Hey, Texplainer: How much does the Texas Capitol recycle during a legislative session? During this session, 72 tons of paper, plastic and aluminum, bringing in $12,000 to the fund that maintains state buildings. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Recycling-Bin.jpg)
Texas Gov. Rick Perry made no mention of the federal government’s overreach or the violence he says is spilling across the state’s border during a brief and tense public appearance today before hundreds of Latino elected officials. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/98df87535ab3f37bb9bb9d01a5092fe1/BD%20INC%20Perry%20Naleo%2002%202011)
Hey Texplainer: What happens to the bills that Perry doesn't sign or veto? Gov. Rick Perry has vetoed and signed a multitude of bills this year, but to date there have been 27 he allowed to become law by default. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/_KCA9930.jpg)
Your afternoon reading: Could ghosts of Gov. Rick Perry's past affect his presidential intentions? Meanwhile, parents prepare for budget cuts in the classroom, and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst says he'll reveal his next campaign move in July. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/PerryWithFlag.jpg)
Advocates for a $5 "pole tax" on strip club patrons that raises money for state services say their effort to change which programs benefit from the fee is dead. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/StripTax.jpg)
Lawmakers to lobbyists: Butt out of TWIA fight. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/_KCB0865.JPG)
Lawmakers and consumer groups say special interests need to butt out of the battle over the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1d84374ec226932261f7f0b7dec63e72/BD%20INC%20Committee%2001%202011)
The political ambitions of state Rep. Aaron Peña, R-Edinburg, have been the subject of speculation since he switched parties prior to the recent legislative session. But he’s announcing today that — for now, at least — he doesn’t intend to go anywhere. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/95315712672f4a7b4df98d0f769d8000/BD%20INC%20Pena%2001%202011)
Despite the drought, rice fields in Southeast Texas are emerald green this time of year, thanks to water released from two reservoirs hundreds of miles up the Colorado River. But the rice growers fear for their future, as water restrictions tighten. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-Rice-MS033.JPG)
Tearful testimony from students brought to the country illegally and a new ICE directive that stresses discretionary enforcement has raised more concerns over the state's pending "sanctuary cities" legislation. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/ICE-Memo_2.jpg)
There might be more than one Williams in the race for that new Arlington-based congressional district. Former Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams, who had been after Kay Bailey Hutchison's Senate post, switched officially this morning. Now Roger Williams is looking at it. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/WilliamsM096CMS.jpg)
Children on Medicaid under the age of three will not be prescribed powerful anti-psychotic drugs without a special authorization, under new rules the state Health and Human Services Commission implemented last week. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/medicaid-pills.png)
This week on the TribCast, Ross, Reeve, Thanh, and Ben talk about vetoes, groping, and the imminent end of the special session. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Tribcast_2.jpg)
Like ringing the bell at the boxing ring, the Senate today approved a bill that is all but certain to restart a brawl with the House over how to reform the state's windstorm insurer of last resort. "I intend to fight for this tougher than I’ve ever fought for anything," said state Sen. John Carona. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Twia_Hearing_2.jpg)
Your afternoon reading: Borris Miles takes school trustees to Costa Rica; lawmakers and governors across the U.S. locked in budget and education funding feuds; TWIA overhaul may make for a long summer. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0650caf2de328890febf13ba958e67a1/BD%20INC%20Miles%201784%202011)
Only 16 percent of Latino adults have an associate's degree or higher — compared to 33 percent of the total working-aged population in Texas. The national average is 38 percent. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/_KCB0581.jpg)
Seven days remain in the 82nd Legislature's 1st called special session. But is the end in sight? Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/35f551ae2dd8fa9ce46d84adc9a9cf8f/BD%20INC%20Empty%20Chamber%2001%202011)
The Tribune counts down to the end of the special session with updates on where the major issues added to the agenda by Gov. Rick Perry stand. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/SessionTwilight_1.jpg)
In the wake of high-profile data breaches that left the personal information of millions of state workers exposed, state lawmakers are trying to strike a balance between promoting transparency and protecting records. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TransDocs.jpg)
As Austin prepares to tighten its watering restrictions to once a week later this summer, trees and lawns — not to mention the water utility's revenues — are suffering. Long-term, Austin and nearby cities want to ensure the continued health of the Highland Lakes. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/LargeTreeOnCampus.jpg)