A little-noticed piece of the fiscal cliff deal approved by Congress this week could mean a windfall for the new Formula One racetrack in Austin. The so-called NASCAR tax credit allows racetracks to potentially write off millions of dollars in costs.
2013
Posted in
State Government
Clearing Texas Rape Kit Backlog Will Cost Millions
It could cost Texas up to $11 million to clear the backlog of some 20,000 untested rape kits in police agencies statewide. If Congress doesn’t come through with funding, lawmakers here in Texas will search for funds to help solve the crimes.
Posted in
Higher Education
Will New Year Bring New University to the Valley?
There is a significant amount of excitement in the Rio Grande Valley about a proposal to combine the University of Texas at Brownsville and the University of Texas-Pan American into a new university that would also have a planned medical school.
Posted in
State Government
Once Again, Legislating Will Interrupt Politicking
It feels like the 2013 legislative session, which gets under way Tuesday, is a five-month interruption of the election season. At some point, elections expanded to fill all of the space between the biennial sessions.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: Jan. 4, 2013
State Rep. David Simpson may be braving an uphill battle in the speaker’s race, but now he’s doing so with two more supporters at his side.
Posted inState Government
The Evening Brief: Jan. 3, 2013
Your evening reading: Cruz, new Texas congressmen sworn in; Gohmert votes for Allen West for speaker; TxDOT suspends use of road signs for gun shows
Posted in
Energy
Water Conservation Ideas Pour In Ahead of Session
Using less water is the cheapest way to meet Texas’ water needs. So what could Texas lawmakers do to promote water savings? Among the proposals are requiring meters on farmers’ wells and a sales-tax exemption for water-efficient appliances.
Posted in
Health care
Amid Legal Drama, Texas Takes Over Women’s Health Program
The state this week launched its own version of the Women’s Health Program, which provides some health services to low-income women. Texas is funding the program on its own after the federal government pulled money following a long-running dispute over Planned Parenthood.
Posted in
State Government
State Officials Seek End to Federal Election Oversight
The U.S. Supreme Court may determine the fate of a key provision of the Voting Rights Act that became an Achilles’ heel for Republican lawmakers this year. That could free Texas from federal oversight in election laws.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
State of Mind: A Plan for West Texas Water Woes
For thousands of West Texans, severe water restrictions are in store if the heavens don’t provide precipitation soon. State leaders say the unrelenting drought means they must find a way to fund a statewide water plan.