WEEKLY REPORT
December 2, 2011
BLOG: First Reading: The 2012 Texas election cycle begins today
Filing begins today for the 2012 elections in Texas, which means candidates up and down the ballot will be heading to their local party headquarters to formally launch campaigns that have been months, years or even lifetimes in the making.
(View complete article here.)
BLOG: Patterson asks for AG probe of state comptroller’s racetrack subsidy
In a potential preview of the lieutenant governor’s race in 2014, Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson on Wednesday asked the Attorney General’s Office to investigate a decision by state Comptroller Susan Combs earlier this year to pledge $25 million a year over 10 years for a proposed Formula One racetrack near Austin . Patterson, who has already indicated his desire to run for lieutenant governor, said that Combs – another possible candidate for the post – exceeded her legal authority in promising a “$250 million taxpayer gift” to bring Formula One racing to Texas. Both officials are Republicans.
(View complete article here.)
Texas School Finance Fix Eludes Perry as Students Do Without Art
Students at elementary schools in Amarillo, Texas, don’t get drawing lessons as a five-year-old finance plan from Republicans led by Governor Rick Perry hasn’t delivered funding needed to avoid cuts and improve education.
(View complete article here.)
Harris County inmates get job training
Nicholas Bumpers hoisted the chunk of polished steel, pointing out a row of smooth, nearly faultless welds he used to join what was once two pieces of metal.
(View complete article here.)
Texas Supreme Court rules business tax does not violate constitution
The Texas Supreme Court ruled today that the state’s main business tax does not violate the state constitution, resolving a closely watched case that had potentially huge implications for the state budget.
(View complete article here.)
The 2012 Elections, Off to a Stumbling Start
Candidates began filing for the March 6 primary elections Monday, while the state’s attorney general asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block legislative and congressional maps drawn by a San Antonio court — even if it means delaying some primaries to May 22.
(View complete article here.)
‘Cyber Monday’ biggest online shopping day in US history
Online shoppers spent record amounts on the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, making it the biggest online shopping day in US history.
(View complete article here.)
Bush Promotes Cancer Texas in Africa as Texas Cuts Them
As former President George W. Bush prepares for his first post-White House journey to Africa to promote efforts to combat cervical and breast cancer among women there, his home state is struggling to provide the same services to low-income women.
(View complete article here.)
Safety-net programs insure more Texas children
Houston-area children’s health insurance is increasingly being provided by government safety-net programs as employers cut jobs and benefits, according to a new study.
(View complete article here.)
Redistricting chief suggests Texas Senate should grow from 31 to perhaps 37 members
From state Sen. Kel Seliger, a member of the smaller-government Republican Party and an architect of the Legislature’s redistricting maps that were nixed by federal judges last week, comes this: Consider expanding the Texas Senate from 31 to 37 members.
(View complete article here.)
COMMENTARY: Do lawmakers need a raise
Best I can tell, we have only two choices: Full-time lawmakers with full-time salaries or part-time lawmakers with part-time salaries (and real jobs and/or trust funds).
(View complete article here.)
Financial illiteracy big debit for Texas
Texas ranks among the bottom 15 states in financial literacy and financial behavior, according to recent surveys.
(View complete article here.)
Tax-cut extension could aid middle-class
Millions of middle-class families in Texas and New Mexico stand to benefit from extending the federal payroll tax cuts that are set to expire Dec. 31, White House officials said Wednesday.
(View complete article here.)
Buyer’s Remorse for the Tea Party?
Well, well, Tea-Party supporters. Looks like you don’t actually like the Tea Party anymore.
(View complete article here.)
Dewhurst Releases Interim Charges for Senate Committees
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst released a list today of border security-related issues he wants Senate committees to consider during the interim.
(View complete article here.)
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