This week on the TribCast, Ross, Reeve, Emily, and Julian discuss the theatrics of the end of the special session and look forward to the interim.
special sessions
Posted in
Demographics
Updated: Sanctuary Cities Bill Clinging to Life
State Rep. Burt Solomons says at least one version of the contentious sanctuary cities bill will advance out of committee today, despite the morning cancellation of a House State Affairs meeting.
Posted in
Demographics
GOP Boosters Urge a “No” Vote on Sanctuary Cities
Two Republican boosters have circulated a memo urging business owners to contact lawmakers to encourage them to vote against the “sanctuary cities” bills pending in committee.
Posted in
State Government
Video: Does Special Session Help, Hurt Perry?
Strategists say the longer lawmakers stay in town, the more time Gov. Rick Perry has to show off his conservative credentials and appeal to a crucial bloc that could propel him into a national race: Republican primary voters.
Posted in
Demographics
Sanctuary Cities Bills On Hold, On the Clock
A decision on the whether to advance the state’s pending “sanctuary cities” legislation will not be made until Monday, leaving less time for lawmakers to consider the bills before Wednesday’s special session deadline.
Posted in
Demographics
Video: Did Democrats Bungle Sanctuary Cities Bill?
One of the most emotional and controversial issues of the year centered around the sanctuary cities bil. Senate Democrats managed to block SB 9 during the regular session, but it’s found a new life in the special session. Behind the scenes, some question whether the Democrats are now reaping what they sowed when one of their members pushed the Legislature into overtime.
Posted in
State Government
Video: What Lege Sessions Cost Taxpayers and Lawmakers
We break down the cost to taxpayers of the regular and special sessions. It’s not chump change, but one political science expert argues the relatively low pay for lawmakers keeps many Texans from being able to run for higher office.
Posted in
State Government
Video: A Rally for Bill Countering TSA “Groping”
Texans for Accountable Government and their coalition partners rallied on the front steps of the Texas Capitol Saturday, urging Gov. Rick Perry to support HB 1937. The so-called “TSA groping” bill, by state Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, would restrict instrusive screening practices by security personnel.
Posted in
Economy
Video: The Week In Politics Recap May 30 – June 3, 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.
Posted in
State Government
Video: Some Lawmakers Struggle to Balance Personal, Legislative Duties
Many Texas lawmakers have the resources to stay in Austin a few extra weeks — or even months — for special sessions. But others take a big fiscal hit. And it takes a personal toll on all of them.