At our Hot Seat conversation at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, and U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, talked state and national politics and previewed both the 83rd session and the 113th Congress.
November 2012
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Bill Would Restrict Informant Testimony in Death Penalty Cases
Reform advocates argue that a bill banning “snitch” testimony would help prevent wrongful convictions. But critics of the measure say that current rules protect defendants and that eliminating such testimony could tie prosecutors’ hands.
Posted in
Public Education
Case May Affect Future of High-Tech Student IDs
Between a legal challenge and a proposed bill, the usage of radio frequency ID cards — which can track the whereabouts of students while on campus — is coming under increasing pressure.
Posted in
Public Education
Texas School Districts, Charters Are Finalists in Federal Competition
A few Texas school districts and charters are finalists for funds through a new version of the Obama administration’s Race to the Top program. Texas had refused to participate in the program at the state level in 2010, citing concerns over federal intrusion into Texas classrooms.
Posted in
Energy
State’s Crowded Electricity Market Often Masks Prices
State regulators say it all the time: Texas’ competitive electricity market benefits customers by letting them shop for the best prices. But in many parts of the state, the complex market has left consumers paying more than they should be.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: Nov. 28, 2012
So much for Texas Republicans losing their clout in Congress next year.
Posted inState Government
The Evening Brief: Nov. 27, 2012
Your evening reading: McCaul to chair Homeland Security Committee; Hutchison introduces alternative to DREAM Act; new Texas secretary of state named
Posted inState Government
McCaul to Be Named Chairman of Homeland Security Committee
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, will be named the chairman of the powerful House Committee on Homeland Security later today, Republican sources have confirmed.
Posted in
Public Education
Texas High School Graduation Rates Among Highest in U.S.
According to new U.S. Department of Education data, Texas has the fourth-highest graduation rate in the nation.
Posted in
Demographics
Hutchison Co-authors Immigration Bill That Focuses on Minors
Outgoing U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison on Tuesday introduced a bill that would provide legal status for immigrants brought to the country illegally as minors. She made clear that the proposal does not guarantee citizenship.