During the regular session, Gov. Rick Perry’s top legislative priority for higher education was the implementation of a new financing system that rewards universities for graduating more students, not just for getting students into classes. Why didn’t that happen?
Judith Zaffirini
Posted in
Higher Education
A Second Chance for Campus Construction Projects?
Early in the session, there was much talk about how the time was right to invest in new university campus facilities. But a bill to issue bonds to get projects off the ground never managed to do so itself. Could it get another chance in the special session?
Posted in
Criminal Justice
20 Weeks in Which the Budget Held Sway
The 82nd Texas Legislature’s regular session ends as it started, with lawmakers arguing about a shrunken state budget and redistricting.
Posted in
State Government
Is There a Boys Club Under the Pink Dome?
The flap in the House and Senate this week over a political flyer showing an infant nursing at a bare breast has rekindled an age-old discussion: Is there sexism in the Texas Capitol?
Posted in
State Government
Senate Approves Texting-While-Driving Ban
The Texas Senate approved a measure this evening that would ban texting and sending e-mails and instant messages while driving.
Posted in
Higher Education
Outcomes-Based Higher Ed Funding Measure Passes Senate
A bill that could alter the state’s formula funding for institutions of higher education to allow some of it to be based on outcomes such as graduation rates rather than simply enrollment has cleared the Senate.
Posted in
Higher Education
Old Grudges, Rivalries Bedevil Higher Education Debate
As the debate over the future of Texas’ higher education continues to swirl, it’s increasingly intertwined in old political rivalries and long-held grudges and resentments.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT System Regent’s Request Stirs More Controversy
After a public display of harmony last week, controversy continues to surround UT System Board of Regents. Does a request made by regent Alex Cranberg amount to the kind of micromanaging criticized by the system’s chancellor? Cranberg insists it is no such thing.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Wentworth Gets a Win for Campus Carry
Sen. Jeff Wentworth is relentless with campus carry, and today, the San Antonio Republican got his way.
Posted in
Higher Education
Update: Legislators Create Higher Ed Oversight Committee
Amid an ongoing, contentious debate about the future of higher education in Texas, Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst have created a new Joint Oversight Committee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence, and Transparency.
