When money was tight two years ago, the state’s top budget writers employed cutbacks and accounting tricks to balance the budget. Money is flowing again, but the budget folks are still finding it easy to say no.
Politics
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Politics
The Brief: Feb. 4, 2013
The renewed debate over gay membership in the the Boy Scouts of America has pitted Gov. Rick Perry squarely against President Obama.
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Politics
The Evening Brief: Feb. 1, 2013
Your evening reading: Perry calls for more charter schools; Obama administration offers compromise on birth control rule; governor’s call for tax relief sparks confusion
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Economy
Perry’s Call for Tax Relief is Subject of Confusion
The $1.8 billion in tax relief that Gov. Rick Perry called for this week was short on details, but the few that are out there are already sparking questions.
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Bidness As Usual
Texas Ethics Reform: A Long, Tortured History
From Gov. James “Pa” Ferguson’s impeachment to the Sharpstown scandal, Texas has weathered mighty ethics controversies. Despite reforms, the Legislature still faces criticism over lax disclosure rules and ties with lobbyists.
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Politics
Searching for Clues in Perry’s State of the State
The governor stayed away from social issues and some obvious hot-button topics in his State of the State speech this week. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a political speech.
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Politics
The Brief: Feb. 1, 2013
Is Ted Cruz, less than a month into his Senate career, already rubbing off on John Cornyn?
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Politics
The Evening Brief: Jan. 31, 2013
Your evening reading: Cruz aggressive at Hagel confirmation hearing; Straus announces House committee assignments; poll shows Clinton competitive in Texas
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Demographics
Joaquin Castro: Current Immigration Laws Create “Ugly Realities”
At a meeting of state business leaders Thursday, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro said that current immigration laws create “ugly realities” and that Gov. Rick Perry “will never say the border is secure.”
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Energy
Bills Aim to Stop Diverting Funds Meant for State Parks
Some legislators say the practice of diverting funds earmarked for state parks compromises the integrity of the state budget and the quality of parks.