Top Stories
- Big differences between taxes and fees – Bill King, Houston Chronicle
The example is specific to Houston, but relevant statewide. - Proposed “New Money” revenue sources – Senate Finance Cmte/Empower Texans
Leaked document shows how Sen. Duncan is trying to find new revenue. - California, here we come – Paul Burka, BurkaBlog
In the current political climate, there is scant support for funding state services at a level that approximates the public need.
Paul Burka wishes Texas voters wanted as much social spending as he does.
- House bans typing — but not reading — text messages while driving – Jay Root, AP
- House approves 85 mph speed limit – AP
We’re generally against nanny-state restrictions, but a ban on cell phone typing in exchange for higher speed limits seems like a net gain. Factoid: Over 500 miles of Texas highways already have 80mph speed limit. Now if only the legislature would stop the unfair speed traps on 290.
Recommended
- Busing protesters in has a price – MattSDowling
- Bill to tax online sales goes to TX House – Barry Harrell, Statesman
This is definitely a tax. - Texas windstorm agency TWIA knew of potential fraud by relative of agency official, failed to report it: State insurance investigation – Steve Miller, Texas Watchdog
- Legislators consider putting a cap on toll road fines – Anna Tinsley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- The Texas Tribune, UT Establishment, and Leftist donors – Weston Hicks, AgendaWise Reports
- Texas leads wind power growth – Jack Z. Smith, FWST
- Rep. Joe Barton one of 6 voting against CR – Maria Recio, FWST
This seems like the move of someone considering running for Senate. - Bipartisan prison reform group praises Texas for trying new approaches – Carolyn Lochhead, San Francisco Chronicle
- Senate panel approves payday lending limits – Kelley Shannon, DMN
- Campus carry bill stalls in Senate – Erin Mulvaney, DMN
- Ag Commish Todd Staples Announces LG bid…in 2014 – Jessica Meyers, DMN
- TLC Redistricting Redviewer
TLC has several proposed maps up from MALDEF, GRIT, Pate and Owens. - This will be Mexico’s decade – Ambassador Tony Garza, TonyGarza.com
An increasingly prosperous Mexico not only improves our immigration situation, but also stimulates Texas economic growth through trade