83rd Legislative Session

Both Democratic and Republican candidates for statewide office in 2014 are pledging to increase resources for the cash-strapped Texas Department of Transportation.

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A new direction for standardized testing, expansion for charter schools, No Child Left Behind jettisoned and the aftermath of a cheating scandal: 2013 was a significant year for Texas public education policy.

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In the last month, both Gov. Rick Perry and House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, have reached out to gubernatorial appointees to share their thoughts on government oversight, which has recently become a touchy subject.

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Texas will shut down campuses at six charter schools under a new law that includes heightened financial and academic performance rules.

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It has been one year since the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Texas lawmakers and school districts are among those who have re-examined security protocols after the shootings. Here's a look at some changes.

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At our 12/3 Hot Seat conversation at Texas State University, state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, and state Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, talked about water, transportation, public education and other issues in play in the 83rd session.

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Shifting from a previous proposal, the State Board of Education voted Thursday to require algebra II only for students who pursue an honors plan or a diploma specializing in math and science.

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Two top state lawmakers made an unexpected visit Wednesday evening to urge the State Board of Education to follow their lead on which courses to require in high school graduation plans.

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The 15-member State Board of Education may decide to make algebra II a requirement for all students to receive a high school diploma — despite the wishes of the state Legislature.

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At Thursday's TribLive conversation, state Rep. Harvey Hilderbran, R-Kerrville, a 2014 candidate for comptroller, explained his 83rd session vote against the state budget.

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At Thursday's TribLive conversation, state Rep. Harvey Hilderbran, R-Kerrville, a 2014 candidate for comptroller, talked about how he'd make the biennial revenue estimate more accurate.

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At Thursday's TribLive conversation, state Rep. Harvey Hilderbran, R-Kerrville, a 2014 candidate for comptroller, assessed the performance of the current occupant of the job, Susan Combs.

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Whether or not Texas voters approve Proposition 6, which would take $2 billion from the state's savings account to use for water financing, the state has a long way to go in dealing with its water deficit.

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At Thursday's TribLive conversation, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples explained why he decided to run for lieutenant governor in 2014.

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UPDATED: Former state Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, has officially joined the Texas A&M University System as its new vice chancellor of federal and state relations.

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At the Trib's Oct. 17 symposium on transportation at Southern Methodist University, Aman Batheja sat down with Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins; Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes; John Langmore, vice chairman of Austin's Capitol Metropolitan Transportation Authority board; and former U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, chief of public engagement for VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio.

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At our 10/23 Hot Seat conversation at the Texas Tech University, state Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, and state Reps. John Frullo, R-Lubbock, and Drew Springer, R-Muenster, talked about water, transportation, public education and other issues in play in the 83rd session.

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At the Trib's Oct. 17 symposium on transportation at Southern Methodist University, I sat down with four members of the House Transportation Committee: Chairman Larry Phillips, R-Sherman, and state Reps. Cindy Burkett, R-Sunnyvale, Linda Harper-Brown, R-Irving, and Joe Pickett, D-El Paso.

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After nearly 15 years in the Texas House, state Rep. Allan Ritter, R-Nederland, announced his retirement on Friday.

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Full video of Jay Root's one-on-one with Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, at the 2013 Texas Tribune Festival.

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