First elected in 1992, Giddings is vice chairwoman of the powerful House State Affairs Committee and also serves as chairwoman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.
Helen Giddings
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Now on the Books
Major Texas overhaul aims to improve the odds for students who begin college unprepared
In Texas, college students sent to remedial education usually don’t make it far. A new state law that revamps how that education is provided hopes to change that.
Posted inState Government
Texas House calls on Texas A&M chancellor to halt white nationalist rally
After last weekend’s violence in Charlottesville, Texas House members Monday called on the Texas A&M University System chancellor to stop a “White Lives Matter” rally from taking place on campus next month.
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Public Education
House backs Giddings measure targeting “lunch shaming”
After several failed attempts and compromises during the legislative session, Rep. Helen Giddings finally succeeded in getting the House to pass a measure that targets “lunch shaming” in schools.
Posted in
Public Education
Third time not the charm for House rep’s school lunch legislation
Rep. Helen Giddings failed a third time to pass a bill that would prevent school districts from identifying students without money in their school lunch accounts — again when a member of the Freedom Caucus killed it.
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Public Education
After impassioned speech, Giddings hopeful school lunch bill can still pass
State Rep. Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, isn’t giving up hope on passing a bill that she said would help starving school kids, despite some lawmakers killing its consideration earlier in the week.
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Public Education
2015 Tribune Festival: Audio From the Public Ed Track
The Public Education track at The 2015 Texas Tribune Festival featured panel discussions on turning around struggling schools, pre-K, public education and the Legislature, and charter schools. There was also a conversation with Education Commissioner Michael Williams.
Posted in
Economy
Legislature Sends $209.4 Billion Budget to Abbott
Texas lawmakers in both chambers on Friday overwhelmingly approved a $209.4 billion two-year budget, a 3.6 percent increase over the current one. It now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.
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Health care
Supplemental Budget Would Cost $433 Million, House Members Learn
House budget writers intend to add $433 million to the current two-year budget with a supplemental bill laid out Thursday, though some lawmakers expressed concern with plans for millions in leftover funds from some state health programs.
Posted inState Government
Updated: The 2012 Holdouts List
Some are waiting to see what the courts will do. Others want to see if any opponents surface. Regardless, with six days to go until the filing deadline, how many incumbents haven’t filed yet? A whole bunch.