News of the Week Tax incentives for private schooling face dim prospects The prospects are dim for legislative proposals creating tax incentives to help public school students pay for private school, but that did not dampen the fervor of “school choice” supporters at the Texas Capitol on ... Keep Reading
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Arnold Public Affairs Political Highlights April 1-5
News of the Week Agenda Texas: Behind the Scenes of the Budget Debate The Texas House began its debate on a $193 billion budget bill Thursday morning. And as lead budget writer Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, laid out the bill, he reminded lawmakers of the shaky economic ground the state was on ... Keep Reading
Arnold Public Affairs Education Highlights April 1-5
News of the Week Agenda Texas: Behind the Scenes of the Budget Debate The Texas House began its debate on a $193 billion budget bill Thursday morning. And as lead budget writer Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, laid out the bill, he reminded lawmakers of the shaky economic ground the state was on just two ... Keep Reading
Arnold Public Affairs Political Highlights March 25-29
Water and schools were the focus of much of the discussion at the Capitol this week. The House passed Rep. Aycock’s HB 5, drastically changing the accountability system, graduation requirements, and end-of-course STAAR exams. Chairman Aycock says, “This bill gives all Texas students the ... Keep Reading
Arnold Public Affairs Education Highlights March 25-29
Weekly Summary The House passed Rep. Aycock’s HB 5 after 8 hours of debate on Tuesday, drastically changing the accountability system, graduation requirements, and high school end-of-course STAAR exams. Chairman Aycock says, “This bill gives all Texas students the opportunities they need to succeed ... Keep Reading
Arnold Public Affairs Education Highlights March 18-22
Weekly Summary As SB 1 was voted out of the Senate, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst remarked: "The state budget passed today reflects our commitment to balancing a fiscally conservative budget without raising taxes and giving your priorities the resources they need to continue building a better ... Keep Reading
Arnold Public Affairs Political Highlights March 18-22
Weekly Summary As SB 1 was voted out of the Senate, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst remarked: "The state budget passed today reflects our commitment to balancing a fiscally conservative budget without raising taxes and giving your priorities the resources they need to continue building a better ... Keep Reading
Arnold Public Affairs Education Highlights March 11-15
Weekly Summary Bill filing ended last week as legislators rushed to submit 2563 bills and proposed constitutional amendments, bringing the grand total up to 5924 pieces of legislation. SB 1, the Senate’s version of the general appropriations bill, was voted out of Senate Finance unanimously and ... Keep Reading
Arnold Public Affairs Political Highlights March 11-15
Weekly Summary Bill filing ended last week as legislators rushed to submit 2563 bills and proposed constitutional amendments, bringing the grand total up to 5924 pieces of legislation. Gov. Perry continues his mission to bring jobs from California to Texas. Hoping that the Lone Star State will ... Keep Reading
Education Highlights March 4-8
Weekly Summary March 8th is the last day to file a bill without suspending the rules. On Thursday, 752 bills and resolutions were filed and we expect at least that many to be filed on Friday! SB 758, by Senator Williams (R-The Woodlands), was approved by the Senate on Tuesday and pays a $1.75 ... Keep Reading