The Midday Brief: Top Texas Headlines for March 3, 2011

Your afternoon reading:

• "Gov. Rick Perry doesn't want to use the rainy-day fund, but state Comptroller Susan Combs told budget-writers today she sees no way for lawmakers to meet the deficit in the current budget through cuts alone." — Combs weighs in on rainy-day fund; Pitts has more revenue options, Texas Politics

• "The United States has formally asked Mexico to turn over to the suspected murder of ICE Special Agent Jaime Zapata for trial in an American court, President Obama told a news conference today at the White House." — US asks Mexico to turn over suspect in killing of ICE agent, Texas on the Potomac

• "Proponents of slot machines at Texas race tracks are making their move at the Capitol by filing bills Thursday that would allow the additional gambling." — Texas lawmakers file bills to allow slots at race tracks, The Dallas Morning News

• "A possible spike in teacher retirements could drain the state fund that provides retiree health care within the next two-year budget, senators were told on Wednesday." — Budget cuts could hit retired teachers' health insurance, Austin American-Statesman

New in The Texas Tribune:

• "With the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department facing budget cuts and park closures, lawmakers are looking at an unconventional solution — advertising in parks — to help pay for maintenance and promote tourism." — Bill Would Allow Advertising at State Parks

• "Curious what legislators are saying on the House and Senate floor? Since the start of the 82nd legislative session, the Tribune has posted day-after transcripts. Now we’re brainstorming ways to make them more searchable and interactive." — Interactive: Word Count From House Transcripts