The Midday Brief: July 11, 2011

Your afternoon reading:

• "Texas Gov. Rick Perry may be edging closer to entering the race to win the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. Multiple Republican sources tell NH Journal that Perry is calling top-shelf Republican leaders in the Granite State." — Perry calling big name Republicans in New Hampshire, NH Journal

• "Absenteeism was a big problem during the Legislature’s recent 30-day special session, but dozens of lawmakers who didn’t show up continued to collect taxpayer money to cover their living expenses." — Few lawmakers turned down taxpayers’ help with living expenses during special session, Postcards
  

• "The week in Washington starts with a House vote to repeal a 2007 law that phases out the traditional incandescent light bulb. … The House bill is sponsored by Rep. Joe Barton, R-Arlington, who says the measure is "about personal freedom." — Texas Republicans aim to block energy efficiency, pollution rules, Trail Blazers

• "City of Bryan Mayor Jason Bienski announced Saturday he will not run for the recently vacated seat in the Texas House of Representatives." — Bryan mayor won’t seek Brown’s seat, The Battalion

New in The Texas Tribune:

• "In the fall, the anticipated consequences of a $4 billion reduction in state financing to school districts will begin to become apparent to Texas students and their parents. For some, though, the most drastic change will come in the spring, when 350,000 new ninth graders will be the first to take the end-of-course exams that are part of the new standardized testing system known as STAAR." — School Counselors Face More Duties With STAAR