The oil industry vigorously opposed efforts to list the threatened dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species. But three oil company lobbyists were given day-to-day oversight of the effort to save the reptile.
April 2013
Posted in
State Government
The Brief: April 24, 2013
Surprise votes in both chambers of the Legislature capped off a dramatic day at the Capitol on Tuesday.
Posted in
Economy
Senate Backs $5.7 Billion Plan for Roads, Water, Schools
After spending most of the day locked away in negotiations, the Senate unanimously approved a measure pulling $5.7 billion from the Rainy Day Fund for water and road projects and public education.
Posted in
State Government
House Committee Gives Tesla Motors a Chance
UPDATED: A bill that would allow Tesla Motors to circumvent the state’s franchise dealer system and sell cars directly to Texans is advancing to the full House.
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Politics
Agenda Texas: Defending the “Texas Miracle”
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Erica Grieder, author of the new book Big, Hot, Cheap, and Right: What America Can Learn from the Strange Genius of Texas, on why she’s defending the “Texas miracle.”
Posted inState Government
The Evening Brief: April 23, 2013
Your evening reading: House reverses vote abolishing Lottery Commission; Medicaid reform proposal advances; Cornyn tops Senate Republicans in fundraising
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State Government
Senate Approves Bill Targeting Child Hunger
UPDATED: The one in four Texas children who are food insecure could be assured a free meal every school day — breakfast — if a bill approved by the Senate on Tuesday continues to advance.
Posted in
Higher Education
Senate Approves Bonds for Campus Construction Projects
Construction projects at higher-education campuses across the state would get an infusion of $2.4 billion through a bill that senators approved Tuesday. The measure now goes to the House.
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State Government
House Makes Switch on Texas Lottery Commission
UPDATED: After unexpectedly voting to end the Texas Lottery Commission earlier Tuesday, the Texas House reversed course Tuesday afternoon with a vote to continue the commission.
Posted in
Inside Intelligence
Inside Intelligence: About That Road Money…
For this week’s nonscientific survey of insiders in government and politics, we asked about transportation and, more specifically, how to pay for expansion and maintenance of the state’s transportation infrastructure.