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.
Politics
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Politics
Rick Perry’s Un-Campaign for President
Gov. Rick Perry is in a great position in the race for president. His name is in the conversation. He’s in place if there’s a draft, but not at risk of an embarrassing loss. How can you lose a race you’re not running?
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Politics
With Clock Ticking, Congressional Redistricting Set to Begin
The legislative session ends in less than two weeks, and lawmakers won’t take up a bill to redraw the state’s congressional districts until later this week. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports on how the delay could affect how the new lines are drawn.
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Politics
Budget Writers Agree to First Texas Prison Closure
Lawmakers working on a final version of the state’s two-year budget have agreed to close down a Texas prison for the first time in the state’s history, according to a report from the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Politics
Guest Column: My Lege in a Box
Call it the Justin Timberlake Treatment: The Legislature has found itself boxed in as it searches for a way out of the budget divide.
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Politics
On the Records: Fundraising Outside Texas
Candidates in next year’s U.S. House and Senate elections in Texas raised more than $5 million in the first quarter from individuals. Most live in Texas. But a significant portion came from outside the Lone Star State, according to the Federal Election Commission. California led the way, followed by Virginia, Washington, D.C. and New York.
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Higher Education
UT Regents Unanimously Support Chancellor’s Vision
At a meeting of the University of Texas System Board of Regents in Austin Thursday, UT System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa won unanimous support after laying out his “framework for advancing excellence throughout the university system.”
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Higher Education
Was McKinney’s Departure From A&M System Voluntary?
Multiple higher education sources with knowledge of the events that transpired before the Texas A&M chancellor’s surprise “retirement” announcement on Tuesday say that members of the system’s board of regents told him it was time for a change.
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Health care
Video: Cecile Richards Visits Capitol, Defends Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards, a native Texan and daughter of former Gov. Ann Richards, visited the Capitol on Wednesday to defend funding for womens’ health services.
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Higher Education
Consultants Analyze Higher Ed “Breakthrough Solutions”
In recent months, a set of seven “breakthrough solutions” for higher education have been discussed, debated and mulled over in the press, the Legislature, and various academic circles. Arguably lacking in the debate is the voice of a disinterested third party — until now.