Ben Philpott is a senior reporter for KUT-FM, Austin's National Public Radio affiliate. He has been covering state politics and dozens of other topics for the station since 2002, during which time he has been recognized for outstanding radio journalism by the Radio and Television News Directors Association, Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, the Houston Press Club and the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters. Before moving to Texas, he worked in public radio in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala., and at several television stations in Alabama and Tennessee. Born in New York City and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn., Philpott graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in broadcast journalism.
bphilpott@texastribune.org
512-716-8685
Ben, Evan, Ross and Emily discuss the new items that Gov. Rick Perry has added to the special session agenda, redistricting and Texas Monthly's just-released list of the best and worst lawmakers for 2013.
Full StoryOn the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: This week marked the end of a long legislative journey for one bill and the beginning for another.
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Higher education was having a great legislative session — until the very end, when a plan to issue billions of dollars in bonds for campus construction projects died.
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Those hoping for a quick special session may be disappointed. As lawmakers learned last week, there's nothing quick or easy about redistricting.
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Texas lawmakers may still be hanging around the Capitol for a special legislative session, but their minds are wandering toward 2014.
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Thwarted attempts at boosting the Texas Department of Transportation's budget could get another shot in the special session.
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Lawmakers ended the regular session declaring victory on water, but will voters agree to fund the projects lawmakers say the state desperately needs?
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: The special session on redistricting is under way, but unlike previous redistricting efforts in Texas, most of the action this time may not take place at the Capitol.
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: It's the final weekend of the 83rd legislative session. Lawmakers still need to finish up the budget, and we answer more listener questions.
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Budget negotiators may have hit another speed bump, and we answer your questions about the session.
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Another week, another series of legislative deadlines and another edition of Bill Kill.
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: A look at how quickly things can change in the waning days of a Texas legislative session.
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Several twists and turns marked Thursday's budget negotiations, and major sticking points remain.
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Efforts to include Texas in the Affordable Care Act's expansion of Medicaid have come down to a single budget rider.
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: A plan to fund future water infrastructure projects in Texas may be back from the dead.
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