Later today — exactly one year to the day since President Obama signed the federal stimulus bill — the Austin Water Utility will break ground on a $32 million wastewater treatment project paid for with stimulus dollars. Matt Largey of KUT News reports on other ways in which the stimulus has impacted the Texas economy.
State Government
Stay informed on Texas state government with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth coverage of the governor, Legislature, state agencies, and policies shaping the future of Texas.
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Health care
Day Care Danger
The Texas Workforce Commission spent nearly $50 million during the last two years on day care centers and in-home childcare providers with troubled track records — including sexual and physical abuse, kidnapping, and leaving infants to suffocate and die in their cribs. A Texas Tribune review found that at least 135 subsidized facilities had their licenses revoked or denied by the Department of Family and Protective Services in 2008 and 2009 and had their funding immediately suspended.
Posted inState Government
The Gay Divorcees
A same-sex couple, married in Massachusetts but now living in Travis County, has been granted a divorce by a state district judge. It’s the second time in five months that a same-sex divorce has been granted in Texas — and also the second time that Attorney General Greg Abbott has moved to block such an action. Ben Philpott, who’s covering politics and policy for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report.
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Demographics
The Numbers Game
More than 373,000 Texans went uncounted by the 2000 census, resulting in a loss of $1 billion in federal funds. With eight of the nation’s 50 hardest-to-count counties right here in our state, the coming 2010 census is a cause for concern — and an apparent lack of attention by elected officials is making matters worse.
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State Government
2010: Newspaper Endorsements: Star-Telegram for Chavez-Thompson
“[S]he would bring a fresh perspective, a commitment to work with both sides of the aisle and an emphasis on the state’s public schools and higher education…”
Posted inState Government
HuTube: Weekend Programming Note
Catch Kay, Debra and Rick on Dallas television this weekend.
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State Government
2010: Newspaper Endorsements: Eagle for Kay, White, Gilbert
The Bryan-College Station paper’s editorial board makes its picks.
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Criminal Justice
TribBlog: Budget Cuts Due [Updated]
State agencies are expected to submit their budget cuts today.
Posted inState Government
2010: Clements Endorses Perry
Former Gov. Bill Clements endorsed Gov. Rick Perry for reelection.