NEWS
Can’t Read? Then Teach
Time was when you could graduate from a Texas college and get a job teaching in El Paso, all without being able to read. That’s the story John Corcoran is telling, and he should know. He was the illiterate teacher who sat in front of a high school classroom for 17 years.
Vote Down the Ballot
Early voting for the March primary begins next week in Texas. While many believe the top of the ticket is already decided and is uninspiring towards fiscal conservatives, the Republican base still needs to turn out in support of our down ballot conservatives in contested races.
New Property Tax Could Go on the Books
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has submitted a formal request to Attorney General Abbott for an opinion on whether library districts can levy a property tax.
Happiness Is Lubbock, Texas…
The old rock-country hit "Happiness is Lubbock, Texas, in My Rearview Mirror" had a tender, sappy-sweet quality to it. But sitting in the Lubbock airport after a great day visiting with our supporters and friends here in the Panhandle, we’re happy to report that Lubbock is just, generally, a great place to be. We’re sorry the Southwest flight is coming so quickly.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Reagan!
February 6 would have been Ronald Reagan’s 97th birthday. In celebration, I hope you’ll watch his landmark "A Time For Choosing" speech from 1964, in which he endorsed Barry Goldwater.
Just When You Thought Gas Prices Couldn’t Be Higher…
…Along comes State Sen. John "Let Them Be Taxed" Carona. The senator from Dallas is, seriously, going to introduce legislation next Session to raise the state’s gasoline tax by 10 cents per gallon. This would take even more of your money and shovel it to the state’s fiscally-inept, policy-wayward transportation agency.
Polland For Senate? Hope So!
Last week’s announcement that State Sen. Kyle Janek of Houston isn’t seeking re-election has opened the gates of candidates rumored, potential and real. One name that’s surfaced is Gary Polland, a long-time conservative activist who lets his professional life (he’s a lawyer) fund his passion for right-thinking politics.
TxDOT ‘Screwed Up’ 1.1 Billion Times
In what may go down as the most incredibly stupid error in state history, transportation officials told lawmakers this week that they counted $1.1 billion in revenue twice — leading them to over-commit to road projects. State Sen. Steve Ogden of Bryan summed the situation well: “This is screwed up.”
Please Call Again
According to KSAT, a San Antonio television station, more than 1,000 calls were made to the Bexar County courthouse by folks asking where to vote on this Super Tuesday. Of course, Texas’ primary isn’t held until March 4 — a month away.
Expensive Nothing
Texas taxpayers are paying some $10,000 per acre for… nothing. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission is squandering your cash to spend $400,000 to create 40 acres of "open space" in Guadalupe County, highlighted by a 1.5-mile trail with educational signs. Have they no sense of decency? Apparently not — but why should they, it’s just your money. This is just one of some $5.85 million in pork-purchases the commission made with your money recently.
Uncorking More Government Pork – Texas Department of Agriculture Sponsors Wine Tastings
The Ag Department is one of the two lead sponsors of two upcoming Texas wine tastings – one in Dallas and San Antonio. How many average Texas taxpayers will pay $40 for these sumptuous sippings?
The Grass is Always Greener…
On Wednesday the Houston City Council voted 9-5 in favor of an ordinance giving businesses the right to build electrified fences, which were previously forbidden.