As state lawmakers enter the last month of the 84th Legislature, they advanced a number of measures that would further restrict abortions, drug test political candidates and facilitate engagement with constituents on social media.
84th Legislative Session
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Politics
From Loudmouth to Mouth of the House
State Rep. Dennis Bonnen has become a go-to mouthpiece for House leadership, and the votes for his legislation are indicative of how closely in step with him his colleagues are. If he were out of line, someone would yank his leash. Nobody has.
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Politics
Analysis: Does “Voucher” Label Fit the Bill?
You can slow down or even kill a piece of legislation with a single word or phrase, if it’s poisonous enough.
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Public Education
Abbott’s Pre-K Bill Headed to Full Senate
The bill that helped spark last week’s blowup between the state’s top officials is suddenly moving in the Senate, despite fierce opposition from Tea Party conservatives.
Posted in
Economy
With Amendment, Bettencourt Aims to Limit Property Tax Growth
State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, managed to add an amendment to a bill Thursday that would make it more difficult for some local entities to raise property taxes.
Posted in
Economy
Video: Turner on the Budget
At our 4/30 conversation, state Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and a candidate for Houston mayor, talked about the work of the budget conference committee.
Posted in
Economy
House Panel Debates Bills to Rein In Film Incentives
A Texas House committee on Thursday considered a pair of bills taking aim at the state film incentives program. One would block state grants for films and video games containing adult content. Another would abolish the program altogether.
Posted in
Economy
Video: A Conversation With Sylvester Turner
Full video of my 4/30 conversation with state Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and a candidate for Houston mayor.
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Politics
Analysis: How Private Opinions Can Diverge From Public Votes
Tax cuts and politics ethics legislation have this in common: When lawmakers have to vote in public view, they’re often forced to set aside their private opinions.
Posted in
Public Education
Reluctant House Panel Approves A-F Grades For Schools
A plan to give public schools A through F grades cleared a Texas House panel Tuesday night — but not without other changes in accountability standards reducing the role student assessments play in measuring public school performance.