The Evening Brief: Jan. 16, 2013
Your evening reading: Abbott launches gun rights ad campaign aimed at New Yorkers; Obama's gun plan draws fierce reaction in Texas; Senate proposals to curb Medicaid costs unveiled Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott - Oct. 4, 2012]()
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Seven State Parks Could Close Under Proposed Budget
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would close seven state parks based on current budget proposals in the House and Senate. Full Story
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![Boca Chica State Park in Brownsville, Texas.]()
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Budget Plans Target Incentives and Testing
The budget proposals released by lawmakers this week show an interest in revamping school testing and the state's economic incentive programs. Full Story
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President's Gun Plan Panned, Embraced by Texas Lawmakers
Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, praised President Obama's proposals to curb gun violence, while Gov. Rick Perry shunned efforts to increase regulation and called for prayer. Full Story
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Report Recommends Changes to Tax Exemption for Fracking
A Legislative Budget Board report on how government can be more effective has recommended that the state reduce its gas tax exemption for hydraulic fracturing. Full Story
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Dewhurst, Nelson Tout Proposals to Curb Medicaid Costs
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Sen. Jane Nelson on Wednesday discussed new Senate proposals that target Medicaid spending. The plans would institute quality-based payment reforms for long-term care services and measures to catch fraud and abuse. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, outline proposals to reduce Medicaid spending in Texas at a press conference on Jan. 16, 2013.]()
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Video: Stockman Blasts Obama on Guns
On last night's edition of On the Record w/ Greta Van Susteren, U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Friendswood, repeated his calls for the possible impeachment of Barack Obama if the president pushes for gun control legislation. Full Story
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Texplainer: Will Legislature Take On School Funding Despite Trial?
With a major school finance trial under way, lawmakers are reluctant to take up public education funding before a court ruling on the matter. What they'll do in the meantime remains uncertain. Full Story
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Todd Staples: The TT Interview
The state agriculture commissioner on the state's water crisis, why the Rainy Day Fund should be used to pay for a state water plan and how the money should be spent. Full Story
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Interactive: A Look at Growth in State Spending
The Texas Senate and House have released their first drafts of the state's next two-year budget. Use this interactive to explore how state spending has grown since 2004. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Ryan Murphy / Mike Rastiello / Todd Wiseman -
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. Full Story
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![Capitol nurse practitioner Tim Flynn examines a walk-in patient. The Capitol Health Services office is open to anyone on the grounds for walk-in visits.]()
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Amid Drought, Water Wars Pick Up on Borders
As Texas' drought wears into its third year, the state is locked in a legal conflict over water with New Mexico, and a North Texas county is suing the state of Oklahoma to get access to a vast amount of water. Full Story
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![A view of the Red River looking east, north of Bonham, Texas. Texas is to the right, and Oklahoma is on the left. The border between the two states runs along the south (right) bank of the river.]()
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The Brief: Jan. 16, 2013
New fundraising numbers have sparked another round of speculation about the state's 2014 political battles. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich
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