Speaker Joe Straus has given committees their assignments for the next year.
Health care
In-depth reporting on public health, healthcare policy, hospitals, and wellness issues shaping communities across Texas, from The Texas Tribune.
Detaining Care, Part Three: Andre’s Story
Andre Osborne was so over-medicated in the Willacy Immigration Detention Center that he fell off of the top bunk of his bed, badly injuring his face and eyes.
Math Anxiety
Will there be enough money to cover the current state budget? “Fortunately, it’s too early to tell,” jokes House Speaker Joe Straus. He and other state leaders are well aware of the numbers, and although they think it’s not yet time to act, they’re focused on the big question.
TribBlog: โMoney Follows the Personโ? Not exactly.
The federal Medicaid program designed to help disabled and elderly residents of institutions move back into the community hasnโt even gotten close to meeting its early goals, despite Texas’ efforts.
Detaining Care, Part Two: Health Scare
“Barely adequate.” “Haphazard at best.” That’s how investigators describe the quality of care at immigrant detention centers all over Texas.
TribBlog: Physical Education Requirements Soon to be Gone
Amid handwringing over child obesity, SBOE likely will eliminate health and physical education requirements at this week’s meeting.
Into Thin Air
Lobbyists spent a record $15 million on advertising during the 2005 session and another $12 million in 2007 โ but less than $1 million this year. What happened?
Detaining Care, Part One: Mental Hell
The physically disabled and suicidal detainee was put in an isolated cell without her crutches. She was strip-searched and denied feminine products. For days, she slid around on the floor, covering herself and the cell in menstrual blood. When inspectors came out to investigate, they found a facility poorly equipped to provide mental health treatment to its 1,500 detainees.
KBH to TFRW: A change in plans
I must put what’s best for my campaign aside and do what is best for Texas. That is why I must stay in the Senate while running for the Republican nomination for governor. I cannot walk away while this fight is being fought by our fellow Republicans. I must stay and fight with them.
HuTube: Hutchison Speaks, Says Little
U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison talks the Texas economy, the latest Rasmussen poll and her resignation timetable. Watch the full exchange with reporters Friday morning.



