Many Texas lawmakers have forsworn taxes, but they also promised to educate kids, to build roads, to care for the needy and to do what government is expected to do. It’s the adult version of those mathematical story problems that made sixth grade so much fun.
82nd Legislative Session
Posted in
Public Education
Bullying Is a Problem, But Not All Agree It’s the State’s Problem
Thirteen-year-old Asher Brown’s death has given momentum to the more than 15 anti-bullying bills filed in the Legislature this session. The legislation is supported by teacher organizations and advocacy groups but has drawn opposition.
Posted in
Health care
Abortion Sonogram Bill Tentatively Passes House
Thursday’s debate on an abortion sonogram bill began shortly after 2 p.m. It ended shortly after 9 p.m. The bill passed to third reading on a vote of 103-42, which means one easy step remains before it heads to the Senate.
Posted in
Health care
Democrats Attack Abortion Sonogram Bill with Amendments
During day two of the Legislature’s debate on House Bill 15, state Rep. Sid Miller’s abortion sonogram bill, House Democrats made their displeasure known with a parade of amendments.
Posted in
Health care
Mapping Where Federal Hospital Dollars Go
State health officials hope they’ve reached a breakthrough in their effort to achieve two goals: expanding Medicaid managed care, and keeping a combined $1 billion in federal health care dollars flowing into Texas hospitals every year.
Posted in
State Government
Numbers Tell Tale of Who’s Vulnerable in Redistricting
You don’t need a new map to find the political trouble spots in Texas — and by trouble, we mean officeholders who are vulnerable in the redistricting process.
Posted in
Demographics
State Affairs Takes on “Sanctuary Cities”
Tonight, the Texas House took on another of the issues that Gov. Rick Perry has designated an emergency: sanctuary cities, or cities where police do not enforce federal immigration laws.
Posted in
Health care
House Delays Abortion Sonogram Debate
House lawmakers delayed consideration of abortion sonogram legislation until tomorrow, after Democrats raised two points of order against the bill. Some speculate finding technicalities will be Democrats’ go-to strategy this session.
Posted in
Health care
Experts, Business Owners Weigh In on Smoking Ban
Lighting up in bars, restaurants and in indoor areas of most businesses, health care facilities and sporting venues statewide will be a thing of the past if state Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Lake Dallas, gets her way.
Posted in
Health care
Guy Clifton: The TT Interview
The Houston neurosurgeon, author and frequent health care adviser to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on his support for the individual insurance mandate, why cutting provider rates to rescue the budget is misguided and how far Texas would trim Medicaid if given the permission.
