Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (right) and House Speaker Joe Straus listened to testimony on the cost of the continuing border surge during the Legislative Budget Board hearing's on Dec.1, 2014.
photo by: Bob Daemmrich
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (right) and House Speaker Joe Straus listened to testimony on the cost of the continuing border surge during the Legislative Budget Board hearing's on Dec.1, 2014.

Tighter Spending Cap Could Keep Billions Out of State's Next Budget

Depending on your political leanings, the spending cap state lawmakers set this week was either too low, too high or just right. Regardless, the arcane measure could effectively block lawmakers from accessing billions of dollars in state revenue.

 
 

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The Disappearing Rio Grande Expedition

 

Ebola Task Force's Report Includes Call for New Facility

Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Director Dr. Brett Giroir during a press conference at the Texas State Capitol on October 17th, 2014 joined by Gov. Perry, Dr. Kyle Janek, Col. Steve McCraw and Chief Nim Kidd
Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Director Dr. Brett Giroir during a press conference at the Texas State Capitol on October 17th, 2014 joined by Gov. Perry, Dr. Kyle Janek, Col. Steve McCraw and Chief Nim Kidd

In a new report, the Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response called for the establishment of a treatment facility specifically for children, among other recommendations.

Asbestos Allegations Stir Controversy in Kilgore

A pipe at Kilgore College, where allegations of improper asbestos removal and disposal have sparked controversy.
A pipe at Kilgore College, where allegations of improper asbestos removal and disposal have sparked controversy.

Tensions at the nearly 80-year-old Kilgore College have reached new — and possibly violent — heights amid allegations that the school was in the habit of improperly removing and disposing of asbestos from its buildings.

The Brief: Dec. 5, 2014

State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, explains Medicaid reimbursements on the House floor on April 4, 2013.
State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, explains Medicaid reimbursements on the House floor on April 4, 2013.

Voters in Senate District 18 go to the polls on Saturday to choose who will serve out the remainder of the term of Glenn Hegar, the state's next comptroller.

 

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Roundup: Executive Orders and a Stay of Execution