Here are links to a few stories about the goings on in Austin. All will apply to some aspect of GOVT 2306, so be on the lookout.
- The Texas Tribune reports that Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst wants to retain the 2/3rds rule in the Senate, but that other Senators are not in favor of retaining it. The rule allows a minority within the Senate to block legislation they oppose:
The controversial rule prevents bills from being brought up for debate on the Senate floor unless two-thirds of senators consent. That rule has allowed a coalition of 11 of the Senate’s 31 members to block measures that have the support of more than half of the body. Although the rule has often helped Democrats block legislation, it has also worked in the favor of other groups of like-minded senators, such as those from rural districts.
Democrats will have at least 11 members out of the 31 in the Senate, so it gives them a bit of leverage in the chamber.
- Texas Watchdog argues that the state legislature in a "minefield of potential conflicts of interest." Legislators, who need to do something else in the almost 600 days they are not in session every two years, often have interests that they can assist with their ability to pass legislation. We might wish to consider if this is an inevitable consequence of the amateur legislature.
- The Texas Legislature likes to claim that it is not as dysfunctional of Congress, but the Dallas Morning News claims that lines are emerging quickly over what to do about the projected surplus. Should the programs cut in the last legislative session be restored? Or should taxes be cut further?
- The Dallas Morning News highlights 5 things to watch for in the upcoming session. 1 - Perry and Dewhurst will try to rebuild their reputations after a bad year. 2 - Water and transportation infrastructure needs to be addressed. Texas is not ready for projected growth. 3 - Public education has multiple issues including the backlash against testing and the cuts from the past session. 4 - A variety of hot-button issues including vouchers, drug testing, texting while driving bans and a statewide no-smoking ban. 5 - The latest round in pro-business efforts.
- The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal echoes the point.
- An editorial writer in Corpus Christi wonders if the legislature will look to the future or focus on the short term.
