Plans to build a coal plant called the White Stallion Energy Center near Bay City have stirred considerable controversy, as residents near and far worry about air pollution and the huge amounts of water needed to operate the plant.
June 2011
Posted in
Demographics
Sanctuary Cities Bills On Hold, On the Clock
A decision on the whether to advance the state’s pending “sanctuary cities” legislation will not be made until Monday, leaving less time for lawmakers to consider the bills before Wednesday’s special session deadline.
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: How Much Does the Capitol Recycle?
Hey, Texplainer: How much does the Texas Capitol recycle during a legislative session? During this session, 72 tons of paper, plastic and aluminum, bringing in $12,000 to the fund that maintains state buildings.
Posted in
Demographics
Latino Leaders Give Perry Lukewarm Response
Texas Gov. Rick Perry made no mention of the federal government’s overreach or the violence he says is spilling across the state’s border during a brief and tense public appearance today before hundreds of Latino elected officials.
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: What Happens to a Bill Perry Doesn’t Sign or Veto?
Hey Texplainer: What happens to the bills that Perry doesn’t sign or veto? Gov. Rick Perry has vetoed and signed a multitude of bills this year, but to date there have been 27 he allowed to become law by default.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
The Midday Brief: Top Texas Headlines for June 23, 2011
Your afternoon reading: Could ghosts of Gov. Rick Perry’s past affect his presidential intentions? Meanwhile, parents prepare for budget cuts in the classroom, and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst says he’ll reveal his next campaign move in July.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Updated: Advocates Say Change to Strip Club Fee is Dead
Advocates for a $5 “pole tax” on strip club patrons that raises money for state services say their effort to change which programs benefit from the fee is dead.
Posted in
Demographics
The Brief: Top Texas News for June 23, 2011
Lawmakers to lobbyists: Butt out of TWIA fight.
Posted in
Demographics
Students, Federal Memo Muddle “Sanctuary Cities”
Tearful testimony from students brought to the country illegally and a new ICE directive that stresses discretionary enforcement has raised more concerns over the state’s pending “sanctuary cities” legislation.
Posted inState Government
Rep. Aaron Peña on His Political Future
The political ambitions of state Rep. Aaron Peña, R-Edinburg, have been the subject of speculation since he switched parties prior to the recent legislative session. But he’s announcing that, for now at least, he doesn’t intend to go anywhere.