The Evening Brief: May 24, 2013

New in The Texas Tribune

•    Liveblog: What's Left for the 83rd Legislature: The clock is ticking for lawmakers hard at work to pass prize bills in the final days of the 83rd legislative session. Here's a look at what's still outstanding. Check back often: We'll update this story as deals are brokered or broken.

•    Perry Says He Opposes Part of Budget Deal: "With three days before the end of the legislative session, Gov. Rick Perry has revealed his opposition to one portion of a bill considered critical to a budget deal forged between the House and Senate."

•    Insurance Commissioner's Tenure Ends Monday: "Texas Insurance Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman told her staff this week that the last day of the legislative session Monday will also be her last day on the job. Kitzman couldn't win enough Senate support to remain in office."

•    Railroad Commission Adopts Key Well Construction Rule: "The Texas Railroad Commission passed a long-awaited rule on Friday to strengthen the construction of oil and gas wells. The commissioners hope to set an example for other drilling states."

•    For Perry, Veto is a Seasonal Power: "Who's really in power in state government? According to the calendar, the clout is days away from moving firmly to the governor's office. Lawmakers leave Monday, and Rick Perry will have until Father’s Day to decide which bills become law."

•    Lack of Texas Income Tax Draws Out-of-State Envy: "A growing number of Republicans across the country are working to repeal their states’ income tax, using Texas’ economic success to make their case. Inside Texas, however, the state’s tax system is not universally beloved."

•    Term Limits Crusade Unites Unlikely Allies: "It's been a disappointing month in state and local politics for proponents of term limits in Texas — a group whose supporters come from both the Republican and Democratic parties."

Culled

•    Perry mum on special session, House could work late Friday (Austin American-Statesman): "Gov. Rick Perry swung by the Texas House of Representatives on Friday, but he offered no insight into his thoughts on an overtime session. Perry shook hands and hugged members (he even smacked a fanny or two) as he moved around the floor and chatted privately with lawmakers. But the governor did not make a statement to a herd of reporters trying to find out if he would respond to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst’s plea for a special session."

•    Cruz invited to key 2016 presidential state (CNN): "An influential social conservative organization in New Hampshire has invited Sen. Ted Cruz to speak to its members, an offer that would present the Texas Republican an opportunity to begin meeting primary voters if he decides to run for president."

•    Exxon Defies Calls to Add Gays to Anti-Bias Policy (The New York Times): "The issue will be on the agenda at Exxon Mobil’s annual shareholder meeting next week for the 14th consecutive year. Last year the company went so far as to ask the Securities and Exchange Commission for a ruling that it needn’t keep including the proposal on its ballot, but was rejected."