Arnold Public Affairs
Weekly News Report
August 12, 2011
Below are some general items of interest pertaining to the latest political developments and important events:
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Austin school district awards $5.1 million in bonuses to educators
“Amid the uncertainty caused by layoffs, furloughs and proposed salary freezes, hundreds of Austin teachers have seen at least one bright spot this summer: The Austin school district again doled out millions of dollars in bonus checks to teachers and administrators who are part of the district’s performance pay program..….”
(View full article here).
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Winds of demographic change playing out in Houston
“Meyer Lewis rolls in late to cooking class, in high spirits after swapping stories with a group of fellow World War II veterans…….”
(View full article here).
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Fort Worth schools fail federal and state standards in largest percentage among big districts
“The Fort Worth school district had the largest percentage of schools failing to meet state and federal academic standards among the largest districts in Texas, according to recently released data..….”
(View full article here).
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Ad space sold on Comal ISD buses
“This year, 10 Comal school district buses that deliver students to school and home also will be delivering a word from the district’s sponsors……”
(View full article here).
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How educated are Texas legislators
“A recent edition (June 12) of The Chronicle of Higher Education listed the education levels of legislators across the nation. …..”
(View full article here).
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Texas Students Switch to STAAR Testing
“In the fall, educators will begin to prepare students for a new series of test known as STAAR, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. STAAR will replace TAKS, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. Lawmakers passed the mandate to begin STAAR testing back in 2009. They will finally be implemented during the next school year despite a $4 billion cut to public education..……”
(View full article here).
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ERCOT Urges Continued Energy Conservation
“Trip Doggett, president and CEO of the Electric Reliability Council ofTexas, said today that even though temperatures are dipping slightly from last week, demand on generators is still high.…..”
(View full article here)
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Texas Inmates Complain of Sweltering Prison Conditions
“In letters from his prison cell at the McConnell Unit in Beeville, Susan Fenner’s son describes miserably hot and dangerous conditions. The temperature is more than 100 degrees outside, and the heat radiates through his tiny un-air conditioned box of a cell in administrative segregation..…”
(View full article here).
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Dewhurst: Perry Called to “Lead in Dark Hours”
“Gov. Rick Perry today made his first public appearance since news of his plans to “remove any doubt” about his White House ambitions broke Monday. And the governor and his supporters kept dropping hints……”
(View full article here).
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City to vote on tax break to protect water
“As Texas’ population and demand for water grow, voters will decide this November whether landowners should get tax breaks for protecting water quality and supply....”
(View full article here)
Texas Capitol Shooter Gets 180 Days in Jail
“The man who shot a gun on the south steps of the state capitol last year won’t have to spend much longer in jail a Travis County judge ruled this morning...…”
(View full article here)
Inventory provides clues on redistricting
“A court document filed by a lawyer for the Texas Republican congressional delegation on Monday sheds light on how GOP lawmakers in Washington were interacting with the redistricting map makers in the Texas Legislature……”
(View full article here).
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Tea Party faithful wonder if Rick Perry walks the walk
“Rick Perry has been widely touted as a Republican presidential candidate who could appeal Tea Party voters, but some in the anti-tax movement wonder if his record as Texas governor stacks up to his rhetoric..….”
(View full article here)
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Texas budget writer: From here, state budget can’t be balanced just with cuts
“A Texas House budget writer on Tuesday defended the state’s cuts-only approach but said that won’t do in the future..….”
(View full article here)
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Report: 40 states passed immigration legislation in 2011
“Nearly 250 new immigration laws and resolutions were enacted in 40 states during the first half of 2011 indicating a growing frustration with the federal government’s handling of the issue, according to a new report..….”
(View full article here)
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It’s official, if familiar: Perry’s in
“Gov. Rick Perry, The Associated Press reported in an afternoon news alert, is indeed running for president, as confirmed by Perry spokesman Mark Miner..…”
(View full article here).
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Greg Abbott and the Quiet Spot at the Top
“Sometimes, political inactivity is what catches your attention..…”
(View full article here).
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Sales tax revenue for state up 10 percent; most Central Texas cities see gains
“Texas sales tax revenue rose in July to $1.86 billion, up 10.3 percent from the same month last year, according to the state comptroller’s office……”
(View full article here).
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Abortion Sonogram Law Takes Effect
“In May, Gov. Rick Perry enthusiastically signed a bill that will require doctors performing abortions to conduct a sonogram of the fetus and describe it in detail to the mother. Women seeking abortions must then wait 24 hours before having the abortion performed, unless they live more than 100 miles away from the nearest clinic, in which case the waiting period is two hours. Exemptions to the law are provided in cases of rape or incest, medical emergency or in the case of fetal abnormality or defect. ..…”
(View full article here).
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Perry Presidential Campaign Staff Taking Shape
“With less than two days to go before Gov. Rick Perry officially jumps into the 2012 presidential race in South Carolina, the team that will run his campaign is beginning to take shape, top Texas Republican sources say.…”
(View full article here)
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