After several reassurances from House members about what a border security bill is not intended to do, the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety voted out the sweeping measure on Wednesday.
Department of Public Safety
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Funding for More DPS Border Officers Gets Tentative OK
The House Appropriations Committee on Thursday tentatively approved $105 million in funding for several DPS troopers, but not before some border lawmakers on the panel questioned how the DPS would prove the money is being spent wisely.
Posted in
Politics
“I’m Poncho” Stickers Popular on Both Sides of Aisle
After state Rep. Poncho Nevárez kicked gun advocates out of his Capitol office, he received death threats. On Wednesday, Texas House members wore “I’m Poncho” stickers to show support for Nevárez.
Posted in
Transportation
Analysis: A Simple and Very Expensive Proposal
It’s one thing to say highway funds should go to highways. The problem is with all of the other programs those funds support.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Liveblog: Immigration at The Texas Tribune Festival
We’re liveblogging the sessions from the 2014 Texas Tribune Festival’s Immigration track. The sessions include panels on border security, Latinos and the Republican Party, the comprehensive immigration reform debate, and what to do with the DREAMers.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Aide: Perry Chose Best Option on National Guard Funding
Gov. Rick Perry’s office pushed back Tuesday against criticism that he overreached in funding the deployment of Texas National Guard troops to the border.
Posted inState Government
Video: Perry Outlines Border Security Plan
Gov. Rick Perry announced on Monday that the state will activate as many as 1,000 Texas National Guard troops to enhance security on the Texas-Mexico border; here is the video of his remarks.
Posted in
Transportation
Driver Program Relies on Lender Fined by Feds
Texas sends people who want to make cash payments under the Driver Responsibility Program to ACE Cash Express, which last week agreed to pay $10 million to settle allegations that it harasssed borrowers.
Posted in
Demographics
Abbott, Cruz Blame Obama for “Humanitarian Crisis”
Warning of the dangers faced by undocumented and unaccompanied children crossing the border into the U.S., Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz on Monday called on the Obama administration to more strictly enforce immigration laws.
Posted inState Government
From Desks to Dumbbells: Law Lets State Workers Find Time for Fitness
Since the passage of a 2007 law allowing state employees a 30-minute exercise break three times per week, several state agencies have begun offering popular lunchtime workout programs, like weight training and Zumba.
