WEEKLY REPORT
March 23, 2012
Conservative groups’ mantra for next year’s session: Cut, cut, cut
Conservative groups that have set much of the agenda for the Republican-dominated Legislature say the state should aggressively pursue more spending cuts, and not ease reductions approved last year.
(View complete article here.)
Conservative Budget Coalition Targets 2013 Session
Looking to get an early start on shaping budget discussions for the 2013 legislative session, the Texans for a Conservative Budget Coalition recommended Tuesday that lawmakers plan to reduce welfare spending, increase local control for public school districts, and consolidate or eliminate general revenue spending for several state agencies.
(View complete article here.)
Drought cost Texas close to $8 billion in agricultural losses in 2011, study finds
The driest year in Texas history caused a record $7.62 billion in agriculture losses, billions more than previously estimated, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service said Wednesday.
(View complete article here.)
Education backlash could fuel turnover in the Legislature
More than a dozen Republicans and Democrats who have sat on school boards are running for the Texas House this year, and a backlash over spending cuts and standardized testing might help them get there.
(View complete article here.)
Who Will Lead the Texas Senate Education Committee?
In September, when Sen. Florence Shapiro announced she wouldn’t seek re-election, it created what one longtime education consultant called a “major disturbance in the force.”
(View complete article here.)
Perry is asked to compromise on Women’s Health Program
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison on Thursday added to the pressure on Gov. Rick Perry to save a federally funded health program for low-income women, but state officials and local providers already are turning their focus to how to pick up the slack.
(View complete article here.)
State Sen. Jose Rodriguez: Poor policy and bad medicine hurts US
The nation is recovering from eight years of poor economic management that threatened to run us off the rails, but instead of working with President Obama to keep us on track, Republicans are impeding progress while trying to impose a radical far-right social agenda.
(View complete article here.)
Komen foundation continues to see fallout from Planned Parenthood controversy
Fallout from the Planned Parenthood controversy continues at the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, with several executives at headquarters and affiliates departing, questions arising about fundraising ability, and structural changes underway to give affiliates more influence, officials said Wednesday.
(View complete article here.)
OPINON: Voter ID law fails to address real fraud problem
Many years ago I was honored by the Snake Pit, a group of old-line politicos whose leaders included the late West Side printer and political philosopher Ruben Munguia, a prominent figure even before he became Henry Cisneros‘ uncle.
(View complete article here.)
Take the time to vote in primary elections
While the ongoing redistricting litigation has created some confusion among voters and candidates, let me take this opportunity to provide clarity to the process and reassure citizens that the State of Texas is fully prepared to assist in the administration of the party primaries. I want to ensure all eligible Texans can vote.
(View complete article here.)
Straus could be next target of national tea party group
A national tea party group that has targeted Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst for defeat could soon set its sights on another Republican leader of the Texas Legislature: House Speaker Joe Straus.
(View complete article here.)
Hegar Exploring 2014 Run for Comptroller
State Sen. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, says he is exploring a run for comptroller in 2014, working on the assumption that Comptroller Susan Combs will be moving on.
(View complete article here.)
BLOG: Texas scores low in ethics accountability
Texas earned the low grade of D-plus for integrity and ethics accountability in state government, tying with six other states for 27th place, according to a study released this morning by a group of public watchdog agencies.
(View complete article here.)
Man accused of firebombing state senator’s office called unstable
A homeless man who police say ignited Molotov cocktails at the door to the offices of state Sen. Wendy Davis exhibited unstable behavior and spoke of aliens after the attack, according to police documents.
(View complete article here.)
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