Living close to the capital city, Central Texans have relatively easy access to state lawmakers during the biennial legislative session. But in a state as big as Texas, most of the state’s population must follow the action from up to hundreds of miles away.
Ben Philpott
Ben Philpott is a senior reporter for KUT-FM, Austin’s National Public Radio affiliate. He has been covering state politics and dozens of other topics for the station since 2002, during which time he has been recognized for outstanding radio journalism by the Radio and Television News Directors Association, Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, the Houston Press Club and the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters. Before moving to Texas, he worked in public radio in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala., and at several television stations in Alabama and Tennessee. Born in New York City and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Philpott graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Posted inState Government
TribCast: Legislator Transparency and Budget
This week on the soon-to-be-award-winning TribCast (it could happen): Ben, Evan, Ross and Aman dive into the Tribune’s new Bidness as Usual data app and ongoing series. The group also goes over the House’s and Senate’s base budgets.
Posted in
Politics
Business Group Offers Tax Cut Plan
After Texas lawmakers were told they’d be working with a budget surplus this session, some immediately began calling for tax cuts. Now, one prominent business lobbying group has unveiled a plan for what those cuts could look like.
Posted in
State Government
In Capitol Community, a Push to Beat the Toil of the Session
Every other year, Texas legislators race to get the state’s business done in just 140 days — an exhaustive process known for taking a toll on lawmakers’ health. But efforts are under way to get the Capitol community to rethink how to stay healthy during the session.
Posted in
Public Education
Preschool Part of Education Funding Scramble
In light of the improved economic forecast announced recently by the state comptroller, education advocates are asking for more money to go to Texas’ public education system — the state’s preschools included.
Posted in
State Government
After Positive Economic News, Push for Tax Cuts Emerges
Texas lawmakers may have $29 billion more to spend on the state budget this session than they did in 2011. Now, Gov. Rick Perry is floating the idea of tax cuts.
Posted in
State Government
Host of Issues Awaits Texas Lawmakers
With the 83rd Texas legislative session beginning Tuesday, Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune looks at the priorities and challenges facing legislators as they head into the 140-day lawmaking scramble.
Posted in
Health care
New Women’s Health Program Launches Amid Provider Concerns
State officials are optimistic about the new Texas Women’s Health Program, which launched this week amid a long-running legislative fight. But at least one state lawmaker thinks there’s a problem with the program’s list of providers.
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
Energy
Future of Alternative Fuels Presents Test for Texas
With more car makers adding electric and natural gas vehicles to their offerings, the need for alternative fueling stations is increasing — and the state is grappling with how to respond.
