Republicans have controlled the Texas Senate since 1997, and the Senate Committee on Education has reflected that one party's vision of education in our state through budgeting and mandates for at least twelve years. With the end of the fall semester upon us and all our students receiving grades for their work in the classrooms, it seems appropriate to grade the Texas Legislature's performance, and by association the Texas Republican Party's performance, on education over the past twelve years. more ›

Yesterday, the 80th Texas Legislature officially ended. And if you thought this session was fraught with partisan bickering and political vendettas... baby, you ain't seen nothing yet. more ›

Hot on the heels of the Austin City Council rolling out the incentive red carpet to keep Friday Night Lights turned on, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1634 this weekend, also known as the Texas Film Incentive Program. The bill, authored by Rep. Dawnna Dukes (Austin, represent!) and spearheaded by Sen. Bob Deuell (R-Greenville) along side our very own Governor Rick Perry, will set aside $20 million worth of incentives to entice future productions... more ›

In the wake of a serious dog attack that left 69 year-old Genevia Bushnell recovering from 23 distinct bites, the Texas Legislature is considering a change in dog aggression laws. more ›

For those of you with the good sense to stay away from political news of late, you may want to actually pay attention to this one. As you are no doubt aware, somewhat-interested citizen, the Texas Legislature convenes every two years. During this six-month gallivant through the time-honored traditions of glad-handing, grand-standing, good-timing, soap-boxing and general ballyhoo, various bills are brought up for debate and possible passage. Thousands of bills are filed every session, but... more ›

Governor Rick Perry's much-harangued executive order of mandatory HPV vaccines for Texas schoolgirls has drawn the ire of Attorney General Greg Abbott, who yesterday declared that the order was merely "advisory" in nature, and devoid of legal substance. more ›

In the 80th Texas Legislature – going on right now in case you haven’t been near the Capitol lately and seen all the people with megaphones and message-slathered posterboards on the lawn – a bill has just been filed that would regulate commercial party boats on Austin’s local lakes. Senate Bill 997 – filed by freshman State Senator Kirk Watson (D-Austin), former Mayor of Austin and former candidate for Texas Attorney General – would essentially... more ›

Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) will soon present Senate Bill 368 in the Texas Legislature, a bill that would create a statewide smoking ban if passed. The bill is essentially the product of diligent efforts by the anti-smoking interest group Smoke-Free Texas, a health-minded group seeking to prohibit smoking in all “public places” throughout the entire state. S.B. 368, if passed, would circumvent all other municipal smoking bans, such as the one here in Austin. It... more ›

- Who said student activism is dead? Remember when we told you earlier about how the students who study past 2am held a sit-in (peacefully) demanding longer library hours? Yesterday, the university announed that, starting in the Spring, the FAC will be open 24 hours. more ›

Post by Spencer Sharp The Texas District and County Attorneys Association (TDCAA), a non-profit organization dedicated to serving Texas prosecutors and attorneys in government representation, claims that, under Texas law, doctors who perform an illegal abortion can be convicted of capital murder and given the death penalty. This is a concern held by many across the state. And, looking at the legal language itself, technically, their concern is valid. The explanation: In 2003, the Texas... more ›

• The UT football team picked up another highly touted recruit, a 6-4, 305-lb.offensive lineman. One thing: he's only a junior in high school.
• When the Pope speaks, we do our best to understand him. This weekend, he called for an "honourable solution" to the Iran nuclear disagreements in an effort to bring about World Peace.
• Last week, our favorite President George Jr. met with Chinese President Hu Jintao. There were several things on their agenda to discuss.
• This morning, many homosexual parents and their children will participate in the annual White House Egg Roll. We think that this is a great way to show off your sexual orientation. And fun for the kids, too!
• Some priests think they can get away with murder. A Priest is on trial this week as he is accused of the murder of a nun over 25 years years ago that apparently involved Satantic Ritual.
• The Department of Homeland Security released a report recently that criticises the way that FEMA dealt with natural disasters last year, especially hurricanes. The agency was apparently pre-occupied with potential acts of terrorism and overlooking the immediate needs of many Americans.
• Australopithecus anamensis, you know, that guy. Well, his remains were found in Ethiopia and they fill a really important gap in the study on evolution.
• Today begins the fifth effort of the Texas Legislature to come up with a solution for school funding. We are hoping they can get something accomplished during this Special Session, or well before we decide to have children.
• Still unsure of what to do with your life? We are. Consider this list of the Top 50 Jobs in America. Being s Surgeon sure looks appealing.
• So now Katie Holmes is a Scientologist and she's not going to get a giant pacifier. more ›

For those of you who are interested in politics but tired of ‘fair and balanced,’ Austin blog Pink Dome has just what you are looking for. The uber-snarky site takes a look at the goings-on in that family that is more dysfunctional than yours: The Texas Legislature. The writers take their rapier wit and slice lawmakers (generally those of the Republican persuasion) to pieces, usually with hilarious results. The writers post anonymously, but if you look hard you can spot them around downtown: just look for dry martinis and listen for F-bombs. You can also now find a link to their site on our sidebar. Keep it up, Pink Dome. And In blogging, like in politics, if you scratch our back, we'll scratch yours. more ›

For all of our younger readers, the Austinist would like to draw your attention to a major issue up for debate in the Texas Legislature right now. Lawmakers and school officials are looking into repealing or changing the "10 Percent" rule currently in effect. more ›