After the Legislature cut billions of dollars from the state budget in 2011, some hoped to see at least some of the funding restored in 2013. But with the next legislative session quickly approaching, others are pushing to limit that spending.
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 in
State Government
Teacher Retirement System Looks to Cut Costs
Texas lawmakers are once again heading into a legislative session facing concerns over the fiscal health of the state’s major pension systems, and changes to retirees’ health insurance may play a role.
Posted inState Government
Little Competition but Big Differences in U.S. Senate Race
A relatively quiet race has helped mask the stark differences between Democrat Paul Sadler and Republican Ted Cruz in the race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
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Health care
How the Election Will Affect Health Care in Texas
Lawmakers will take up Medicaid funding when the Legislature convenes next year. But the first test comes on Election Day, when who becomes president could determine the fate of the program.
Posted in
State Government
After Years on Top, Future Brings Challenges for State GOP
In the last installment of a three-part series on Texas Republicans’ lock on state government over the past decade, Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune looks at the evolution of the GOP in Texas — and what the party might look like 10 years from now.
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State Government
In Decade of GOP Power, Cuts Moved Costs to Local Level
In the second installment of a three-part series on Texas Republicans’ lock on state government over the past decade, Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune looks at the debt and tax burdens that have been passed on to municipalities over the years.
Posted in
State Government
Looking Back at Texas’ Republican Decade
In the first installment of a three-part series on Texas Republicans’ lock on state government over the past decade, Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune looks at the early days of the GOP’s domination.
Posted in
Economy
State Lawmakers Take Aim at Accounting Tricks
Some of the extra tax revenue the state has recently found will be needed to help pay for accounting gimmicks used to help balance the current budget. Ahead of the next legislative session, lawmakers are looking to put an end to such tricks.
Posted inState Government
Lack of Competition Keeps Voters at Home
Get-out-the-vote efforts dot the Texas landscape, from partisan efforts focused on getting one party or another out to the polls, to nonpartisan campaigns that push for civic participation. Then there’s the effort made by the state’s top election official, Secretary of State Hope Andrade. <!– <!– Audio: Ben Philpott’s story for KUT News“We hope that everyone […]
Posted inState Government
Voter Turnout Efforts Clash With History in South Texas
Groups are pushing to increase Hispanic voter participation across the state, but in South Texas, such efforts must contend with a history of voter fraud and coercion that some say has long plagued the region.
