The Evening Brief: March 8, 2013
Your evening reading: hearing exposes divide over Medicaid expansion; Texas' uninsured rate still highest in nation; Patrick files tax credit scholarship legislation Full Story
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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Polling Center: UT/TT Poll Changes With Evolving Environment
By increasing our sample size and providing more analyses of the data in our blog, we hope to provide interested parties with what they seek: in-depth coverage of the actors and issues that are driving important parts of the political process in the state. Full Story
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![Voters wait in line to cast their ballots at a polling station in the Hancock Center on Tuesday Nov. 6, 2012 in Austin, Texas.]()
Credit: Tamir Kalifa -
TribCast Plus: A Deeper Look at the UT/TT Poll
The guys behind the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll — Jim Henson, Daron Shaw and Joshua Blank — sit down with Reeve for a special edition of the TribCast to shed some light on their process and the significance of their latest numbers. Full Story
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Ellis, Duncan File Compromise Criminal Discovery Bill
Two state senators filed a measure on Friday that they hope will bring more transparency to criminal trials and prevent wrongful convictions by requiring prosecutors and defense lawyers to share information. Full Story
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![Michael Morton at the Williamson County Courthouse, Feb 6, 2013.]()
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Patrick Presents Details of Tax Credit Scholarship Plan
State Sen. Dan Patrick has filed legislation to create an Equal Opportunity Scholarship Program, which would allow economically disadvantaged and at-risk students who attend public schools to transfer to private schools. Full Story
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![Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Sen. Dan Patrick R-Houston, during press conference to discuss education reform in Texas including school choice.]()
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The Polling Center: Handle Those Perry-Abbott Numbers With Care
There is less to those Rick Perry-Greg Abbott horserace numbers than you might think. It's early, for one thing, and campaigns and voter attitudes change things dramatically. Plus, the two might never face off on a ballot. Full Story
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![A conversation with Greg Abbott, Attorney General, and Evan Smith at The Austin Club October 4, 2012.]()
Credit: Tamir Kalifa -
TribLive: A Conversation with Jimmie Don Aycock
Full video of my 3/7 conversation with state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, the chairman of the House Public Education Committee. Full Story
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Legislature May Restrict Use of Cell Phone Records by Law Enforcement
Texas lawmakers are considering a bill filed by Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, that would require police and prosecutors to prove there is a probable cause of illegal activity before obtaining suspects' cell phone records. Full Story
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![Austin Police detectives regularly use cell phone records to track the locations of suspects.]()
Credit: Tamir Kalifa -
Conservatives Revive Proposal for Term Limits
With a Republican majority in the state House, Senate and state congressional delegation, it seems like a strange time for conservatives to renew a push for instituting term limits. But some conservatives are doing just that. Full Story
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Fracking Increase Spurs Fears Over Water Use
The amount of water used in hydraulic fracturing has stirred concerns around Texas, especially as the drought wears on. Aware that they are under the spotlight, drillers are testing out recycling and other water-saving techniques. Full Story
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![A water truck parked near a West Texas drilling rig. Oil and gas companies' use of water for hydraulic fracturing has sparked growing concerns.]()
Credit: Jerod Foster -
UT/TT Poll: Texans Show Support for Ending Federal Election Oversight
Texans favor ending federal oversight of state election laws, according to the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. And an overhaul of federal immigration laws that includes a pathway to citizenship for people who are now in the country illegally would have the support of a narrow majority. Full Story
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The Brief: March 8, 2013
Is the tide turning on Medicaid expansion in Texas? Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Lawmakers Seeking "Texas Solution" to Medicaid Reform
As GOP governors across the country negotiate deals to draw down federal Medicaid dollars, long-resistant Texas Republicans are beginning to consider changes to the health program that might allow the state to tap into the funds. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
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