State news in Texas
State
Analysis: Vote for Speaker is the Vote on School Choice
Rump Republican Dustin Burrows’ candidacy is being driven by opponents of Gov. Greg Abbott’s education initiative.
Will Metcalf Breaks Pledge, Joins Democrats in Speaker Fight
State Rep. Dustin Burrows has faced scrutiny after questionable support claims.
David Cook Secures GOP Nomination for Texas House Speaker, Backed by Reform Advocates
The bylaws of the Republican Caucus stipulate that members must support the caucus nominee on the floor of the House.
Phelan Withdraws from Speaker Race After Tumultuous Tenure
With Phelan stepping aside, establishment forces are pushing State Rep. Dustin Burrows for the position.
State Archive
Big, Bad Growth
You know how we Texans like to brag about being a limited government, low-tax state? New analysis from the Tax Foundation says otherwise. From 2001-2011, real per-capita direct government spending rose 32.9 percent in the Lone Star State, putting us at #15 in the...
Is the Legislature at a Roadblock on Transportation?
It appears legislators stand at a roadblock regarding transportation funding. While both chambers officially stand in recess for a week, informal discussions on how to move forward are already underway. A quick recap of what’s taken place so far: The Senate passed SJR...
House Fails to Protect ESF… Again
To no one’s surprise, the Texas House choose easier spending over common sense protections for the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund. When given an opportunity to put a “floor” for the ESF into the transportation funding bill debated yesterday, 20 moderate...
Transparency Committee Goes Behind Closed Doors
In the coming weeks, the Texas House Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations will be meeting in a closed-door session to begin their witch-hunt impeachment against a university regent accused of… seeking greater transparency. And, quite possibly,...
Protecting the ESF Needs ‘Special’ Attention
During the regular session of 83rd Texas Legislature (and very prominently, during the debate over Senate Joint Resolution 2 in the first called session), the issue of how large of a balance the State should maintain in the Economic Stabilization Fund took...
House Set to Take Step Back With Transportation Funding
Today the House will take up House Joint Resolution 2 and its enabling legislation, House Bill 16. These bills relate to the Governor’s call for the Legislature to identify funding sources for transportation infrastructure projects. This particular package of bills...
Perry Mails In Budget Vetoes
If you were looking for Governor Perry to make a statement about the excess spending and little tax relief in the state budget, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. Outside of a political swipe at the embroiled head of the state’s Public Integrity Unit, the...
And … They’re Off!
After spending your tax dollars at record-breaking and bank-busting levels, legislators are now hitting the streets looking for campaign cash. Republicans will wow you with tales of just how conservative they have been. They might think they are, but the results of...
Making a Statement (in the Journal)
Several members made a statement on some of the most ideological votes cast in the House during the regular session. No, not that kind of “statement.” The kind of statement that goes into the official journal documenting they meant to vote another way. It happens from...