Inside Texas Politics: Budget, Quakes and Local Control

On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, host Jason Whitely, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy and Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey talk about the 84th Texas Legislature. Lawmakers convene on Tuesday for the biennial session with some uncertainty on the impact that plunging oil prices will have on the budget they must pass. Texas' diverse economy is less vulnerable than in years past, but a decline in oil and gas revenue will not only affect spending — it could slow tax relief efforts near and dear to many legislators' hearts.

Also: Jason, Bud and Ross look at the issue of local vs. state control, which in some ways mirrors Texas' own battles against perceived federal overreach; Jason and Bud talk to state Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, about the upcoming session; Jason interviews Eva DeLuna Castro from the Center for Public Policy Priorities about what programs could feel the pinch from fewer dollars in the general revenue fund; what's behind the recent spate of earthquakes in North Texas is debated from the left and right; and one comedian suggests those quakes might be aftershocks from the hug heard 'round the world.