historical Racing", by Aman Batheja

San Antonio Mayor's Race Could Spark Political Shuffle, by Alexa Ura

Mistrial Declared in Reynolds' Barratry Case, by Alana Rocha

Elsewhere

Master of the Senate, Texas Monthly

Dewhurst to start 'large public policy venture,' consider future run for office, Houston Chronicle

Joaquin Castro, Joe Kennedy considered to run Democratic comeback campaign, Politico

Castro twins take their place on a national stage, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Texas lawmakers: Keep business incentives, but make changes, Austin American-Statesman

Oil rigs in retreat as prices sink, Houston Chronicle

Potentially illegally ‘sweepstakes’ games raise millions for veterans, KXAN-TV

Quote to Note

“I’m preparing. I think that’s the best answer I can give you. In the next five to six months I will make that decision and appropriately so.”

— Gov. Rick Perry, in New Hampshire a week after the midterm elections insisting he's not close to deciding on a second run for the White House

Today in TribTalk

The new face of veteran homelessness, by Lily Casura

News From Home

•    The Texas Tribune is the only member-supported, digitally focused, nonpartisan news organization that informs and engages with Texans about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Become a member today to support this critical mission.

•    The Texas Tribune’s 5th Anniversary Member Celebration is set for Nov. 12.

Trib Events for the Calendar

•    A Panel Discussion on Education 2.0, on Nov. 13 at the San Antonio Central Library

•    A Special TribLive Happy Hour Panel Discussion Assessing Rick Perry’s Legacy, on Nov. 18 on the patio at El Arroyo

•    A Conversation With Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on Dec. 4 at The Austin Club