Pomp and circumstance filled the pink dome for the start of the 83rd Texas legislative session on Tuesday, and the Tribune cameras were there to capture the scenes.
2013
Posted in
State Government
Session’s First Day Long on Pomp, but Leaders Also Address Priorities
Texas legislators started their 83rd session with leaders who want to focus on water, infrastructure, budget transparency, education — and, perhaps, some tax relief.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT-Austin Names Center for Former Gov. Bill Clements
The University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday is announcing its new William P. Clements Jr. Center on History, Strategy and Statecraft, named for the former governor of Texas.
Posted in
State Government
The Brief: Jan. 9, 2013
Gov. Rick Perry injected a note of caution into the otherwise low-drama first day of the 83rd Legislature.
Posted in
State Government
Video: Session Opener Packed a Few Surprises
On day one of the 83rd Legislature, the House Speaker’s race turned out not to be much of a competition, and an unexpected event forced Gov. Perry to pause during his remarks to the Senate.
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State Government
Video: Simpson Withdraws From Speaker’s Race
Saying he wasn’t certain of victory and didn’t want to put other members at risk by forcing a vote, Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, withdrew from the race for House speaker on Tuesday. Watch his full comments from the House floor.
Posted in
Energy
As Oil and Gas Booms, Town Hopes for Transformation
Even a surging local economy, aided by the oil and gas industry, hasn’t spared the coastal town of Port Lavaca from the pain of state budget cuts, which have hit local schools especially hard.
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Energy
LCRA Approves Water Plan Likely to Cut Off Rice Farmers
The Lower Colorado River Authority’s board of directors on Tuesday unanimously approved an emergency plan that could cut off water for most rice farmers downstream to protect supplies for the city of Austin.
Posted in
State Government
Storify: The First Day of the 83rd Legislative Session
Legislators, journalists and others shared thousands of tweets and photos on Tuesday, the first day of the 83rd legislative session. Check out this selection of what they shared.
Posted inState Government
The Evening Brief: Jan. 8, 2013
Your evening reading: Straus re-elected after Simpson withdraws; Dewhurst says Senate will keep two-thirds rule; Perry cautions lawmakers against spending budget surplus