The contentious rule that allows a minority of senators to block legislation is again under fire, but Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said the two-thirds rule will continue in the Senate for another session.
2013
Posted in
State Government
Straus Re-elected House Speaker by Acclamation
House Speaker Joe Straus won another term in that position after his challenger, Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, withdrew from the race.
Posted inState Government
Perry: Don’t Start Making Plans to Spend Surplus
Gov. Rick Perry warned Texas lawmakers not to start making grand plans for the multibillion-dollar budget surplus and the growing Rainy Day Fund.
Posted in
Public Education
Land Board Votes to Transfer $300 Million to School Fund
The School Land Board voted Tuesday to release $300 million into the Available School Fund for public schools. The funds had been caught in a standoff between the Legislature and the board, whose members include Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson.
Posted inState Government
Inside the 83rd Session: Find Your Lawmaker
As 181 members of the Texas Legislature work during the 83rd session, use this application to navigate the Capitol and locate lawmakers’ offices.
Posted in
T-Squared
T-Squared: One Site Fits All
Starting today, the Tribune is a “responsive” website, meaning it automatically resizes to whatever device you’re on — and looks damn good doing it.
Posted inState Government
For the 83rd Session, An Updated Directory
The Legislature is back for the 83rd time, and we’ve refreshed our directory of statewide officials and legislators. Many of the old names are here, and so are the names of the numerous freshmen.
Posted in
Higher Education
Community College May Not Lower Price of Degree, Report Says
According to a new report, students who try to save money on bachelor’s degrees by beginning at community colleges tend to borrow as often and as much as their counterparts who begin at a four-year university.
Posted in
State Government
Opening Day: Chambers to Set Rules, Pick Speaker
House Speaker Joe Straus faces a challenge on the first day of the 83rd Texas Legislature, and the Senate gets another run at a rule that empowers political minorities and sometimes frustrates majorities.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
State of Mind: Coastal Texans Push to Reform Windstorm Insurance
Texas’ coastal residents say repeat hikes in premiums by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association have pushed them to rally for change. One coastal lawmaker is preparing to file legislation that would overhaul TWIA.