State
Texas A&M Faced Intense Scrutiny Over Leftist Hires
Scandal broke over the summer regarding the leftist slant of a potential journalism professor, leading to turnover in the university leadership.
Push to Expand Gambling in Texas Grew in 2023
The past year has seen concerted efforts to expand gambling in Texas.
Dade Phelan Fundraiser Hosted by Liberals
Former House Speaker Joe Straus and former Democrat nominee for lieutenant governor Leticia Van de Putte are among those raising cash for Phelan.
Election Security Remains a Chief Concern for Voters in 2024
The past year, though it was dominated by other policy concerns, did see movement on election reform and citizen engagement.
State Archive
Why Are We Still Subsidizing The Film Industry?
Despite cutting spending, not raising taxes, and preserving the Rainy Day Fund, there were many areas of the state’s new budget that should have been improved – or eliminated - like film industry subsidies that fail to live up to their promises. A new national study...
Perry Right To Veto “Amazon Tax”
Earlier this week Texas Gov. Rick Perry vetoed tax legislation for the right reason: it simply hasn't been studied enough. House Bill 2403 would have allowed the state to start collecting sales taxes from online retailers selling their products in the Lone Star State....
Another Chance For Budget Transparency
Legislators have another chance to bring common sense reform to the budget writing process. SB 1811, the fiscal matters bill that was a key piece of the budget, died at the hands of a Democrat filibuster on Sunday, including attached language that would make the...
A Reactive Legislature
Despite a budget (that almost passed) without new taxes, this legislature generally did little to advance a proactive conservative fiscal agenda. Much of their work was reactive, even with an historic super-majority in the House. Not surprisingly, legislators ended...
House: Don’t Let Senate Be Excuse For Death Of Good Policy
Even though Democrats in the Texas Senate have chosen to torpedo the state's budget, the Texas House still has an opportunity to enact meaningful public policy. And with House Democrats circulating an anti-Joe Straus letter, the GOP should use their super-majority...
Killing Calendar Means Costly Special
Taxpayers delivered a strong message, urging fiscal restraint and responsible budgeting. But some lawmakers decided to ignore the call and are forcing the state into a special session that could cost taxpayers a million dollars or more. Or a lot more. While the state...
Legislature Passes 2012-13 Budget
The Texas House and Senate today passed the 2012-2013 budget. It is a tangible demonstration that a majority of legislators heard the message voters were sending in November, and have continued to send all session. Texans expected a budget that reasonably lives within...
Health Care Compact Looking Strong
As the legislative session comes to a close, rumors are more numerous than facts. But one sure fact is that the much-needed Health Care Compact is on track for adoption in the Lone Star State. State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst and state Sen. Jane Nelson deserve great credit...
Corruption Plaguing Border Town Over Water Rights
It might not seem that newsworthy to the rest of the state, but an issue of taxation without representation is picking up lots of headlines in the Rio Grande Valley. SB 978, authored by State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and sponsored by State Representative Veronica...