The Brief: March 12, 2013
Protesters on Monday attempted to turn up the heat in the simmering legislative debate over public education in Texas. Full Story
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Video: Educators Visit Capitol, Push to Restore Cuts
Ask any of the estimated 2,700 members of the American Federation of Teachers who came out Monday for the group's lobby day, and they’ll tell you their top priority is restoring the $5.4 billion in cuts made last session to public education. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie Cotera -
Beer Distributors, Craft Brewers Reach Deal
Beer distributors and craft breweries reached a tentative deal Monday to amend the Texas Alcoholic Beverage code, but the parties declined to provide specific details until legislative language was completed later this week. Full Story
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Former Lawmaker Blasts Her Successor in Email
Former state Rep. Vicki Truitt says she's over her primary loss to Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake. But an email she sent to "selected friends" early this month indicates she's still harboring resentment over the bruising campaign. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Freshman Lawmaker Gets a Lesson in Pack Behavior
The general rule is that new legislators are supposed to be seen and not heard — especially, as it turns out, when the subject is legislative ethics. Full Story
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The Brief: March 11, 2013
Lawmakers waited until the last minute to file several bills that could give rise to some of the most heated debates of this year's legislative session. Full Story
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Credit: Tamir Kalifa -
Newsreel: UT/TT Poll, Bill Filing Deadline
This week in the Newsreel: Highlights from the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll, lawmakers work toward completion of the first supplemental appropriations bill and Sylvia Garcia wins the SD-6 special election. Full Story
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Conservatives Revive Proposal for Term Limits
With a Republican majority in the state House, Senate and state congressional delegation, it seems like a strange time for conservatives to renew a push for instituting term limits. But some conservatives are doing just that. Full Story
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UT/TT Poll: Texans Favor Surcharge to Help State Pay for Water Projects
Water is a top issue with lawmakers, if not quite there with voters, according to the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. And voters prefer adding a surcharge, based on water usage, to help pay for water projects. Full Story
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Police Want Power to Take Weapons From Mentally Ill
The mental health code doesn't give police the right to take a gun from someone who is having a mental health crisis. Mental health advocates, judges and law enforcement officials are urging state lawmakers to address gaps like that one. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
The Evening Brief: March 6, 2013
Your evening reading: GOP state senator proposes temporary sales tax hike for transportation; Cornyn and Cruz join filibuster of CIA nominee; House group wants to repeal waiting period for abortions Full Story
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Updated: Chief Justice Pushes for "Innocence Commission"
Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson pushed lawmakers to establish a commission to investigate wrongful convictions at his biannual State of the Judiciary speech on Wednesday. Full Story
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Video: Lawmakers Again Pushing for TWIA Overhaul
After months of planning, state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, and Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, filed bills on Tuesday to overhaul the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and rein in rate hikes on coastal residents. Full Story
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Craft Brew Bills Raise Questions Over Alcohol Code
Craft breweries and the Texas Beer Alliance, which represents major-brand beer distributors, joined forces to lobby the Senate Business and Commerce Committee on Tuesday, but not all distributing groups are on board. Full Story
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Video: At Rally, Texans Urge Lawmakers to Expand Medicaid
Texans rallied at the Capitol on Tuesday, hoping to persuade Gov. Rick Perry and other Texas lawmakers to expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act. Full Story
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Perry Slams Release of Immigrants From Detention Centers
Gov. Rick Perry on Monday demanded that Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton provide details about the release of thousands of undocumented immigrants from detention centers. Full Story
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The Evening Brief: March 4, 2013
Your evening reading: House Republicans press for rejection of Medicaid expansion; NRA to sponsor NASCAR race in Texas; Jeb Bush opposes pathway to citizenship Full Story
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Texas State Regent Nominee Says Job Presents No Conflicts
A Texas State University System Board of Regents nominee said Monday at a Senate committee hearing that his job as owner of the state's largest alternative teacher certification program would not conflict with his duties as a regent. Full Story
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Charitable Donations, With Political Benefits
Charity fundraisers give lobbyists and political donors a way to show their support to officeholders during legislative sessions — when the law prohibits direct contributions. Full Story
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UT/TT Poll: Perry Leads Abbott in Potential 2014 Gubernatorial Race
Gov. Rick Perry would beat Attorney General Greg Abbott in a Republican race for governor held today, but a win in that race — if it actually comes to pass — isn't clearly in the hands of either candidate. Full Story
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