Agenda Texas: Abortion Bills Gain Steam
On today's Agenda Texas, from KUT News: The 2013 legislative session started quietly for groups hoping to pass anti-abortion legislation, but such measures are starting to gain momentum. Full Story
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Ben Philpott
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Ben Philpott is a senior reporter for KUT-FM, Austin’s National Public Radio affiliate. He has been covering state politics and dozens of other topics for the station since 2002, during which time he has been recognized for outstanding radio journalism by the Radio and Television News Directors Association, Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, the Houston Press Club and the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters. Before moving to Texas, he worked in public radio in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala., and at several television stations in Alabama and Tennessee. Born in New York City and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Philpott graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Past Contributions
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![Gov. Perry at Faith and Family Rally in 2013.]()
Credit: Filipa Rodrigues/KUT -
Agenda Texas: Water Bill Hits the House Floor
On today's Agenda Texas from KUT News: Bills are flying out of committee and onto the House and Senate floor. This week the House will take up legislation that would fund the state's water plan with $2 billion from the Rainy Day Fund. Full Story
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Medicaid Expansion Sparks Debate Over Asset Tests
Gov. Rick Perry said last week that any Medicaid overhaul in Texas should include so-called asset testing, "to ensure care is there for those who really need it most." With lawmakers eyeing a Medicaid expansion, such testing is stirring debate. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Senate Committee Advances Abortion Clinic Bill
A Senate committee on Tuesday approved a controversial Republican-backed bill that would raise licensing standards for abortion clinics. Democrats say the legislation would effectively ban abortion in Texas. Full Story
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![State Sen. Bob Deuell, R-Greenville, is in a Republican runoff to keep his seat.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Agenda Texas: STAAR Standards
On this week's Agenda Texas from KUT News: How many tests are too many? State Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, is leading the charge to reduce the number of high school STAAR tests from 15 to five. But critics worry that cutting tests could also cut standards. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
After Florida Medicaid Reversal, Hints of Compromise in Texas
Florida Gov. Rick Scott's recent reversal on Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act has left Texas as the last big-state holdout. But one key GOP state lawmaker sees some room for compromise. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman -
Battle Looms as Democrats Try to Restore Education Cuts
Democrats in the Texas House last week launched an effort to restore public education cuts, setting up a potential battle over an emergency supplemental appropriations bill. Full Story
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![Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer makes a parliamentary inquiry at the back microphone on Feb. 11, 2013.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Bill Would Aid Students Seeking Vocational Training
In recent years, state lawmakers have focused on increasing the rigor of high school courses, hoping to prepare students for college. But some business leaders say that has come at the expense of career and technical education, and they're hoping for legislative change. Full Story
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![Sen. Dan Patrick R-Houston, listens to Attorney General Greg Abbott during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Feb. 5, 2013. What will the balance of power look like between the incoming lieutenant governor and governor?]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Medicaid Expansion in Spotlight as Session Heats Up
Will Texas expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? That’s the $100 billion question this session at the Capitol, where supporters of federal health care reform may be gaining traction. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman/The Texas Tribune -
Senators Take On Health Care Costs, Medicaid Expansion
Texas budget writers got a briefing on the state’s health care programs Wednesday, and the biggest questions focused on how the state can reduce fraud and what to do about ever-increasing health care costs. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman