Inside Texas Politics: Setting the Stage

On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics with host Jason Whitely, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy and the Tribune's Ross Ramsey, the show is given over to setting the stage for the rest of the legislative session. Last Friday's deadline for filing bills marks the end of the first 60 days of the Legislature, when lawmakers can only consider "emergency items" — which are designated by the governor. Starting next week, activity in the Capitol will pick up as the focus moves from the executive to the legislative branch of state government.

Jason and Bud interview state Rep. Matt Rinaldi, R-Irving, who details his views on state vs. local control; Jason and Ross talk about lawmakers' discovery last week that no one in state government really knows how many state contracts are out there, or how much money is tied up in them; tax cuts are front and center, but agreeing on which ones is proving tricky; state Rep. David Simpson, R- Longview, talks to Jason about his bill to legalize marijuana; last week's "former fetus" flap; former Gov. Rick Perry's travel expenses; and more.