The Sunset Advisory Commission found that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has room for improvement. The commission on Tuesday discussed accountability, budgetary efficiency, response to inmate grievances and communication.
Holly Heinrich
Posted inState Government
4 Democrats Vying to Replace Hochberg in HD-137
In southwest Houston, four Democratic hopefuls are running for the HD-137 seat held for 20 years by Rep. Scott Hochberg. The candidates include two former Capitol staffers, a prosecutor and a school board member.
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State Government
Cities Making Their Own Payday Loan Regulations
Across Texas, city councils are beginning to take the regulation of payday and auto title lenders into their own hands. But lobbyists have also been active in opposing municipal ordinances.
Posted inState Government
Poll of Texas Shows Romney Ahead of GOP Rivals, President Obama
It wasn’t always a given that Mitt Romney would win the Texas primary. But a new poll shows that Texas Republicans are starting to line up behind the front-runner in the GOP presidential race.
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State Government
State Board of Education Debate Turns to District Size
The 15 members of the State Board of Education share three staffers and at times must travel hundreds of miles to meet with constituents. At a hearing on Tuesday, the House Redistricting Committee heard debate on whether members can adequately represent such large districts.
Posted in
Higher Education
Report Stresses Raising College Graduation Rates for Latinos
In Texas, 34 percent of the state’s adult population has earned an associate degree or higher — but only 17 percent of Latino adults have such a degree. A new report from a national nonprofit group discusses why that gap needs to close.
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Energy
Seeking a Nonlethal Exit Strategy for Wild Burros
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has suspended the killing of wild burros in Big Bend Ranch State Park.
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Economy
Conservative Budget Coalition Targets 2013 Session
Looking to get an early start on shaping the budget discussions for the 2013 legislative session, the Texans for a Conservative Budget Coalition has made recommendations to lawmakers.
Posted in
State Government
Prison Radio Show is Inmates’ Link to the Outside World
Part news program, part call-in show, “The Prison Show” aims to help inmates stay connected to family, friends and the outside world.
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Health care
Hundreds Attend Rally Targeting Possible End of Women’s Health Program
The rally at the state Capitol drew progressive political activists, local musicians, state representatives and women’s health clinic employees.