Less than a week after Gov. Rick Perry added the measure to the special session agenda, the contentious “sanctuary cities” bill is one step closer to what lawmakers see as its inevitable passage.
82nd Legislative Session
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: How Often Does Perry Veto Bills?
Gov. Rick Perry is not shy when it comes to using his veto pen.
Posted in
Public Education
With Less State Money, Will Schools Raise Local Taxes?
Across the state, school districts are considering raises local taxes to pay for the state shortfall in funding. But will the same public that sent lawmakers to Austin in November with an overwhelming no-new-taxes imperative accept paying more locally to preserve programs and jobs?
Posted inState Government
Anti-Washington, in More Ways Than One
Serving in the U.S. Congress is a pretty big deal.
Posted in
Demographics
TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
Aguilar on a newly exposed rift in the GOP, Dehn on what summer overtime for lawmakers costs taxpayers, Galbraith on one bright spot for environmentalists this session, Grissom on reports of abuse shrouding a death row case, Hamilton on the long slog toward higher education reform, Ramsey on where the Big Three stand, Ramshaw on the filibuster-induced rise of a state senator, Root on Perry’s jump into the culture wars, M. Smith on a new wrinkle in the school finance battle and Tan on the “pansexual” debate that nearly killed the crucial fiscal matters bill: The best of our best content from June 6 to June 10, 2011.
Posted in
Health care
House OKs Bill to Seek Federal Medicaid Waiver
The Texas House passed a bill today to take control of Texas health care reform, tentatively passing a bill that will allow the state to petition the Obama administration for a block grant to operate the Medicaid program.
Posted in
Public Education
Second Life: Where Do Education Bills Stand in the Special Session?
Updated: A revised version of Rep. Rob Eissler’s class size bill, which expands the Texas Education Agency’s authority to grant waivers, quickly clears the House.
Posted in
Economy
Updated: Fiscal Conservatives Frustrated With House Votes
Rep. Donna Howard’s proposal to direct surplus Rainy Day Fund money to Texas schools for enrollment growth survived to fight another day during debate on the House floor this morning, but not before a Republican attempt to derail it.
Posted in
Higher Education
Video: “Pansexual” Amendment Debate
While you were sleeping last night, lawmakers in the Texas House were engaged in a passionate debate over “pansexual” politics that nearly killed the entire fiscal matters bill, which is pretty much the main reason they’re having a special session. Trust us — this is must-see video.
Posted in
State Government
Video: What Lege Sessions Cost Taxpayers and Lawmakers
We break down the cost to taxpayers of the regular and special sessions. It’s not chump change, but one political science expert argues the relatively low pay for lawmakers keeps many Texans from being able to run for higher office.
