The Texas Tribune’s rundown of capitol politics for the week of March 7-11, 2011.
Carol Alvarado
Posted in
Health care
The Week in Texas Politics Recap: Feb. 28 to March 4
No time to follow every twist and turn of the Texas Legislature? We’ve made it easier for you with our weekly recaps of the action under the dome.
Posted in
Politics
Lawmakers Ratchet Up the Rhetoric
Texas lawmakers, out to protect their interests this session, appear to be ratcheting up their rhetoric. Politics as usual or a serious lapse in civil discourse?
Posted in
Health care
The Debate Over Sonograms
HB 15, authored by Rep. Sid Miller, R-Stephenville, would require a doctor performing an abortion to conduct a sonogram on the woman at least 24 hours ahead of the procedure.
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
Demographics
Minorities Drove Strong Texas Growth, Census Figures Show
Texas’ explosive growth during the past decade was fueled by a boom in its minority population, which accounted for 89 percent of the total increase in population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
The Big House Isn’t Big Enough
At today’s hearing of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, Sheriff Adrian Garcia will be grilled about efforts to control overcrowding at Harris County’s four jail facilities, which have seen a dramatic population spike. At the urging of Houston lawmakers, Garcia will be pressed to explain why he wants to keep housing more inmates than the facilities can accommodate, and why some recommendations by the county’s own consultant for ways to reduce its jail population have gone unheeded.
Posted inState Government
Working Overtime
Kay Bailey Hutchison used to like term limits. And then she didn’t. And then she did. Not surprisingly, her rivals are quick to point out the contradiction.