Not only is there finally a congressional map in legislative form, but Gov. Rick Perry has added that to the list of issues lawmakers will address during the special session. Hearings on the new map have been set for Friday. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/PLANC125.png)
It would be impossible to overstate the degree to which Matt Stiles has been responsible for our success in our first 18-plus months — which is why we're sorry to see him go. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/MrStiles.png)
Gov. Rick Perry, House Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on Tuesday touted the accomplishments of the regular session: cutting the state budget without raising taxes or tapping the Rainy Day Fund. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/PerryCCMS.jpg)
Rep. Rob Eissler has filed his mandate relief bill, and while it doesn't lift the class-size ratio, it virtually ensures a school district would recieve a waiver from the requirement upon request — as long as that wouldn't result in more than 25 students in a classroom, a district-wide average of more than 22 students per class, or "negatively affect the education of students." Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8be0991bd3976c3676855a172d4645ac/BD%20INC%20Bob%20108%20CMS%202011)
A bill that seeks to ban “sanctuary cities” in Texas has been filed for the special session of the Legislature that began today. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/bc70ba826c32147745421c1d081b3813/BD%20INC%20HB12%20Protest%2003%202011)
Your afternoon reading: special session slow to start; congressional maps unveiled; House slipup could cost the state $13.4 million Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f7db99fe48a232b9e4c2dc534b22b591/BD%20INC%20House%20Floor%202011)
And just like that, as if it never left (it didn't), the Legislature's back in town. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Capsized8.jpg)
State Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, walked the floor shaking hands and receiving hugs from his colleagues in the waning hours of the 82nd regular session, which — after 22 years in the Texas House — will be his last. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/93edbd0d2f11cde97c2f1217510f749d/BD%20INC%20Chism%2001%202011)
The system is meant to kill legislation: That’s the old line often heard around the Capitol. As the session's end slams the coffin door on a slew of bills, more than a few lawmakers are taking solace in the fact that their dead bills have lots of company. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib_TexasCapitol_MS_5.jpg)
Your lawmakers, after 140 days in Austin, didn't finish their budget work for 2012-13 during the legislative session that ended Monday, and Gov. Rick Perry called them back for another crack at it, starting this morning. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/35f551ae2dd8fa9ce46d84adc9a9cf8f/BD%20INC%20Empty%20Chamber%2001%202011)