State Sen. Robert Deuell, R-Greenville, would rather raise taxes a little bit than make the cuts lawmakers are considering now, he told the Tribune this evening.
82nd Legislative Session
Posted in
Public Education
Lawmakers Talk Grading, Attendance Policies
The Senate Education Committee has sent legislation on minimum grading and attendance policies to the full chamber, but bills on residential development and special education policy have stalled.
Posted in
Economy
Disability Advocates: “No Cuts! No Cuts!”
Disability advocates gathered at the Capitol today to call on lawmakers to use the Rainy Day Fund, to raise new revenue and, above all else, to not cut community-based services for the disabled. Over and over again the crowd chanted, “No cuts! No cuts!”
Posted in
State Government
Voter ID Gets Tense Hearing
The voter ID bill came before House lawmakers this morning — and it was a tense scene. Even supporters of the measure had to grapple with testimony from people who endorse the bill on anti-illegal immigration grounds.
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Health care
Calling It Quits on Smoking Cessation?
Finding ways to cut health care costs is all the rage under the Pink Dome — and curbing smoking is a proven way to do it. But budget proposals slash tobacco cessation programs by more than 80 percent.
Posted in
Demographics
Are Texas Hispanics Up for Grabs?
Republican analysts said at today’s Texas Tribune “New Day Rising” forum that as Texas’ Hispanic population continues to surge, its traditionally Democratic electorate is more and more up for grabs.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Rev. Carroll Pickett: The TT Interview
The onetime death house chaplain on what it was like to witness the most state executions of anyone in his job (95, by lethal injection), what changed his mind about the death penalty and why lawmakers should continue to fund the chaplain program.
Posted in
State Government
Forensic Commissioners Answer to Legislators
The Senate Nominations Committee voted 4-2 today to recommend approval of the state forensic board Chairman John Bradley’s appointment. Sens. José Rodríguez and Kirk Watson voted against Bradley’s nomination.
Posted in
Demographics
For Republicans, the Hazards of Red Meat
The growth of the state’s Hispanic population and the rise of immigration as a political issue put Texas Republicans in a tight spot — especially the ones with statewide aspirations.
Posted in
Demographics
Berman Leads Charge From GOP’s Right Flank
In 2009, state Rep. Leo Berman’s bills — like the ones restricting illegal immigrants to certain geographical regions and denying them access to higher education — failed to gain traction. But with a Republican supermajority now in control, this could very well be the session of Leo.
