In today’s Brief: State lawmakers are now calling for a review of the state Capitol’s sexual harassment policies, a new report finds that homeless youth in Texas are slipping through the cracks and a host of committee hearings at the state and national level are happening today. 
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICIES SCRUTINIZED

In the 24 hours following The Texas Tribune's story on sexual harassment going unchecked at the state Capitol, lawmakers in both chambers have called for a review of those policies — including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus. 

Ross Ramsey asks: Can the "boys club culture" at #txlege ever change? Give us your thoughts with #MyTexasTake on Twitter and Facebook.
 

REPORT: TEXAS' HOMELESS YOUTH SLIPPING THROUGH CRACKS 

Texas' spotty system of programs and resources insufficiently supports the state's homeless youth, per a report released today by Texas Appleseed and Texas Network of Youth Services. 

The solution? The report includes a recommendation to initiate a statewide task force that could identify funding strategies and increase resources for transition centers — the places that aid homeless youth when they fall victim to crime, among other things. 
 

BRING ON THE HEARINGS

In Washington: The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is set to kick off its confirmation hearings for Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett and Dallas attorney James Ho, the two Texans President Donald Trump nominated to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Emma Platoff will be bringing you updates. 

In the Texas House: The House Select Committee on Economic Competitiveness is holding its first hearing today at 10 a.m. Follow Matthew Choi for updates. 

In the Texas Senate: The Senate Transportation Committee is holding a hearing at 9 this morning to discuss Hurricane Harvey-related transportation issues. Edgar Walters is your go-to for updates. 

Other stories we're watching today

• Join us on Facebook today at 2:30 for our live recording of the TribCast. We're talking about sexual harassment at the Texas Capitol and about Ted Cruz and John Cornyn retracting their endorsement of U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore. Got questions? Reply to this email with your question or tweet it with #TribCast. 

We're testing a few changes around here. What do you think? Send your thoughts to thebrief@texastribune.org. 

BEST OF THE TRIB

• Harvey-damaged school districts want Texas lawmakers to waive school accountability ratings. 

• A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. John Cornyn blamed a "glitch" after his website asked visitors to submit a Social Security number before sending a comment. 

• Three Texas Republicans in Congress are among those who spent the most at President Donald Trump's properties over the last year. 

• New in TribTalk: Bipartisanship inspired by our nation's heroes 

 

BEST OF THE REST

Paywall content noted with $.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Traveling between Fort Worth and Dallas by high-speed rail getting closer to reality 

U.S. News: Experts: Bush groping allegations would be hard to prosecute

KUT: Children's health program in Texas is weeks away from "chaos," advocates warn

The Houston Chronicle: Crowded field emerges to vie for U.S. Rep. Gene Green's seat ($)

The Austin American-Statesman: AISD to change Confederate school names, even if community disagrees ($)

San Antonio Express-News: Wendy Davis says it would take a "lobotomy" for her to run for governor in 2018 ($)

The Dallas Morning News: House reauthorizes, revamps federal flood insurance program in wake of Harvey ($)
 

PENCIL US IN

Join us in San Antonio on Nov. 17 and 18 for a symposium on immigration, where we'll discuss everything from rhetoric on the subject under the Trump administration to recent actions of #txlege. Have a question? Tweet them to us with #AskTrib, and read our brief guide to the event.

THE LAST WORD


"F stands for flood, not a failing district."

— Charlotte Baker, director of the Texas Education Agency's service center in Victoria, during a committee hearing where Harvey-affected superintendents asked the state to waive school accountability ratings. 

Thanks for reading The Brief, our daily dispatch on Texas politics, public policy and everything in between. Please shoot me your tips and feedback at cpollock@texastribune.org. Love this newsletter? Consider making a donation in support of our nonprofit newsroom. — Cassi Pollock
Disclosure: Texas Appleseed has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors is available here.
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