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.
June 2011
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
State Government
Thank God and Greyhound
Maybe it’s our imagination, but everyone seemed to leave town in a hurry.
Posted inState Government
Democrats Have Shot at U.S. Senate Seat, Poll Says
Democrats may have a shot at the seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, according to a new poll from Public Policy Polling, a left-leaning polling firm.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Comptroller Pays Anthony Graves $1.4 Million
Anthony Graves got a check for $1.45 million today from Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, money the state owed him for keeping him behind bars for nearly two decades for a crime he did not commit.
Posted inState Government
The Midday Brief: June 30, 2011
Your afternoon reading: Perry lagging in New Hampshire; a new interim chancellor for Texas A&M; the most expensive colleges; Texas wetland restoration a model for the Gulf.
Posted in
Higher Education
Updated: Jay Kimbrough Named A&M System Interim Chancellor
Jay Kimbrough, a former chief of staff to Gov. Rick Perry, this morning was named deputy chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. He will also serve as interim chancellor.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: June 30, 2011
As lawmakers wearily leave the pink building, Gov. Rick Perry wades further into presidential waters.