The Brief: May 8, 2013
Amid pressure from Gov. Rick Perry, the House has signed off on one of his top legislative priorities this session: business tax cuts. Full Story
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King Pulls Measure on Public Integrity Unit Oversight
State Rep. Phil King on Tuesday pulled an amendment that would transfer power over the state’s public integrity away from Travis County DA Rosemary Lehmberg. But King said he has the support to attach it to future bills. Full Story
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House Gives Early OK to Franchise Tax Measure
UPDATED: The House’s most sweeping attempt at tax reform this year passed on a preliminary vote on Tuesday after hours of at times acrimonious debate. House Bill 500 which would spend an estimated $667 million over the next biennium. Full Story
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Agenda Texas: What's Left to Do?
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Water, transportation and education were priorities at the beginning of this year's legislative session, but how much progress has been made on each? Full Story
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The Evening Brief: May 7, 2013
Your evening reading: bill pushing alternative to Medicaid expansion likely dead; Republicans knock Obama's upcoming visit to Austin; GOP donor to file suit over federal health care reform Full Story
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Bill Would End Environmental Compliance History Program
A program that gives the public information about the compliance history of facilities overseen by the state's environmental agency would end under a bill House lawmakers will consider this week. Full Story
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Inside Intelligence: About Those Spending Taboos...
For this week’s nonscientific survey of insiders in politics and government, we asked about state spending, about using the Rainy Day Fund for infrastructure and education, about special sessions and Medicaid expansion. Full Story
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T-Squared: Our Spring Membership Drive
This is one of those weeks of the year when we make the case for modest support of our best efforts. It's an easy sell, or should be. Thanks in advance for your generosity. Full Story
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Hotze to File Suit Over Federal Health Reform
UPDATED: The Supreme Court’s ruling that penalties under the Affordable Care Act qualify as taxes has opened the door to another constitutional challenge, Houston physician and Republican donor Steve Hotze said Tuesday. And he's filing suit. Full Story
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Groundwater Levels Suffer Sharp Drop, Study Finds
Groundwater levels in Texas dropped considerably between 2010 and 2011, according to a report published recently by the Texas Water Development Board. The Ogallala was among the major aquifers experiencing significant declines. Full Story
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Bill Banning "Double Dipping" Dies in Committee
An effort to ban "double dipping" by elected officials, a practice brought to light during Gov. Rick Perry's run for president, has gone on life support. Full Story
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Perry Seeking Tax Relief That Texans Can Feel
While Texas voters grumble more about property taxes than the state's franchise tax on businesses, Gov. Rick Perry is focusing on the latter. Full Story
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The Brief: May 7, 2013
A major overhaul of the state's public education system took another step forward on Monday. Full Story
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Senate's High School Graduation Measure Differs From House Plan
The Senate version of House Bill 5, which it approved Monday, still allows students to complete diplomas in specialized areas, or "endorsements." But it changes the courses required to graduate under those endorsements. Full Story
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The Evening Brief: May 6, 2013
Your evening reading: big win for Big Tobacco in Texas House; Perry compares opposing gays in Boy Scouts to fighting slavery; UIL says disqualified student didn't make religious gesture Full Story
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Agenda Texas: Deadline Week in the House
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Only about 20 percent of bills filed during a legislative session make it to the governor's desk — and the deadlines that kill off many of those bills are coming this week. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Big Tobacco Beats Small Tobacco on Tax Vote
Small cigarette manufacturers would face new state fees on their sales under a measure that passed the Texas House in a preliminary vote on Monday — a big win for Big Tobacco. Full Story
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Reform of Emerging Technology Fund Clears House Hurdle
Top elected officials wouldn't decide who gets state commercialization grants under a bill that got an early OK in the House. The bill is aimed at alleviating concerns that friends of Rick Perry have been getting preferential treatment. Full Story
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UIL: Disqualified Student Didn't Make Religious Gesture
UPDATED: The University Interscholastic League has determined that a student's disqualification from a track meet had everything to do with the athlete's disrespectful behavior and nothing to do with his religious beliefs. Full Story
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House Backs Prison Bill That Diverges From Senate Measure
The House on Monday approved a bill that allows the state's sprawling prison system to continue operations but doesn't specifically shutter two privately operated lockups that legislators in the upper chamber have voted to close. Full Story
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Credit: Rob Crow
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