At last Thursday’s TribLive conversation, I interviewed Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples about the impact of drug-fueled violence on border farmers and ranchers, what he thinks about the Senate’s two-thirds rule, his run for lieutenant governor in 2014 and more.
82nd Legislative Session
Posted in
Demographics
Video: Todd Staples at TribLive
At last Thursday’s TribLive conversation, I interviewed Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples about the impact of drug-fueled violence on border farmers and ranchers, what he thinks about the Senate’s two-thirds rule, his nascent campaign for lieutenant governor in 2014 and more.
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State Government
TribLive: Staples on the Two-Thirds Rule and More
At last Thursday’s TribLive conversation, I interviewed Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples about the Senate’s two-thirds rule, the Rainy Day Fund, abortion sonograms and other issues that he’d confront as lieutenant governor.
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Demographics
Guest Column: Mary and Joseph Were “Undocumented”
As a Christian and a lawmaker, biblical stories form something of a lens through which I try to find focus when making public policy decisions — particularly as anti-immigrant bills have gained a disturbing momentum in Austin over the last few weeks.
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Criminal Justice
Lawmakers Target Prison School for Makeover
Texas could save money, and prisoners could get a better education, some lawmakers say, if inmate learning programs were provided online. But correctional education experts and teachers say lawmakers’ ideas — particularly about online programs — show a lack of understanding about prison life.
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State Government
As Clock Winds Down, Bill Body Count Mounts
It’s easier to spike legislation than to pass it, and timing is important. Nothing is dead for certain until the session ends, but lots of important things are not done, and the regular session ends on Memorial Day.
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State Government
Exchange of Words Between Former Friends Caps Off Tense Week at Lege
A South Texas border brawl, complete with personal attacks about weight and cowardice, took place between former allies Aaron Peña, R-Edinburg, and Armando Martinez, D-Weslaco.
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State Government
Texas House Passes Bill Against TSA “Groping”
Texas lawmakers have a message for Transportation Security Administration: hands off. The House passed a bill today that would prohibit invasive searches and pat-downs at airport security or other public buildings.
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State Government
Guest Column: Why “Loser Pays” is a Loser
The Governor, with the help of the Legislature, seems driven to dilute one of our most enduring constitutional bulwarks: the ability of Texas residents to get a fair shake in court.
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State Government
Video: The Week in Texas Politics, May 9 to May 13
No time to follow all the happenings of the Texas Legislature? We’ve made it easier for you with our weekly recap of the biggest political stories in the state.
