The Texas House Redistricting Committee approved a new version of the congressional map that makes a few tweaks, mainly in North and South Texas. But the overall goal remains the same: Maintain and expand Republican power in Washington.
Politics
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Politics
Christian Leader Explains Views on Heaven and Hell
Are non-Christians bound for the gates of hell? The topic has generated heated discussion since Tim Wildmon, the president of the American Family Association, which Gov. Rick Perry has tapped to stage his Aug. 6 prayer vigil, told the Tribune that he believed only Christians will escape eternal damnation.
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Higher Education
Redistricting: A Better Way? Many Think So
Tuesday’s contentious debate on the state Senate floor over a proposed congressional redistricting map, which passed on a party line vote, was just a hint of why graduate students at Texas A&M University — and even some lawmakers — are studying alternative ways to handle the process.
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Politics
Updated: Senate Panel Approves Map
State GOP leaders want quick action on a new congressional map that would transform the district of Tea Party godfather Ron Paul. Paul says he doesn’t feel “targeted” by the proposal.
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Politics
Imperiled Doggett “Ready to Battle” New Map
Under a new congressional redistricting map, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, would lose 60,000 constituents who voted for President Barack Obama in 2008. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune talked with Doggett about the proposal, which the congressman said “plunged a dagger into the heart” of Travis County.
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Politics
Updated: Perry Adds Redistricting to Agenda
Not only is there finally a congressional map in legislative form, but Gov. Rick Perry has added that to the list of issues lawmakers will address during the special session. Hearings on the new map have been set for Friday.
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Health care
Updated: Perry Gives New Session, With New Rules, Its Agenda
First two items on the call from Gov. Rick Perry: The “non-revenue” and school finance bill, and the Medicaid reforms that were in SB 23. That’s where we start, and the governor can add as we go.
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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.
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Politics
Perry: Special Session on Congressional Maps Possible
Gov. Rick Perry opened the door to a special session on congressional redistricting — but only if leaders agree to a map in advance.
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Politics
Updated: Perry Flirting With White House Run
Texas Gov. Rick Perry, in his boldest statement yet about a possible run for national office, said Friday he will think about launching a campaign for president in coming days. “I’m going to think about it,” Perry said. He quickly added, “I think about a lot of things.”