Past Contributions

• Budget Notes: School Finance Remains the Key

  By Brandi Grissom, Ross Ramsey and Thanh Tan May 25, 2011

  Lawmakers made progress today on solving the current budget deficit but still haven't solved the major problem in the 2012-13 budget: school finance. Full Story 

• Radio Host Storms Capitol Over TSA "Groping" Bill

  By Becca Aaronson and Thanh Tan May 25, 2011

  Notorious radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones led a raucous protest at the Capitol over the Legislature's failure to criminalize invasive airport pat downs. "Every one of [those senators] is an enemy of the Republic and the Republic of Texas!" he bellowed. Full Story 

• Video: On Fox News, Perry Talks Border Security, Bashes Feds

  By Thanh Tan May 24, 2011

  Gov. Rick Perry appeared on Fox News' "On the Record with Greta van Susteren" Tuesday night to discuss border security. Of course, he also took a few swipes at the federal government for not doing more to help curb illegal immigration. Full Story 

• Budget Notes: The Race to Fix School Finance Without a Special Session

  By Morgan Smith, Thanh Tan and Jay Root May 24, 2011

  One day after the education fiscal bill, SB 1581, died on the floor of the House, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a deal and keep the budget bill, HB 1, on track for approval by both chambers before the weekend deadline. The governor is among the optimists who think they'll finish their work without going into overtime. Full Story 

• Senate OKs Bills Regulating Payday Lenders

  By Thanh Tan May 23, 2011

  The state Senate passed two bills Monday evening meant to crack down on payday and car title loan providers. While some call the legislation a good first step, others say the bills do not go far enough. Full Story 

• Senate Passes Ban on Puppy Mills

  By Brandi Grissom and Thanh Tan May 23, 2011

  The so-called puppy mill bill is one step closer to becoming law after the Senate tonight approved a less stringent version of the measure that would regulate cat and dog breeders. Full Story 

• Budget Notes: Ogden, Pitts Plan Weekend Vote

  By Thanh Tan May 23, 2011

  The lead budget writers from the House and Senate answered questions about the budget they've agreed upon, admitting they don't have all of the details yet and saying they could vote on the final plan this coming weekend. Full Story 

• Family Planning Programs Face Steep Cuts, Elimination

  By Emily Ramshaw, Becca Aaronson and Thanh Tan May 23, 2011

  The state's family planning budget is getting increasingly thin. Budget conferees appear poised to go with the cheapest possible option for offering minimal family planning services, and a Medicaid program that provides screenings and contraception is circling the drain. Full Story 

• Budget Negotiators Agree on Education Funding

  By Thanh Tan May 23, 2011

  House and Senate negotiators agreed on spending on education, state salaries and benefits this morning and hope to have the final vote on the 2012-13 budget sometime this weekend. Full Story 

• Interactive: 2006-2010 TEXAS Grant Distributions

  By Ryan Murphy and Thanh Tan May 22, 2011

  The Texas Legislature created the TEXAS (Towards EXcellence, Access and Success) Grant program in 1999 to make higher education more accessible to students from low-income families. Check out the interactive to see how much in TEXAS Grants funding has been allocated to the state's 94 public colleges and universities between 2006 and 2010. Full Story