The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Texas will not apply for Race for the Top, the one-time federal grant worth up to $700 million for the state. Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott cited strings attached to the potential money: “It was chock full of burdens. Their overall policy was to control curriculum across the country." Full Story
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The State Board of Education gets an earful on patriotism, multiculturalism and Sikhism as it hears public comment on social studies standards Full Story
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In a new city promotional video, Dallas city council members, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and a dozen other celebrities bust a move — and risk lifelong embarrassment. Did I mention Vanilla Ice is involved? Full Story
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison has slightly more campaign cash in the bank than her GOP rival, Gov. Rick Perry. Full Story
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The state ought to slow down proposals to expand the Governor's Mansion, House Speaker Joe Straus said in the inaugural TribLive event this morning, creating an obstacle to an idea endorsed by First Lady Anita Perry that has stirred historic preservationists in Texas. Full Story
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Remember those kids who would do extra homework assignments — without turning them in? Apparently Gov. Rick Perry and Education Commissioner Robert Scott might have just such students. Full Story
So it's settled. Right? Full Story
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If ESPN analyst and Mike Leach antagonist Craig James decides to run for the U.S. Senate, he'd be simply the latest ex-athlete to assume his skills on the field translate to politics. Full Story
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As the state school board holds a public hearing on social studies standards today, expect a torrent of pent-up input from advocacy groups treading the familiar ground of God, race and patriotism. Full Story
House Speaker Joe Straus named Denise Davis his new chief of staff and said former Rep. Clyde Alexander, who had held that post, will become a senior advisor. Full Story
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"Not even Jesus could save everybody," one teacher laments. Full Story
Just because the Republican debates will make for good television, don’t forget the joys of a live show. Today, the State Board of Education is coming to town Full Story
Texas educators forcibly pinned down students with disabilities as many times in 2009 as they did in 2008, despite efforts to curb the practice. Full Story
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What does the 2010 census mean for 2011 redistricting? Ben Philpott filed this report for KUT News and the Tribune. Full Story
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To restore jobs lost during the recession and to prepare for those ready to enter the job market, Texas must create more than two million jobs in the next decade. A key factor in achieving this target is having educated employees available to fill positions as they become available. Full Story
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Was America ordained by God to lead the world? Are our public school students taught enough about the African American and Hispanic experiences? Was Joseph McCarthy an American hero? The always controversial State Board of Education meets this week to take up such questions as it revises Texas' social studies standards. Full Story
Should reporters wear muzzles when they're around politicians? Some states seem to think so, but not, thankfully, Texas. Full Story
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TV and politics collide this week, but it won't include Tom DeLay's dance moves. Full Story
Let's say you're a donor to a candidate or an elected official who quits a race mid-campaign or chooses to not run for reelection. What if you made a contribution to one of the nine Texas legislators who decided not to seek reelection this year, or to a former diplomat who toyed with a bid for governor but ultimately thought better of it, or to a tech executive who considered a challenge to a member of Congress but decided against running at the last minute? What happens to your money? Full Story
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If you were interviewing Speaker Joe Straus on Wednesday morning, what would you ask him? Full Story