Aaronson and Grissom on a freshman lawmaker who didn’t mind making waves, Aguilar on E-Verify’s new lease on life, Galbraith on the state’s plodding progress toward solar power, Hamilton on Warren Chisum’s exit, Philpott on the remapping of Lloyd Doggett’s district, Ramsey on a proposed change to ethics laws for Texas pols, Ramshaw on efforts by the state to take control of Medicaid and Medicare, Root on why a Rick presidential bid shouldn’t be underestimated, M. Smith on the unraveling of school finance legislation and Tan and Dehn on the highs and lows of the 82nd legislative session: The best of our best content from May 30 to June 3, 2011.
Public Education
Explore The Texas Tribune’s coverage of public education, from K-12 schools and funding to teachers, students, and policies shaping classrooms across Texas.
Posted in
Economy
This Time, Budget Bills Sail Through Senate
After last ditch efforts from Democrats to increase funding for schools through closing tax loopholes and tapping the Rainy Day Fund failed, two budget bills quickly cleared the Senate Friday night.
Posted in
Economy
Video: The Week In Politics Recap May 30 – June 3, 2011
Want a quick recap of some of the happenings this week in the Texas Legislature? We’ve made it easier for you with our weekly video rundown of the action under the dome.
Posted in
Public Education
School Finance Returns to Senate; What Next?
School finance likely hits the Senate floor this afternoon. Will anything change?
Posted in
Demographics
The 82nd Lege Session: The Highlights Reel
The Trib’s multimedia team highlights some of the most memorable — and surprising — moments from the 82nd Legislative Session. Our lawmakers sure do love to make a statement, complete with finger pointing, yelling and props. (Some video courtesy the Texas House, the Texas Senate and legetv.org.)
Posted in
Public Education
How School Finance Legislation Unraveled — and Might Again
In the end, a late-night filibuster in the Senate killed school finance for the regular session. But SB 1581’s earlier crash-and-burn in the House is an odyssey worth revisiting as lawmakers take up the issue in their special session.
Posted in
Public Education
Updated: Teacher Furloughs Fair Game for Special
Rep. Rob Eissler has filed his mandate relief bill, and while it doesn’t lift the class-size ratio, it virtually ensures a school district would recieve a waiver from the requirement upon request — as long as that wouldn’t result in more than 25 students in a classroom, a district-wide average of more than 22 students per class, or “negatively affect the education of students.”
Posted in
Health care
House and Senate Adjourn; Special Session to Begin Tuesday
Both the House and Senate have adjourned sine die. But without a school finance deal in the Senate, Gov. Rick Perry is expected to call a special session for 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Posted in
Public Education
Video: Dems Ready for Special Session
Texas Democrats, unhappy with the GOP budget, discussed possible strategies today for the coming special session.
Posted in
Public Education
Guest Column: Dems Face Uphill Battle Winning Public Opinion
Republican skepticism about public education spending joined with the governor’s determination to hold the line on spending, including on public education, is likely to carry the day — whether it takes a few hours or 30 more days.