Past Contributions

• Sunset Commission: TDCJ Can Improve in Efficiency, Communication

  By Holly Heinrich June 5, 2012

  The Sunset Advisory Commission found that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has room for improvement. The commission on Tuesday discussed accountability, budgetary efficiency, response to inmate grievances and communication. Full Story 

• 4 Democrats Vying to Replace Hochberg in HD-137

  By Holly Heinrich May 23, 2012

  In southwest Houston, four Democratic hopefuls are running for the HD-137 seat held for 20 years by Rep. Scott Hochberg. The candidates include two former Capitol staffers, a prosecutor and a school board member. Full Story 

• Cities Making Their Own Payday Loan Regulations

  By Holly Heinrich May 3, 2012

  Across Texas, city councils are beginning to take the regulation of payday and auto title lenders into their own hands. But lobbyists have also been active in opposing municipal ordinances. Full Story 

• Poll of Texas Shows Romney Ahead of GOP Rivals, President Obama

  By Holly Heinrich April 24, 2012

  It wasn't always a given that Mitt Romney would win the Texas primary. But a new poll shows that Texas Republicans are starting to line up behind the front-runner in the GOP presidential race. Full Story 

• State Board of Education Debate Turns to District Size

  By Holly Heinrich April 17, 2012

  The 15 members of the State Board of Education share three staffers and at times must travel hundreds of miles to meet with constituents. At a hearing on Tuesday, the House Redistricting Committee heard debate on whether members can adequately represent such large districts. Full Story 

• Report Stresses Raising College Graduation Rates for Latinos

  By Holly Heinrich April 10, 2012

  In Texas, 34 percent of the state's adult population has earned an associate degree or higher — but only 17 percent of Latino adults have such a degree. A new report from a national nonprofit group discusses why that gap needs to close. Full Story 

• Seeking a Nonlethal Exit Strategy for Wild Burros

  By Holly Heinrich March 21, 2012

  The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has suspended the killing of wild burros in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Full Story 

• Conservative Budget Coalition Targets 2013 Session

  By Holly Heinrich March 20, 2012

  Looking to get an early start on shaping the budget discussions for the 2013 legislative session, the Texans for a Conservative Budget Coalition has made recommendations to lawmakers. Full Story 

• Prison Radio Show is Inmates' Link to the Outside World

  By Holly Heinrich March 16, 2012

  Part news program, part call-in show, "The Prison Show" aims to help inmates stay connected to family, friends and the outside world. Full Story 

• Hundreds Attend Rally Targeting Possible End of Women's Health Program

  By Holly Heinrich March 6, 2012

  The rally at the state Capitol drew progressive political activists, local musicians, state representatives and women’s health clinic employees. Full Story