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Sources: Dennis Bonnen Spied on Democrat Caucus Meetings on Behalf of Dustin Burrows
A Democrat lawmaker aligned with Burrows facilitated Bonnen’s secret participation.
Abbott Unveils Billboard Campaign to Deter Illegal Immigration
Over 40 billboards have been placed in strategic locations across Central America, Mexico, and parts of the Texas-Mexico border.
Incoming State Rep. Kerwin Introduces Measure to Limit Harmful Chemicals in Fertilizer
In lockstep with ranchers and state prosecutors who have raised the alarm, Kerwin’s measure seeks new restrictions over harmful PFAS chemicals.
Ken Paxton Steps In to Stop ‘Show Hearing’ With Convicted Murderer in the Capitol
Robert Roberson was convicted of killing his two-year-old daughter, Nikki, in 2002 in Palestine, Texas.
The Archive
Time To End Tax-Funded Fluff Mail
Jeff Wentworth didn't come up with the idea of having taxpayers pay for political self-promotion mail-pieces. But his state senate office's mishandling of a "district newsletter" demonstrates why it's long past time for this perk to end. For decades, taxpayers have...
TRAIN Act Would Right EPA Wrongs
There has been much discussion on Capitol Hill this week surrounding legislation that could provide temporary relief to energy providers across the country. The TRAIN Act – or Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011 – would mandate...
Government’s Potteresque savior complex
I couldn't help myself this morning, when I read this story about former President George W. Bush's defense of the 2008 bailouts, from thinking of Harry Potter. In one of the books, Hermione Granger says to Harry, while he's preparing to go on another of his...
Senatorial Shift
With four Republican retiring, perhaps two more Republicans vulnerable to primary challenges, and a Democrat heading for defeat, the Texas Senate will look a lot better in 2013. Each outgoing senator is likely to be replaced by conservatives TFR has previously...
The fleeting joy of tax rate cuts
Tax rate cuts are like bluebonnets - temporary and sometimes non-existent beauties that fade with the season. Even when tax rates are cut in one taxing entity, other entities will often hike your rate, and it is likely your appraisal goes up as well, making any joy...
EPA Regulations in Texas Will Devastate Local Communities
This summer, the EPA released a new regulation regarding coal-fired power plants in Texas. Called the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), it will devastate mine and other local communities, wreak havoc on already strained power supplies, and cause the loss of...
Open Seat Draws Out Distinctions
Another open Metroplex house district, and another race pitting a candidate boasting support from the House Speaker' cheering squad against a candidate with conservative credentials. Newly redrawn House District 115 in Dallas County includes part of Coppell, Irving,...
Recession Over? It Is For Texas Local Governments
Are we out of recession? Has the economy in Texas, outside the immediate oil-patch, started to boom? If you look at local government decisions across the state you’d think Texas to have an unemployment rate half what it is. Just a review of the past few days of news...
Are school boards powerless in Texas?
Michael Quinn Sullivan of EmpowerTexans.com posted on his Facebook: “The AP is reporting that SAT reading scores have dropped to new low. We've doubled per-pupil spending in Texas, yet test scores are declining. Who'd have imagined that?! Just waiting for the...