A couple of Democrats won election in 2012 talking about education, but that doesn’t mean the issue was a silver bullet for the minority party. Lots of others talked about it and lost, and the two who won were victorious in districts favorable to them.
Austin
Posted in
State Government
Legislators Facing Charges Can Get Courtroom Pass
While state code allows lawmakers due in court to delay their appearance while the Legislature is in session, most waivers for those charged with crimes result from simple agreements between the defense, prosecutors and judges.
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State Government
A Rumor of Peace
It’s a little funny to talk to people at the Capitol who have been steeled in a culture of political warfare about the outbreak of peace. Many differences remain, but those blood veins that were sticking out on everyone’s foreheads and necks in 2009 and 2011 have smoothed out. For the moment, Texas civics is downright civil.
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State Government
At Capitol, Tea Party Slams State Transportation Plans
Three days after the governor raised the possibility of new revenue streams — including the issuing of 100-year bonds — to fund transportation, members of Texas Tea Parties warned legislators against caving on conservative principles.
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Bidness As Usual
Lawmakers in No Rush to Regulate Themselves
Lawmakers, like professional athletes, want to play fair and also want to win. That’s why it’s hard to get them to write their own rules.
Posted in
Economy
Video: Perry Backs Dedicated Car Sales Taxes for Highway Fund
Gov. Rick Perry called on dedicating future growth in the state’s motor vehicle sales taxes to be used to pay for road projects.
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State Government
Video: Perry’s Keynote Address on Transportation
Here’s the full video of Gov. Rick Perry’s keynote address on transportation at The Texas Lyceum’s public conference.
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State Government
TribLive: A Conversation About the Texas Senate
Full video of my 4/11 TribLive conversation with state Sens. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston; Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio; and Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo.
Posted in
Politics
Tackle Redistricting or Wait for the Courts?
Texas could trim the size of its court fights over redistricting by endorsing maps drawn by federal judges, but legislative leaders fear the harmony of the current session would evaporate in the process.
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Politics
Polling Center: Education Cuts Mattered at the Ballot Box, if Not in the Polls
Polls might show a low interest in public education cuts made by lawmakers in 2011, but some of the candidates who ran in 2012 found a very receptive electorate.
