Renewable energy companies are looking to this big, sunny state as the next frontier for solar power. But solar is expensive, and once again the Legislature did not pass a statewide solar incentive. Some companies and communities are forging ahead nonetheless.
June 2011
Posted in
State Government
New Lawmaker’s Crusade Against Government is a Lonely One
In the just-ended legislative session, freshman state Rep. David Simpson made a name for himself — and not always a nice one — with his passionate push for the “anti-groping” airport bill and his outspoken stance against proposals he believed represented government intrusion into personal freedoms.
Posted in
State Government
Interactive Timeline: Rep. David Simpson
Rep. David Simpson, a conservative Tea Party freshman from Longview, stood out in the Texas 82nd legislative session for his principled stance on limited government. His actions stirred criticism, laughs and curiosity from fellow lawmakers. Check out this interactive timeline with links to stories, videos and documents to take a look back at the waves Simpson made in the Texas Legislature.
Posted in
Health care
Unfinished Business, and Then Some
Texas lawmakers are back for a special session that started the day after their 140-day regular session. That’s something like sprinting to the finish of a long race and having your coach yell, just as you break the tape, “One more lap.”
Posted inState Government
Why Club for Growth Endorsed Ted Cruz for Senate
“We’re convinced he’ll be a leader,” the bellwether conservative group’s president tells the Tribune. “He’s committed to pro-growth issues. When we find someone like him, we move quickly.”
Posted in
State Government
“Anti-Groping” Bill May Be Reborn in Special Session
The “anti-groping” bill may not be dead just yet. State Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, who authored the original bill, is renewing his quest to uphold the Fourth Amendment in the special session.
Posted in
State Government
Change in Campaign Law Would Eliminate Penalties For Violators
Texas politicians with mistakes on their campaign finance reports will be able to correct them without penalties if the governor signs a bill approved during the regular legislative session.
Posted in
Demographics
Williams Files Sanctuary Cities, Secure Communities Bill
Three contentious and broad-based immigration and homeland security issues have been rolled into one bill filed today by a Republican state senator.
Posted inState Government
Sources: Williams May Switch to U.S. House Race
Former Railroad Commissioner Michael Wiliams, who announced his intention back in January to seek the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Kay Bailey Hutchison, is likely to drop out of that race and instead run for a newly created congressional seat, multiple sources tell the Tribune.
Posted inState Government
The Midday Brief: June 2, 2011
Your afternoon reading: congressional map proposal to change, leader says; Cruz nets key endorsement for U.S. Senate; highlights from the 82nd legislative session