The Texas Senate’s proposed budget, with one exception, is a carefully assembled conservative start to a 20-week legislative spending negotiation. But they finished off their work with a chainsaw.
85th Legislative Session
Posted in
Higher Education
With Senate moving quickly on UT regent confirmation, Hall asks for more time
One day after Gov. Greg Abbott appointed three new University of Texas System regents, the Senate has scheduled a confirmation hearing. One of the regents being replaced, Wallace Hall, is asking the Senate and Abbott to slow the process down.
Posted in
State Government
Austin Democrats gearing up for possible House District 46 special election — if Dukes steps down
Four Austin Democrats pitched ideas for representing House District 46, even though state Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, abruptly decided not to step down from her seat.
Posted in
Public Education
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick calls for House, Senate vote on school choice this session
At a “National School Choice Week” rally Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott urged the Legislature to take a vote on school choice legislation this session.
Posted in
Public Education
Thousands of school choice advocates expected to rally at Texas Capitol
Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will headline Tuesday’s rally, marking the start of a protracted battle this session over whether Texas should allow parents to pay for private school with taxpayer money.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas colleges fret about $1 billion in expected funding missing from budget plan
Schools say they rely heavily on “special item” appropriations for higher education. The Senate hasn’t appropriated any so far, but it could add them later.
Posted in
Public Education
Texas Senate takes first step toward school finance overhaul
The Senate has tasked a new budget working group with coming up with ways to overhaul the state’s school finance system.
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice, Energy, Environment, Health care, Politics, Public Education, State Government, Transportation
Watch our video series on community concerns coming to the Capitol
In our six-part “State of Mind” series, we looked at various issues being discussed across Texas as state lawmakers debate bills during the 85th Legislative Session. Watch all of the videos here.
Posted in
Politics
Perry goes before Senate energy committee (video)
In the Roundup: Former Gov. Rick Perry has confirmation hearing for energy secretary, State Rep. Dawnna Dukes is indicted and the Texas House and Senate are billions of dollars apart on the state budget.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
How should Texas teach students to interact with police?
Texas’ top criminal justice lawmakers are considering sending community leaders into public schools to teach ninth graders how to interact with police.