Lawmakers made progress today on solving the current budget deficit but still haven’t solved the major problem in the 2012-13 budget: school finance.
Thanh Tan
Thanh Tan was a multimedia reporter/producer for the Tribune from 2011 to 2012. She previously worked at Idaho Public Television, a PBS station that serves a statewide audience. While there, she was an Emmy award-winning producer/reporter/host for the longest-running legislative public affairs program in the West, Idaho Reports, moderator of The Idaho Debates, and a writer/producer for the flagship series Outdoor Idaho. Prior to joining IdahoPTV, she was a general assignment reporter at the ABC affiliate in Portland, Oregon. and a political reporter for KBCI-TV in Boise, Idaho. Her work has also appeared on the PBS NewsHour and This American Life. She graduated with honors from the University of Southern California with degrees in International Relations and Broadcast Journalism.
Posted in
State Government
Radio Host Storms Capitol Over TSA “Groping” Bill
Notorious radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones led a raucous protest at the Capitol over the Legislature’s failure to criminalize invasive airport pat downs. “Every one of [those senators] is an enemy of the Republic and the Republic of Texas!” he bellowed.
Posted in
Demographics
Video: On Fox News, Perry Talks Border Security, Bashes Feds
Gov. Rick Perry appeared on Fox News’ “On the Record with Greta van Susteren” Tuesday night to discuss border security. Of course, he also took a few swipes at the federal government for not doing more to help curb illegal immigration.
Posted in
Economy
Budget Notes: The Race to Fix School Finance Without a Special Session
One day after the education fiscal bill, SB 1581, died on the floor of the House, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a deal and keep the budget bill, HB 1, on track for approval by both chambers before the weekend deadline. The governor is among the optimists who think they’ll finish their work without going into overtime.
Posted in
State Government
Senate OKs Bills Regulating Payday Lenders
The state Senate passed two bills Monday evening meant to crack down on payday and car title loan providers. While some call the legislation a good first step, others say the bills do not go far enough.
Posted in
State Government
Senate Passes Ban on Puppy Mills
The so-called puppy mill bill is one step closer to becoming law after the Senate tonight approved a less stringent version of the measure that would regulate cat and dog breeders.
Posted in
Economy
Budget Notes: Ogden, Pitts Plan Weekend Vote
The lead budget writers from the House and Senate answered questions about the budget they’ve agreed upon, admitting they don’t have all of the details yet and saying they could vote on the final plan this coming weekend.
Posted in
Health care
Family Planning Programs Face Steep Cuts, Elimination
The state’s family planning budget is getting increasingly thin. Budget conferees appear poised to go with the cheapest possible option for offering minimal family planning services, and a Medicaid program that provides screenings and contraception is circling the drain.
Posted in
Economy
Budget Negotiators Agree on Education Funding
House and Senate negotiators agreed on spending on education, state salaries and benefits this morning and hope to have the final vote on the 2012-13 budget sometime this weekend.
Posted in
Economy
Anxious High School Seniors Await Word on College Grants
Thousands of Texas students have been forced to put their college plans on hold as the Legislature, working on the state budget, determines what level of funding there will be for TEXAS Grants, the state’s principal financial aid program for financially needy college students.