Two Bills Would Alter Political Advertising, Phone Calling Regulations
November 19, 2008 by Vince Leibowitz · Leave a Comment
Two bills by State Sen. Elliot Shapleigh (D-El Paso) would dramatically alter two major aspects of Texas political campaigns: phone banking and political advertising.
Merritt Calls For Speaker Summit
November 19, 2008 by Vince Leibowitz · Leave a Comment
State Rep. Tommy Merritt (R-Longview), one of nine House members hoping to unseat Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland) yesterday called on all candidates vying for Craddick’s post to join him at a “Speaker’s Summit” to discuss the race.
Jackson Files Bills To Address “Ghost Worker” Issues
November 18, 2008 by Vince Leibowitz · Leave a Comment
State Rep. Jim Jackson (R-Carrollton) today filed several bills, including one to end the so-called practice of hiring “ghost workers” by some Texas legislators.
HB 212 would prevent a former elected official from transferring retirement service credits earned while working in the public sector in the employee class to his or her elected service class account.
Burt Solomons Files For Speaker
November 18, 2008 by Vince Leibowitz · 1 Comment
State Rep. Burt Solomons (R-Carrollton) Tuesday filed the necessary paperwork to mount a campaign for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.
Texas House Republicans Want “Unlimited” Cash To Finance Weekend Strategy Session At Upscale Spa
November 18, 2008 by Vince Leibowitz · Leave a Comment
Leave it to the Republicans in the Texas House of Representatives to nearly lose control of their chamber and, two weeks later, beg for “unlimited” corporate and personal donations to fund a “strategy session” at a tony Hill Country resort and spa.
Berman Files Series Of Bills Targeting Illegal Immigrants
November 17, 2008 by Vince Leibowitz · 1 Comment
State Rep. Leo Berman (R-Tyler) has filed a series of bills aimed at illegal immigrants in Texas in anticipation of the start of the 81st Session of the Texas Legislature next month. The legislation ranges from a constitutional amendment to declare English the official language of Texas to legislation that would restrict where illegal immigrants reside in Texas, all the way to a resolution calling on the President to pardon convicted Border Patrol agents. Like a giant piñata filled with razor blade laced candy, Berman’s bills cross nearly every public policy sector from banking to education.
Sobriety Checkpoints Bill Filed In Anticipation Of 81st Texas Legislature
November 17, 2008 by Vince Leibowitz · Leave a Comment
Sobriety checkpoints on Texas highways will again be an issue during the 81st Session of the Texas Legislature, thanks to SB 298 by State Sen. John Carona (R-Dallas).
Carona’s bill would give the Texas Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement agencies the authority to create field sobriety checkpoints on public roadways–authority they’ve been salivating over for almost a decade.
Bill Would Move Primary From March To February
November 17, 2008 by Vince Leibowitz · Leave a Comment
HB 246 by State Rep. Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas) would move Texas’ primary elections from March to February if passed by the Texas Legislature when it convenes in January.
LBB Sets Lowest State Spending Limit In History
November 17, 2008 by Vince Leibowitz · Leave a Comment
The Texas Legislative Budget Board adopted a rate of 9.14 percent for the 2010-11 budget cycle, meaning the state may spend a maximum of $79.66 billion in tax revenue during the cycle. It is an increase of less than six billion dollars over the $72.99 appropriated in the current biennium.
SEN. KIRK WATSON: It Is Time For Texas To Ask How We Are Going To Define Greatness
November 17, 2008 by Vince Leibowitz · Leave a Comment
Last week, Capitol Annex sat down with State Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin) for a phone interview. As we’ve discovered after interviewing a number of lawmakers, it is often best–rather than to ask two dozen questions–to ask lawmakers to tell us what they are thinking on a few major topics of interest.
