The Brief: March 6, 2015

The Big Conversation

To close the week, we highlight a couple of trend stories detailing the continued population boom in the Lone Star State.

First of all, the state demographer released new projections on Thursday that predicted Texas' population will double to 54.4 million by 2050. The state’s elderly population, meanwhile, is expected to increase by a greater rate — from 2.6 million residents over age 65 in 2010 to 9.4 million in 2050.

But, as the Tribune's Alexa Ura writes, "Because migrants tend to be young adults between the ages of 20 and 34, Texas will have a younger population in 2050 than it would have without migration to the state. This will be beneficial to a state looking to provide for the elderly because migration patterns will lead to more workers per retiree."

Meanwhile, Slate looks at census numbers on population growth in the nation's 25 largest cities and finds that Austin has grown the most in the post-recession years from 2010-13. In fact, the city's population growth rate of 12 percent far surpasses that of the second-place city of Charlotte, which grew at an 8.4 percent rate.

The reason for such explosive growth?

"It's not much of a mystery why Austin has fared so well. The city was only lightly affected by the recession, thanks in part to the fact that Texas was generally spared a housing bust, and its local economy is anchored by a state government, a massive university, and a tech scene. And yes, it's fun and still at least a tiny bit weird (RIP Leslie)."

The Day Ahead

•    The House budget subcommittee on Article III meets at 7:30 a.m. to discuss budget recommendations (E1.030).

•    The Third Annual American Constitution Society Student Convention begins at 1:30 p.m. its two-day run at the University of Texas School of Law. The agenda includes featured speakers Cecile Richards and Wendy Davis.

Trib Must-Reads

In Funding Fight, Cancer Care Could Be Collateral Damage, by Alexa Ura

Lawmaker Wants to Know Immigration Impact, by Julián Aguilar

Race "Wide Open" As Texas Republicans Weigh New Chair, by Patrick Svitek

State Accuses Obama Administration of Misleading Judge, by Julián Aguilar

Judge Removed in Case Against Conservative Activist, by John Reynolds

"Texting is the King of Distraction," Lobbyist Tells Panel, by Eva Hershaw

Funding for More DPS Border Officers Gets Tentative OK, by Julián Aguilar

Jeb Bush Picks Up Major East Texas Fundraiser, by Abby Livingston

Abbott's UT Regent Appointees Head to Full Senate, by Bobby Blanchard

Rick Perry Supporters Form Opportunity and Freedom PAC, by Patrick Svitek

Elsewhere

Big businesses fear they’ll miss out on Texas tax cuts, The Dallas Morning News

Remembering Former Land Commissioner Bob Armstrong, Texas Observer

At the Capitol, tide turns against education law born in Texas, Houston Chronicle

Garcia: Candidates line up to succeed Menéndez, San Antonio Express-News

Bankruptcy opens another chapter in oil downturn, Houston Chronicle

Texas Lawmaker Files Bill Striking Down LGBT Protections, Texas Observer

White House, Elizabeth Warren team up to roll back GOP state dominance, Politico

Quote to Note

“Nobody was injured, except now people have glitter on their clothes.”

— U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., spokeswoman Jennifer Allen, describing the glitter bombing of their Lincoln, Neb., office

Today in TribTalk

Selling climate change action in Texas, by Ben Parry

News From Home

•    On Sunday, we're launching a five-part series titled "Undrinkable." It looks at why more than 100,000 Texans along the Mexican border still can’t reliably turn on the tap and get safe, clean water, despite decades and billions of dollars' worth of effort.

•    Until 6 p.m. today, you can amplify the Tribune's impact on Texas during the 24-hour giving Festival, Amplify Austin. We're shifting our fundraising into overdrive in the hope of claiming a portion of the generous matching funds and booster prizes that will be awarded. Are you in?

Visit texastribune.org/amplify today and let's Amplify Texas!

Trib Events for the Calendar

•    On the Road: A Symposium on Water on March 10 at Texas State University in San Marcos

•    Meet the Mayors: Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price on March 12 at The Austin Club

•    A Conversation With UT-Austin Dell Medical School Dean Clay Johnston on March 26 at The Austin Club