State Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, walked the floor shaking hands and receiving hugs from his colleagues in the waning hours of the 82nd regular session, which — after 22 years in the Texas House — will be his last.
May 2011
Posted in
Health care
Updated: Perry Gives New Session, With New Rules, Its Agenda
First two items on the call from Gov. Rick Perry: The “non-revenue” and school finance bill, and the Medicaid reforms that were in SB 23. That’s where we start, and the governor can add as we go.
Posted in
State Government
Video: GOP Praises Fiscally “Responsible” Session
Republican members of the Texas House reflected on the end of the regular session late Monday. Speaker Joe Straus praised lawmakers for showing “great discipline” and focus, while GOP Caucus Chair Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, warned Democrats they made a “bad strategic” move by pushing for a special session.
Posted in
Health care
House and Senate Adjourn; Special Session to Begin Tuesday
Both the House and Senate have adjourned sine die. But without a school finance deal in the Senate, Gov. Rick Perry is expected to call a special session for 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Posted in
Public Education
Video: Dems Ready for Special Session
Texas Democrats, unhappy with the GOP budget, discussed possible strategies today for the coming special session.
Posted in
Public Education
Guest Column: Dems Face Uphill Battle Winning Public Opinion
Republican skepticism about public education spending joined with the governor’s determination to hold the line on spending, including on public education, is likely to carry the day — whether it takes a few hours or 30 more days.
Posted in
State Government
Updated: Dems Say Bring on the Special Session
House and Senate Democrats said today a special session would bring transparency to the school finance process and a greater awareness of how the deep funding cuts to government services will affect Texans’ daily lives.
Posted inState Government
The Midday Brief: May 30, 2011
Your afternoon reading: special session strategy; House Democrats take aim at Straus; texting ban goes to the governor
Posted in
State Government
Video: Perry Remembers Clements
Gov. Rick Perry remarked Monday on the passing of former Texas Gov. William “Bill” Clements Jr.
Posted in
Public Education
Video: “She Raised A Hurdle. That’s Her Call.”
Gov. Rick Perry talked this morning about the late-night filibuster by state Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, that kept the upper chamber from voting on SB 1811, a critical piece of the budget puzzle.