Gov. Rick Perry may or may not try to become the leader of what was once called the free world. In the meantime, he has cemented his reputation as one of the most powerful governors ever to walk the corridors of the Texas Capitol.
82nd Legislative Session
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Demographics
Video: The Week In Texas Politics: June 27 – July 1, 2011
Want a quick recap of some of the happenings this week in the Texas Legislature? We’ve made it easier for you with our weekly video rundown of the action under the dome.
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Health care
TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
Tan on how it all came out in the special session, Tan and Dehn on what the Tea Party folks thought of the results, Aguilar on Rick Perry’s uneasy relationship with Latinos, Root on Perry’s past positions on various controversies and how those would figure into a presidential race, Ramshaw on a $90 million health care mistake, yours truly on the candidates falling out of the race for the U.S. Senate, Hamilton’s exit interview with former University of Texas advisor Rick O’Donnell, Grissom on Anthony Graves’ payday, and Galbraith on the Texas drought’s effect on hallowed athletic grounds: The best of our best content from June 27 to July 1, 2011.
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Politics
Video: Martinez Fischer, Texas Redistricting on CNN
CNN is anticipating another redistricting showdown in Texas. The Mexican American Legislative Caucus, led by state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, is preparing for a court battle over the newly-passed congressional map.
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Public Education
The Brief: July 1, 2011
Since most Texas counties have fireworks bans in effect this July 4 weekend, what better way to celebrate than recalling the legislative fireworks of recent weeks and imagining those still to come on the campaign trail?
Posted in
Demographics
Video: Texas Tea Party Voters Disappointed
Tea Partiers thought this session was their time to shine, after helping to elect and elevate the GOP to supermajority status in the state House. As The Texas Tribune’s Thanh Tan reports, they’re disappointed some of their pet issues were not resolved.
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Inside Intelligence
Inside Intelligence: In Closing
You can let your children out of the storm cellar — the Texas Legislature has gone home. Better still, our insiders don’t think lawmakers will be back in session before January 2013, when the 83rd Legislature will convene.
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Higher Education
A Non-Growth Spurt
Though university officials around the state were hoping that the special session might open the door for the issuance of bonds for campus construction projects, that opportunity never developed in a significant way.
Posted in
Demographics
A Rare Win for Democrats
Call it the biggest consolation prize in recent history of the state legislature. Democrats, outnumbered in both chambers, actually won the battle over immigration after losing out to the Republican supermajority on abortion and Voter ID legislation and deep cuts to public services, mainly health care and education.
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Public Education
How Will It Play?
Lawmakers have officially made their exit from the Pink Building, leaving two bills that will bring major changes to Texas school districts awaiting the governor’s signature. Lawmakers, meanwhile, are wondering whether and how the two measures will play in next year’s elections.
