Top Stories
- Gov. Rick Perry sees Texas wildfires as statewide emergency. FEMA doesn’t? – Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor
We should remember that FEMA answers to Obama, who has declared war on Texas. Hyperbole? Yes, but with fact behind it. - Ron Paul Launches Presidential Campaign – Cameron Joseph, National Journal
- Rand and Ron Paul: The libertarian Kennedys – Jonathan Martin, Politico
- Redistricting and the speaker’s race – Paul Burka, BurkaBlog
A battle has been germinating, but while political junkies love to look at the maps, it’s hard to see a real war happening when it isn’t clear that maps will get passed. Straus may have overreached with the current proposed map. - The sky is falling – Cory Crow, Texas Iconoclast
- Senior journos: Why oh why can’t Perry be heroic and raise taxes? – Kevin Whited, Texas Iconoclast
- “Puppy mill bill” up again – Tim Eaton, Statesman
What Republicans want to go on record for more regulation?
Recommended
- Group runs ads urging “conservative” budget – Peggy Fikac, Houston Chronicle
- Conservative groups buy TV ads urging budget cuts, no rainy day money – Robert T. Garrett, Trail Blazers
- Texas jails fear influx of mentally ill after budget cuts – Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle
Dr. Steven B. Schnee, executive director of the Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County, offered up an extended metaphor one day recently to illustrate the consequences of what he considers catastrophic cuts in state funding for mental health services…. “It’s like saying, we’re short money — and we are short money – so we’re not going to put oil in our car.”
There are many special interests that make similar assertions, but only so much taxpayer money to go around.
- Do Dems want to block the budget? – Jason Embry, Statesman
For Democrats, there could be a couple of tactical advantages to blocking the budget this week and pushing it into a special session. For one, a special session would shine a brighter light on the budget shortfall, perhaps bringing more teachers and parents to the Capitol this summer to rally against deep cuts to education.
Q: Who do Republican legislators fear more, Democrats or Republican primary voters? A: We guarantee that they fear primaries more.
- State workers: We're ready to bolt over cuts – Kate Alexander, Austin American-Statesman
Isn’t it somewhat likely some amount of “bolt” answers reflect an easier and safer way to protest cuts than actually bolting? - In Texas, a Political Tug-of-War Over Taylor County – Ross Ramsey, Texas Tribune
Troy Fraser v. Robert Duncan. Parochial concerns. Game on. - Even in Texas, Concerns Grow About Gas Drilling – Kate Galbraith, Texas Tribune
On Wednesday, several dozen protesters marched through downtown Fort Worth, waving signs and chanting anti-drilling slogans that reflected concern over air and water pollution.
A handful of protesters with signs is newsworthy? On-shore fracking is equivalent to the BP offshore disaster?
- Texas lawmakers may remove transgender marriage rights – AP
- Will The Real Diane Cox Please Stand Up? – Williamson County Conservative
- Tom Schieffer to rescue Dodgers? – Ross Ramsey, Texas Tribune
Former George W. Bush partner and Democrat gubernatorial candidate appointed to head operations in LA. The Chavez Ravine needs a Texan?