This month, the state’s Sunset Advisory Commission released a series of recommendations on how the Railroad Commission — which governs the oil and gas industry, not railroads — could better serve the state. Among the recommendations: a name change.
November 2012
Posted in
Energy
Enthusiasm Declines Over “Smart” Meters Program
Millions of “smart” electricity meters have been installed in homes, but now some Texans say the program should be optional. And some lawmakers are listening.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: Nov. 26, 2012
Three weeks after the election, secession fever hasn’t been quieted in Texas.
Posted in
Higher Education
For South Texas, No Easy Road to Medical School
South Texas health leaders say they’ve waited long enough to establish a medical school in the Rio Grande Valley. But they’ve got some major hurdles to cross to get from blueprints to bricks and mortar.
Posted inState Government
TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
Our interactive look back at the just-ended election cycle, Aaronson and White on fetal pain, Aaronson on the possible end of abortion by telemedicine, Aguilar on immigration bills in the 83rd session, Hamilton on Austin’s plans for a medical school, Murphy on which Texas candidates got Super PAC love, Ramsey on the start of the 2014 campaign, Root on lawmaker-lobbyist ties and Formula One’s afterglow and my sit-down with three incoming House members: The best of our best content from November 19-23, 2012.
Posted in
State Government
Candidates for 2014 Already Getting Busy
The 2012 elections just ended, and whether you’re ready for it or not, the candidates for 2014 have already started their political engines.
Posted in
Health care
Abortion Opponents Back Fetal Pain Bill, More Physician Restrictions
Anti-abortion advocates in Texas championed a string of successful measures in the 2011 Texas legislative session. For the upcoming 2013 session, they are trying to up the ante.
Posted in
Higher Education
With “Puzzle” Complete, UT-Austin Med School Plans Move Forward
With affirmation from voters, little stands between the University of Texas at Austin and its desired medical school except hard work and collaboration. It could open as early as 2015, though leaders say 2016 is probably more realistic.
Posted inState Government
Murky Rules for Lawmaker-Lobbyist Ties
Some lawmakers revealed lobbyist ties to investments they made in politically connected banks, and others didn’t. It highlights a murky area of the state ethics law — and one some argue needs to change.
Posted in
Health care
The Future of the Women’s Health Program in Texas
The end is near for the federally funded Women’s Health Program. Could a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood really stand in the way of the state launching the Texas Women’s Health Program to replace it?
