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3-13-10	White and the “Forces of Darkness” by Tim Lambert Well, it has begun. The general election campaign for the Governor of Texas. Democratic nominee Bill White, former mayor of Houston, who styles himself as a "businessman who gets results", referred to Republicans as "the Forces of Darkness" and has taken up the Obama mantra of the need for "Change." The question is, does he represent change we can believe in? We’re from the Government and We’re Here to Help You! by Tim Lambert The ongoing battle between parents and the state regarding parental rights manifested itself recently in a lawsuit by parents against the state of Texas over blood samples taken from over five million newborn babies without the knowledge or consent of the parents. Who Decides What to Teach the Children? by Tim Lambert While the Texas State Board of Education is getting a lot of attention from the media and Fox News about its deliberations regarding what will and will not be in upcoming textbooks, there has been some focus on home schooling textbooks recently by CNBC. DNA Destruction In the weeks before state health officials destroyed more than 5 million newborn blood samples they had stored without consent, privacy advocates, parents and lawmakers reached a last-ditch accord to save them — but couldn’t convince the Department of State Health Services to sign on.
3-06-10	Texas Republican Primary and Health Care Reform by Tim Lambert Yesterday President Obama called out the Republicans in Congress and said that a final vote should be taken on health care reform. … Some political analysts are saying that this approach is political suicide… Primary Results by Tim Lambert Yesterday (March 2) the Republican Primary election in Texas had a turnout that was about double what it was four years ago, mostly because of the heated race for the nomination for Governor. In a surprise finish, Governor Perry won without a runoff, finishing with just over 51% of the vote. Rick Perry Taps into Fear of Washington Bob McDonnell, Chris Christie and Scott Brown scored recent Republican victories by singing from the same political hymnal: focusing on kitchen-table issues, criticizing Washington without demeaning the president and keeping their distance from the GOP’s most polarizing figures. AFP Commends Rep. Joe Barton for Legislation to Put the Brakes on the EPA Americans for Prosperity-Texas applauds Congressman Joe Barton (R-Fort Worth) for introducing a resolution which would block the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, something the Act was never designed to do. Rick Perry Wins Big; 2012 Run? Gov. Rick Perry’s 21-point thrashing of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in Tuesday’s GOP gubernatorial primary offers the most vivid illustration yet of the potency of an anti-Washington message in an already volatile political environment. ‘Yes’ for Texas Governor Is ‘No’ to Washington Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison had all the advantages a year ago when she laid her plans to run for governor: a high popularity rating, a party shaken by President Obama’s victory, a big bankroll and, most important, the backing of influential Republicans, who felt the incumbent governor, Rick Perry, was too divisive and too conservative. Social Conservatives Could Lose Grip on Board Controversial State Board of Education member Don McLeroy trailed in his re-election bid Tuesday while longtime incumbent Geraldine “Tincy” Miller also appeared headed for an upset primary defeat. No Erasing Perry; Now We'll See If White-out Works Remember when you dismissed Rick Perry as kind of a wise-guy ag commissioner who had peaked as farmer-in-chief? And how you were less than awed by his razor-thin, George W. Bush's-coattails win over John Sharp to become lieutenant governor in 1998? Perry's Texas Win Buoys Tea-Party Faithful Anti-spending Republicans are jubilant over "tea party" darling Texas Gov. Rick Perry's surprise first-ballot defeat of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in Tuesday's fiercely contested Republican gubernatorial primary. Green, Lehrmann an Intriguing Supreme Court Matchup Who could've guessed that one of the GOP's most intriguing primary races featuring a nail-biting finish, unconventional candidates and the only statewide runoff for either major party would be for an open seat on the traditionally staid Texas Supreme Court?
2-27-10	Race for Governor - Final Stretch by Tim Lambert The campaign for the Republican nomination continues to draw lots of media attention and is driving voter turnout to two or three times what it was in 2006. Important Election Announcement! by Tim Lambert Election Day is next Tuesday, March 2. Be sure to VOTE! Tell your family to VOTE! Tell your home school friends to VOTE! Night of the Living (Health Care Reform) Dead by Tim Lambert Like a bad zombie movie, the "health care reform" effort by the Democrats and President Obama refuses to die. For almost a year now they have been trying to foist upon the American people a socialistic plan that would take over almost 20% of the economy, while 58% of likely voters oppose the plan proposed by the House and Senate. Justice for All? by Tim Lambert In Texas we take pride in the fact that we elect our judges and they are accountable to the people, but it's difficult to know for whom to vote. Perry Close to Majority by Tim Lambert The highly respected Rasmussenn group released its latest poll yesterday in the race for the Republican nomination for Governor. The poll showed some significant changes from the previous month's poll. Texas Senator Now a Challenger Lagging in Polls Just a year ago, many Republican leaders considered Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison to be the odds-on favorite to become the next governor of Texas. A popular lawmaker from the old-guard Republican establishment, she was seen as someone who could widen the party’s appeal after the setbacks it suffered during the 2008 national election. Bill White Refers to GOP Rivals for Governor as 'Forces of Darkness' Former Houston Mayor Bill White on Saturday called on Dallas County Democrats to rally around his candidacy for Texas governor in order to stop the Republican "forces of darkness." GOP Rivals for Texas Governor Vie for Votes By bus, car and plane, three Republican candidates travel a parallel universe, cutting swaths through the state, on the path – each hopes – to becoming the next Texas governor. Ken Mercer's Top 25 Conservative Endorsements! Endorsement announcements have begun among candidates. Endorsers provide a clear picture for Republican Primary voters in the State Board of Education race. Perry Files a Not-So-Frivolous Lawsuit by Bill Murchison Even Gov. Rick Perry‘s chief opponent for reelection agreed in principle with the challenge that Perry, Atty. Gen. Greg Abbott, and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples mounted this week against the Environmental Protection Agency’s newly launched campaign against greenhouse gases. Conservative Candidates Deserve Election to Texas State Board of Education by Bill Ames The purpose of this commentary is to emphasize to mainstream Texas parents & citizens the critical importance of electing conservative candidates to the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) in the March 2 Republican primaries. Social Conservative Faces Tough Battle for State Ed Board Seat The battle for control of the State Board of Education will largely be determined by Republican primary voters in four key races – and nowhere is the competition more fierce than for the seat that represents part of Collin County and much of East Texas. The Fallacy of the Tea Party Approach by William McKenzie What the Tea Party movement has done right is let Washington know that there is a limit to how big the government can grow and how much debt the country can take on. It's hard to overestimate just how damaging our $12.5 trillion-and-growing national debt will be to our economic growth if we don't start correcting it soon. Opponent Tuggey Stoops to Lying! by Ken Mercer On Feb 23 my lawyer-lobbyist opponent in the Texas State Board of Education race, Tim Tuggey, stated: "My opponent has not set foot in a public school in four years in office!" Perry Hoping He Can Avoid Runoff While U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is hoarding money for a possible Republican runoff, campaign finance reports show Gov. Rick Perry has increased his spending on television commercials in hopes of winning Tuesday's primary outright. Spending Bankruptcy and a Republican for Obama by Michael Quinn Sullivan If you vote in the Republican Primary, you'll have the chance to answer several ballot propositions. These give voters the chance to make their positions on specific issues known to the candidates and party in a way “polling” cannot. TBSE] Great Voter Guide Online + Our SBOE picks Below is an updated table of our picks for the SBOE races in Texas. ALL ARE IMPORTANT, but a few comments on several are added below the table. Sen. Hutchison Struggles in Challenge to Texas Gov. Rick Perry Shortly after Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison walked into Ruby's Diner on the Square here Tuesday morning, Bob Andrews greeted her warmly. "Welcome back to Texas," he said. Hutchison recoiled. "I live in Texas," she said.
2-20-10	Raise Taxes or Cut Spending by Tim Lambert As state elected officials begin to look toward the next legislative session, it is beginning to look more and more like 2003. That was the year that Republicans took control of the Texas House for the first time since reconstruction and the state was facing a $10 Billion shortfall. Dysfunctional SBOE? by Tim Lambert The Austin American Statesman (AAS) announced its endorsements in the State Board of Education (SBOE) races for Districts five, nine, and ten on Sunday in an opinion piece that calls the SBOE dysfunctional. What are the examples given for this allegation? Is the board failing in its statutory responsibilities? Hardly. Texas SBOE Impacts the Nation by Tim Lambert Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) districts are as large as two congressional districts. SBOE 15 includes Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, and points in between. The incumbent in this race has been in office for eight years, and although he answers questionnaires in much the same way as his opponent, his record tells a different story. Big Brother by Tim Lambert All over the country we continue to see the heavy hand of big government. Reports continue to come in that the federal government seems to be targeting Texas for special treatment and all kinds of enforcement of federal laws. Mercer to the Right, Tuggey to the Left Endorsement announcements have begun. Endorsers provide a clear picture for Republican Primary voters in the State Board of Education race. Chuck Norris Endorses Rick Green! Two Texas home school students have collaborated on this hilarious Rick Green promotion video. Texas Takes the EPA to Court of Global Warming Regulations The Texas director of Americans for Prosperity applauds the decision of Gov. Rick Perry, Attorney General Greg Abbott and Agriculture Commission Todd Staples to challenge the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s attempts to enforce the Clean Air Act in Texas. Gay Divorce Case Draws Attorney General's Attention Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has intervened in a first-of-its-kind Travis County same-sex divorce case, arguing that the women involved, who were married in another state, may not be legally granted a divorce because Texas law defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Critical State Board of Education Races on Ballot by State Representative Wayne Christian The Texas State Board of Education elections are one of the most important Republican Primary elections this year (and early voting begins today). The future of 4.7 million Texas children (and 46 million other public school students across America) hangs in the balance. SBOE Endorsements-No Rinos! Texas primary election early voting started this morning, February 16th, and Election Day itself is March 2 (Texas Independence Day!). Following is a table of our picks for the SBOE races in Texas. ALL ARE IMPORTANT, but a few comments on several are worth emphasizing. Agency Budget Cuts Small in Face of Texas' Gaping Shortfall State agencies offered up potential budget cuts of 5 percent Tuesday, fulfilling a request from state leaders as Texas grapples with a shortfall that could reach $15 billion or more. The Truth about Medina Debra Medina, Republican candidate for Governor claims to be the low tax small government candidate yet she is in favor of raising transportation taxes and fees, that according to one voter guide. The Liberty Institute’s guide has Medina as the only GOP gubernatorial candidate in favor of a transportation measure that would raise taxes. Randy Rives for SBOE by Cyndi Ortiz As we near election day, we'd like to remind you how very important the State Board of Education race is here in Lubbock. The decisions made by the Texas State Board of Education affect the entire country. It is crucial that we elect people with conservative values so that our children are not being indoctrinated with information that goes against everything we teach them at home.
2-13-10	Medina’s Rise … by Tim Lambert Three polls on the Republican race for Governor were released this week, which clearly seem to be bad news for Senator Hutchison and good news for Debra Medina. Parents, Education, and the SBOE by Tim Lambert The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is making national news again. That is nothing new and has been the case for many years. Hutchison Campaign Aims to Rally GOP Sisterhood Kay Bailey Hutchison is counting on female voters to recognize her history of cracking glass ceilings as the first Republican woman in the state Legislature, as state treasurer, as a U.S. senator from Texas and, just maybe, as governor. Social Issues Drive Education Race Ken Mercer and Tim Tuggey have a lot in common. Mercer, the incumbent District 5 State Board of Education representative, and Tuggey, the attorney-lobbyist trying to take his seat, both consider themselves conservatives. States Can't Nullify Federal Law by Sanford Levinson An unexpected feature of this year's gubernatorial race is the revival of certain political notions identified with early American history. Republican candidate Debra Medina in particular has made nullification a major aspect of her campaign, both in her two debates with U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Gov. Rick Perry and on her Web site, which includes, under the label "Restore Sovereignty," the message that the U.S. Constitution "divides power between the federal and state governments and ultimately reserves final authority for the people themselves. Tim Tuggey Donates to Democrat PAC's and Officials by Ken Mercer Please take 1 minute to watch our latest campaign video highlighting our opponent's personal donations to twenty-two Democrats over the last few years. This isn't mudslinging or dirty politics, these are true facts that Republican primary voters deserve to know. Medina Tax Swap Proposal Comes at a Cost Debra Medina, the feisty Republican running for governor, promises Texans that she will liberate them from their property taxes. Join Governor Perry and Judge Andrew Napolitano in Dallas to Talk 10th Amendment As Washington politicians continue their march towards overreaching federal government, taxpayers are concerned, now more than ever, about restoring Constitutional rights to the states and to the people. House District 92 Race Centers on Voter ID Bill, Party Leader's Role The Republican primary race between state Rep. Todd Smith of Euless and former Bedford Councilman Jeff Cason has turned into a statewide argument over one issue: Smith's failed effort to pass a voter ID bill last year. Tea Parties: Volume Versus Principals by Michael Quinn Sullivan An interesting story line some have tried to create in Texas’ gubernatorial race has been that Debra Medina is the “tea party” candidate, while Governor Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Hutchison are not, or worse. New Strategy by Cyndi Ortiz We have a new strategy that we are asking everyone to participate in. Fox News has been covering the importance of the TX SBOE off and on for the past two weeks. We are asking everyone to call them and ask them to cover the races for conservatives. It is AS important as the Scott Brown race. Please call Fox at 888-369-4762 and ask them to cover these very important races. Also, if you have the time to call Sean Hannity's radio show, please also ask Sean to cover these races and explain to him how these races affect the whole country!!! His radio call in number is 800-941-7326. Republican Party of Texas Update The State Republican Executive Committee has placed five propositions on the GOP primary ballot. These non-binding questions gauge grassroots support on the issues, and will inform our elected officials where the party's most active voters stand on the issues. Early voting begins Tuesday, February 16, and primary day itself is March 2. The propositions are below. Get informed, and get ready to vote! The Rise of Debra Medina by Lynn Woolley A funny thing happened on the way to the Texas primary. Or, a not-so funny thing, if you happen to be a career politician. The rise of Debra Medina, a former also-ran candidate considered by the Perry and Hutchison folks to be nothing more than a gadfly, should not have been a surprise, considering what happened in Massachusetts. Debra Medina’s Texas-size Momentum A pistol-packing nurse and home-schooler with close ties to Ron Paul is emerging as a wild card who is reordering the dynamics of the March 2 Texas Republican primary for governor. Debra Medina Self-Destructs on Glenn Beck Radio Show Texas Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina imploded on the Glenn Beck radio program this morning when she said she didn't have an opinion on whether the US government was behind the 9/11 attacks. Debra Medina Says Comments on Glenn Beck Show about More than 9/11 Debra Medina, a Republican candidate in the Texas gubernatorial race, is walking back some comments she made earlier today on the Glenn Beck radio show suggesting the U.S. government could have had a role in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Debra Medina — A Tea Party Cautionary Tale by streiff I have to admit I am something of a skeptic about the Tea Party movement for a lot of reasons. This is not to say that I’m not also a skeptic about the GOP but only to say that spontaneous eruptions of political enthusiasm through modern history have more frequently been associated with disillusionment and disengagement (see Perot, Ross) and atrocities (see French Revolution) than they have been with lasting political change. Medina: Politics As Usual by statesman.com Editorial Board We all knew we were in for a political treat in the GOP gubernatorial primary. What nobody could see coming was the emergence of Debra Medina as perhaps the most interesting facet of this historic race. You're Invited to a Tenth Amendment Townhall on Monday Register to join Governor Rick Perry, Judge Andrew Napolitano of Fox News, and other conservative leaders for a Tenth Amendment Town Hall in Plano, scheduled for Monday (President’s Day), February 15th. Rich DeOtte Campaign Update - Candidate SHD 98 At the beginning of our campaign, we received the personal endorsement of Michael Marcus.
2-6-10	Race for Texas Governor by Tim Lambert The race for the Republican nomination for Governor of Texas is now heading into the final month before election day. Today news in the race focuses on new polls and latest fundraising reports as Governor Perry widens his lead over Hutchison in the poll and raises more money during the last month. Shami Can’t Name Key State Officials Farouk Shami couldn’t name Texas’ comptroller or attorney general when asked to do so during a meeting today with the Austin American-Statesman editorial board. OK, neither can a lot of Texans. But Shami, a Democrat, is running for governor. Campaign Update - 2.1.10 by Texans for Rick Perry At the BELO debate Governor Perry clearly defined his conservative vision. Mud flies in GOP primary for SBOE District 5 by Mark Lavergne It’s getting ugly. The GOP primary campaign to date is a slugfest between a conservative incumbent who proudly bears the title and a challenger whose conservative bona fides the incumbent challenges. Young Conservatives and Liberty Caucus Endorse Ken Mercer The Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) and the Travis County Republican Liberty Caucus (TCRLC) added their names to the long list of Conservative Groups endorsing Ken Mercer for the Texas State Board of Education. Medina May Be Spoiler in GOP Race By 11 o'clock on a recent Saturday, Ron McLain had the “Texans for Liberty” hot dogs boiling and John Wheeler was helping haul folding chairs to the parking lot of Debra Medina's campaign headquarters in Corpus Christi. Chuck Norris Money Bomb Today! by Rick Green for Texas Supreme Court Chuck Norris doesn't endorse: he tells Texas how it's going to be. Therefore, we would like to invite you to make the safest investment possible by participating in today's Money Bomb! U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison Sees Runoff against Perry U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison campaigned on the border Wednesday, and said she is preparing for a runoff election in the Republican race for governor. Hutchison's Record is Two-Edged Sword Rarely do Texas senators try to trade in their Capitol Hill clout to become governor of the Lone Star State. Sam Houston made the switch in 1859. Sen. Price Daniel did it in 1957. That's the entire list. Hutchison's Lobbyist Ties Could Hurt Attack Strategy Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison has blasted Gov. Rick Perry in recent debates and television ads as driven by the desires of lobbyists, but at least 23 former Hutchison aides have gone onto lucrative lobbying careers in Washington, according to Senate records. Perry Stays True to GOP's Ideals Gov. Rick Perry in his unprecedented nine years in office proved time and again that he is a team player: team Republican. Rejecting Race to the Top Funds Was an Easy Call Based upon the reaction out of Washington, I must have touched a nerve when I announced that Texas won't be pursuing the strings-attached federal stimulus funds known as Race to the Top (RTTT). THSC OffersInternship Opportunities with Governor Rick Perry’s Campaign Let your students take advantage of this opportunity to apply those volunteer hours toward a THSC Good Citizenship Certificate and learn firsthand about government.
1-30-10	Who Is the True Conservative? by Tim Lambert In the race for the Republican nomination for Governor there is a battle for the mantle of the "True Conservative." The National Rifle Association announced on Friday that it was endorsing Governor Perry, which many will see as a link to that mantle although both Hutchison and Medina are also staunch supporters of the Second Amendment. Home School Hero at the Super Bowl by Tim Lambert Tim Tebow has been a home school hero to many for a long time and for many reasons. He was a home schooler who played football with a public high school in Florida and became a Division 1-A recruit. Abortion Foes Not Relenting on Hutchison U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison once said Republican anti-abortion activists who politically opposed her were on a “kamikaze mission.” Now, their mission is to sink her bid for governor. Opponent Tuggey Contributes $40,000.00 to Democrats! by Ken Mercer Federal and State election records prove that my opponent in the March Republican Primary contributed at least $40,000.00 to liberal Democrat candidates. RINO Hunts in Texas? On the heels of the stunning defeat of Washington big government politics in the Massachusetts senate race, the people of Texas have the opportunity and duty to continue the fight here at home. Earn VIP Tickets to the Sarah Palin Rally in Houston By recruiting your 11 supporters by February 1st, you will receive VIP tickets to this event. We have a suggestion that makes recruiting HQ supporters quick and easy. Business Leaders Take Sides in GOP Education Board Contest A pivotal Republican primary for the State Board of Education has drawn an unusual amount of interest and money from some prominent business leaders. Protect the 10th Amendment by Rick Perry The education of your children. The relationship between you and your doctor. The ability of your employer to stay in business. These are among the most personal, life-affecting issues facing Texans today, and every one of them has recently been targeted for expanded federal control. Hutchison Clear on Roe v. Wade in 1993; Why Not Now? On the 37th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, a group of abortion opponents finished a 40-day vigil Friday afternoon outside a clinic in Dallas. 5th of 5 Part Series: The Case For Re-Election of Texas Governor Rick Perry by Stephen Raines Since December 21, 2000, Rick Perry has served as Texas 47th Governor, twice reelected by Texas voters. Throughout his term in office, Governor Perry has proven himself to be a leader who does what he believes is right, regardless of what critics may say. He faces critics boldly and without apology much like his political hero Texas icon Sam Houston. Texas Has Largest 10-Year Growth in Private Sector Jobs among All States Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken today released figures showing that Texas created more private sector jobs than any other state in the nation over the last 10 years and has the lowest unemployment rate among the 10 largest states in the nation. Governor Rick Perry Endorsed by NRA and Texas State Rifle Association This past week, Gov. Perry received the endorsement of the NRA's political arm, based on his A+ rating and tremendous leadership on Second Amendment rights. Chris Cox, chairman of the NRA-PVF, released this statement about Governor Perry's accomplishments: "Based on your perfect record as Governor, and your pro-gun responses to our state candidate questionnaire, you have earned the NRA-PVF endorsement. " What Conservatives Are Saying about Ken Mercer In the race for the State Board of Education, District 5, true grassroots Conservatives are one hundred percent behind Ken Mercer! Bank Sues Victim of $800,000 Cybertheft A Texas bank is suing a customer hit by an $800,000 cybertheft incident in a case that could test the extent to which customers should be held responsible for protecting their online accounts from compromises. Texas Bank Sues Customer Hit by $800,000 Cyber Heist A machine equipment company in Texas is tussling with its bank after organized crooks swiped more than $800,000 in a 48-hour cyber heist late last year. While many companies similarly victimized over the past year have sued their banks for having inadequate security protection, this case is unusual because the bank is preemptively suing the victim. Voter Registration Cutoff Date is Feb. 1 for March Primaries Harris County Voter Registrar Leo Vasquez reminds Harris County citizens to register to vote now. The deadline to register to vote in the 2010 primary elections is February 1, 2010. Serve on Governor Rick Perry’s Campaign Help reelect a friend, teach your children how government works, and fulfill the state requirement to teach a course in good citizenship. Join with other home schoolers and conservatives in a multilevel campaign to reelect a Texas Governor who supports the values that laid the foundation of this great state.
1-23-10	Then There Were Three by Tim Lambert The latest Rasmussen Poll in the Texas governor's race shows that Debra Medina was helped by her performance in the last debate, and the parent company of the Dallas Morning News has agreed to allow her to participate in the next debate. Opponent Contributes $40,000.00 to Democrats! by Ken Mercer "It appears that my opponent who filed as a Republican is running in the wrong Primary. Public records show that he has contributed heavily to liberal Democrat candidates who oppose EVERYTHING conservative." Update: American History Standards Victories! by Ken Mercer Together, you and I won huge victories in our fight for true and accurate U. S. History that promotes the American free-enterprise system and honors our Founding Fathers, Veterans, and American traditions. In Case You Missed It ... What Others Are Saying Individuals and leaders from around the state have commented on Gov. Rick Perry’s decision not to apply for federal Race to the Top funding. Sarah Palin Is Coming to Texas! Join former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin at a rally in support of Gov. Perry’s re-election campaign on Sunday, Feb. 7 in the Houston area. Was the Hutchison Poll Phony? by Paul Burka In the light of Monday’s Rasmussen poll, which showed Perry with a ten-point lead—one point less than he had in November—one has to wonder: What was the Hutchison campaign up to when they announced on January 12 that their internal polling showed KBH with a two-point lead? Join Rick Green at the Texas Rally for Life this Saturday Tomorrow, my family and I, will be attending the Texas Rally for Life at the Capitol in Austin. I strongly encourage you to come and support the inalienable right to life. We will meet Saturday Jan 23 at 11:45am in Republic Square. What’s an Endorsement Really Worth? by Joe Holley Former President George H.W. Bush became the third national figure to endorse U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's bid for Texas governor Friday, following former Secretary of State James Baker earlier this week and former Vice President Dick Cheney last November. Perry: Texas Gun Rights Approach Makes State Safer Gov. Rick Perry said Friday that Texans should not be subject to more government intervention and security measures after a gunman opened fire at an entry to the Texas Capitol and that the state's "enlightened" approach to gun rights helps to keep citizens safe.
1-16-10	Who Owns the Children? by Tim Lambert In the 1980s Texas Attorney General Jim Mattox publicly stated that he did not believe parents were qualified to raise their children, much less teach them at home. This anti-parent mentality was shared by most of Texas' elected officials. Texas Dem Braces for Bad 2010 by Michael Quinn Sullivan Looks like 2010 is shaping up to be a really bad year for Dallas Democratic State Rep. Terri Hodge. And that’s even by the standards of what is probably going to be a generally bad year for Democrats. Perry on a Roll One of the most closely watched political races of the year should be the Republican primary for the governor's office in Texas, pitting incumbent Rick Perry versus Texas U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. Perry Would Pardon Inmate Who Died in Prison Gov. Rick Perry announced Thursday he would pardon Timothy Cole, a Fort Worth man who died while serving time in prison for a rape he did not commit, as soon as he receives a recommendation from the state Board of Pardons and Paroles. Medina Adds Fire, Uncertainty in Texas Governor's Race The Republican race for governor has mostly been a heavyweight showdown, with the senior U.S. senator from Texas trying to knock out the state's longest serving governor. Why Is It Important To Elect Conservative Judges? by Donna Detamore If you do not already feel you have the answer, ask anyone who has been in a contested court case and they will give you countless reasons. I am speaking from the Family Law Court view, where I have spent over 30 years. Rick Perry Campaign Update Gov. Rick Perry today emphasized the need to protect Texas taxpayers and solidify the state’s commitment to fiscal discipline by amending the Texas Constitution to require a supermajority of the Legislature to raise taxes, and limit the growth of state spending based on inflation and population growth. The governor also called for the establishment of a statewide inspector general to maximize cost efficiency and effectiveness at state agencies. American History Standards by Ken Mercer I return to Austin next week for the January 13-15 meeting of the State Board of Education. I will continue the battle against the Far Left and their outrageous attempts to re-write history. Texas Christmas Petition: Have You Signed It Yet?? by Jonathan Saenz Recently, an appointed review panel for Texas state education standards decided to wage war on Christmas. Click here to sign the petition. http://www.christmastextbooks.com/ This unelected group removed the teaching of Christmas from social studies classes for sixth grade students across the state, and replaced it with Diwali — a Hindu religious holiday. For years, Christmas has been a part of social studies teaching along with other religious holidays, including Ramadan and Yom Kippur. But this all changed in 2009. Collin County Judge attacked in GOP primary for CUTTING taxes by William Lutz I've been covering Texas politics full time since 1998. I've seen a lot. But this is a new one: a Republican primary opponent attacking the incumbent for cutting taxes. Perry Appears Well-Financed As He, Hutchison Prepare Campaign Reports Gov. Rick Perry raised more than $7 million in the last six months and goes into the final stretch of the GOP primary for governor with $11.6 million in the bank. Board to Weigh Religion in Texas Social Studies Curriculum by Gary Scharrer Theologians and ministers at a news conference here said they were wary of the State Board of Education injecting too much religion into the new social science curriculum standards it will vote on this week. Gov. Perry Rejects Education Stimulus Dollars, Stands Up for State-based Americans for Prosperity commends Gov. Rick Perry for drawing a line in the sand and announcing today that he would not apply for specific education stimulus dollars which could have led to an arbitrary mandate requiring Texas to adopt national curriculum standards and tests. Washington Should Stay Out Of Texas Classrooms by Michael Quinn Sullivan Earlier today Texas Governor Rick Perry announced his decision to refuse to apply for the federal “Race to the Top” grant program. The president of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, Michael Quinn Sullivan, praised the course of action, saying it protects Texas’ children and taxpayers. “Listening to the Left Whine” by Terri Leo It is always fun to see what the various entities tied to the very liberal Texas Freedom Network will send out right before a Texas State Board of Education meeting. Today we have The Texas Tribune article that is a diatribe against the majority of the SBOE members. The full Board is meeting this week in Austin to adopt new Social Studies standards for our Texas public schools. Support Governor Perry by Tim Lambert Please take a minute and join my group supporting Governor Perry for re-election. No Federal Education, Budgets and Races by Michael Quinn Sullivan Once again, federal spending is creating incentives for states to race to the bottom of the heap. This time it’s in public education, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry wisely told President Obama to keep the cash. Hutchison's Debate Statements Consistent with Her Support of Roe v. Wade In this evening's Republican gubernatorial debate, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchson's statements on the abortion issue were entirely consistent with her long-standing support of Roe v. Wade. A Great Night for Our Campaign and Our Supporters What a great night for our campaign and our supporters!! Governor Perry distinguished himself as the conservative leader to help Texas remain the best state to live, work, and raise a family. Tonight, Governor Perry pulled away from his challenger and delivered a decisive victory in KERA's gubernatorial debate. Sniping Colors GOP Debate Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison clashed repeatedly in the first Republican gubernatorial debate, speaking over one another and all but calling the other a liar. Rick Green Campaign Video Update We're looking at the home stretch now in this Supreme Court race, which means....it's time for you to think about voter registration! Serve on Governor Rick Perry’s Campaign Help reelect a friend, teach your children how government works, and fulfill the state requirement to teach a course in good citizenship. Join with other home schoolers and conservatives in a multilevel campaign to reelect a Texas Governor who supports the values that laid the foundation of this great state.
1-09-10	My Opponent Filed in the Wrong Party Primary by Ken Mercer It appears that my opponent who filed as a Republican is running in the wrong Primary. Public records show that he has contributed heavily to liberal Democrat candidates who oppose EVERYTHING conservative." Major Vote on Christmas & Texas Social Studies!! Will Christmas stay or go? Will Columbus be buried in a lone corner of the curriculum? Will the effort to remove Veterans Day be stopped once and for all. Will teaching about our state and national religious heritage be changed? And much more! Recruit 11 Supporters and Join a Gov. Perry on a Conference Call On Thursday, January 14th, Governor Perry will be in a gubernatorial debate on the campus of the University of North Texas at 7:00p.m. which will be broadcasted by KERA. Following the debate, the Governor will host a private conference call with Perry Home Headquarters across Texas. Texas: Succeeding by Texans for Rick Perry Texas is succeeding. Let’s continue this success under Governor Perry’s leadership well into the new year and beyond! Watch the video.
1-02-10	Texas Shows Its Swagger in New Population Estimates by Michael Barone Every year roundabout Christmastime, the Census Bureau releases its population estimates for each state for the 12 months ending on July 1. The numbers look dry on a sheet of paper (or on an Excel spreadsheet on your computer), but they tell some vivid stories. The more so when they reflect, as the numbers for 2008-09 do, the effects of a sharp downward shift in the nation's economy. Simple Ways to Help Governor Perry Share your support for Rick Perry on social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, etc. Hutchison Releases Transportation Plan, but Not How She Would Fund It After months of hammering Gov. Rick Perry’s record on transportation, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison outlined her own plan to keep Texas traffic moving Tuesday. Become a Part of the Campaign to Help Reelect Governor Rick Perry! Help reelect a friend who “has been a staunch supporter of home schooling even when it would have been easy for him to ignore us.” - Tim Lambert, Chairman THSC PAC
12-26-09	Army Col. Robert Howard, One of Nation's Most Decorated Soldiers, Dies in Waco at 70 Retired Army Col. Robert L. Howard, a Medal of Honor winner and one of America’s most decorated soldiers, died Wednesday in Waco after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Recession Adds More New Texans Texas gained more residents than any other U.S. state as the recession deepened in 2008 and early this year, the Census Bureau said in a report that indicated job seekers migrated to one of the nation's stronger labor markets. Democrats' Treasurer Has Left Ire in His Wake Dwayne E. Adams always made a great first impression. Adams, the former Bexar County Democratic Party treasurer accused of siphoning more than $200,000 out of the party’s coffers, has left a trail of disgruntled associates over the past decade. Several accuse Adams of winning their confidence, cheating them out of thousands of dollars and then disappearing. State to Destroy Blood Samples To settle a federal lawsuit, the state will destroy an estimated 5.3 million blood samples legally collected from newborns but kept without parental consent. *Why Texas Monthly* Will Not Be a Part of the Texas Debates This Time Around** by Jake Silverstein For about a decade, TEXAS MONTHLY has been a partner in the Texas Debates. As part of our participation, Senior Executive Editor and unofficial Dean of Texas Political Writers Paul Burka has always been a questioner (as he had been in many previous debates dating back to at least 1988). On January 14, KERA-TV in Dallas (along with a group of sponsors) will be hosting a Perry-Hutchison debate, but Paul will not be a part of it and TEXAS MONTHLY will not be a partner. Serve on Governor Rick Perry’s Campaign Help reelect a friend, teach your children how government works, and fulfill the state requirement to teach a course in good citizenship. Join with other home schoolers and conservatives in a multilevel campaign to reelect a Texas Governor who supports the values that laid the foundation of this great state.
12-19-09	PSF Fund Chairman Endorses Mercer by David Bradley “Under Conservative leadership provided by Ken Mercer, who voted consistently for fiscal integrity and transparency in the Children's Textbook Fund (Permanent School Fund), the PSF rose from an Obama recession low of $17 billion to $22 billion during 2009.” Thanks, Enviros, but We’d Rather Keep Our Lights On by Bill Murchison You tell ‘em, Rick, but I don’t think anyone in Democratic Washington, D. C., is going to listen. Every day seems to coax from the majority party a new imposition on economic prosperity, not to mention common sense. Gov. Perry’s blast at the Environmental Protection Agency for telling us to get ready for carbon dioxide regulation will sail right over the uncomprehending heads of the Obama Democrats who have determined the way forward for America lies in turning us into the new France. Friedman Gives Up Second Bid for Governor Humorist Kinky Friedman dropped his Democratic bid for governor Monday and said he instead will seek the party's nomination for agriculture commissioner. Mansfield Secessionist Leaves Gubernatorial Race The Republican primary battle for governor shrank Tuesday with the exit of secessionist candidate Larry Kilgore of Mansfield, while wealthy Houston businessman Farouk Shami celebrated his 67th birthday by officially jumping into the Democratic gubernatorial contest. Will GOP Fringe Voters Force Runoff in Governor's Race? There's a chance voters will need two elections to choose either Gov. Rick Perry or Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison as the Republican nominee for governor. Why Isn't Medina Invited to KERA Debate? by Mark Davis On Jan. 14, Dallas public broadcasting outlet KERA will air a debate featuring Republican candidates for governor of Texas. Incumbent Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison have accepted, guaranteeing enormous attention as viewers tune in to see who makes the most of this opportunity eight weeks before the March 2 Clash of the Titans primary. Should Debra Medina be on stage with them? Debate Antics by TCollins Don't get me wrong, I like Debra Medina. I want her to do well. But this whole "conspiracy against me" angle is getting old fast, especially since her campaign doesn't have any facts to substantiate the claims. For those who haven't been paying attention, dark-horse Republican candidate Medina has so far not been invited to the KERA-TV gubernatorial debate in Dallas; incumbent Rick Perry and prime challenger Kay Bailey Hutchison have been. Farouk The-Quaker Shami No Sham as a Democrat Several news stories this week demonstrate that Farouk The-Quaker Shami is right at home with Democrats even though he’s a successful business entrepreneur. Strayhorn's Complicated Political History Watch the YouTube video. By Lingering in U.S. Senate, Hutchison Risks Bid for Texas Governor Since announcing she will stay in the Senate while running for governor, Kay Bailey Hutchison has been busy assuring Republican voters she's doing a good job in Washington while trying to persuade them to bring her home.
12-12-09	Governor Perry Officially Files for Re-election! On Wednesday, Gov. Rick Perry joined more than 60 associations and conservative leaders who have endorsed his re-election to highlight his diverse, statewide support. He also touted accomplishments that have strengthened Texas’ economy and offered his vision to keep Texas moving forward. Texas Is No. 1 in Electricity A study released Monday reveals that for the third year in a row, Texas has been rated No. 1 in residential electricity competition and No. 1 for the second year in a row in commercial energy competition. White vs. Perry? Houston Mayor Framing Race Early Houston Mayor Bill White has been a Texas gubernatorial candidate for three days, and he's already talking as if the race is down to him and Gov. Rick Perry. State to Offer Tips on Babies' Sleep but Won't Take Firm Stand on Co-Sleeping Texas soon will offer parents and other caregivers advice about preventing tragic infant deaths caused by unsafe sleeping habits and arrangements. Susan Combs Files for Re-election I hope you have been enjoying the holiday season thus far, and getting quality time with those who are most important to you. Today I filed paperwork to continue to serve as Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. This officially begins my road to victory so I may carry out what I am most passionate about, keeping Texas competitive by continuing to be a budget hawk, because, after all, it's your money! Hutchison Supported Redistricting? Really? Why Didn't She Say So at the Time? by Todd J. Gillman Did Kay Bailey Hutchison support redistricting - the controversial, contentious and hyper-partisan exercise of 2003 when Gov. Rick Perry forced the Legislature into special session to redraw congressional boundaries two years after they'd already been redrawn, leading to the ouster of seven senior Democratic incumbents. Perry's Complimentary Speech Becomes Political Flashpoint What seemed like a complimentary speech Monday in Fredericksburg has spurred a bitter battle between two top candidates for Governor. Two Local Judges Targets of Grand Jury Inventigations The Collin County Observer has learned that two Collin County judges are currently the target of separate grand jury investigations. Court house observers that I have spoken suspect that the investigations are politically motivated. Define and Debate "Conservative" in 2010 by Ken Mercer San Antonio, Texas - Conservative State Board of Education Member Ken Mercer today called on his challenger in the March Republican Primary to debate his definition of "Conservative." Rick Perry Campaign Update - 12-11-09 And, the countdown continues… 14 days to Christmas 67 days to the First Day of Early Voting 81 days to Victory Serve on Governor Rick Perry’s Campaign Help reelect a friend, teach your children how government works, and fulfill the state requirement to teach a course in good citizenship. Join with other home schoolers and conservatives in a multilevel campaign to reelect a Texas Governor who supports the values that laid the foundation of this great state.
12-05-09	Education, the Foundation of Freedom by Tim Lambert A column by Wes Riddle on freedom reminded me of the reason that home schooling will continue to be at the forefront of the battle for Parental Rights. Texas Education Head Warns of 'Federal Takeover' Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott said Wednesday that the Obama administration is marching toward a federal takeover of the nation's public schools — and Texas should fight it. Bill White's Possible Candidacy in Texas Governor's Race reawakens Democrats Hopes by Jay Root His voice has a drone-like quality, and he admits that he’s not the most television-friendly politician in Texas. Even his name is bland: Bill White. Jobs Aren't Created at Job Summits: Look to Texas for Answers by Peggy Venable The Obama Administration should look to Texas for ways to create jobs. While jobs aren't created at job summits, businesses large and small look for certainty in taxation and regulation. White, Perry Lock Down Governor Bids Mayor Bill White will formally enter the race for governor today, instantly becoming the Democrats' best hope of winning a statewide office in seven years. 2010: McLeroy vs. the World by Abby Rapoport State Board of Education races aren't normally known for drawing a spotlight, but candidate Thomas Ratliff is doing his best to raise the profile of his primary race against former SBOE chair Don McLeroy. Become a Part of the Campaign to Help Reelect Governor Rick Perry! Help reelect a friend who “has been a staunch supporter of home schooling even when it would have been easy for him to ignore us.” - Tim Lambert, Chairman THSC PAC
11-28-09	Why White Will Join Race for Governor by Rick Casey He isn't quite ready to say so, but Bill White is running for governor. The argument from switching from a U.S. Senate race to a governor's race — which has been made to him forcefully for months by Democratic political operatives and, more recently, heavy-hitting contributors — was already overwhelming. Houston Mayor White Ready to Run for Governor by Tom McGregor Andrea, the wife of Houston mayor Bill White, a Democrat, served the visiting ambassadors sandwiches in the living room of their spacious memorial-area home as several hours of negotiations set the stage for Monday's announcement that White is pondering switching from a campaign for the U.S. senate to bid for the Democratic nomination for governor of Texas. He deems it more likely that he could unseat Gov. Perry than defeat Sen. Hutchison when she campaigns for re-election as U.S. senator. THSC Announces Internship Opportunities with Governor Rick Perry’s Campaign! Let your students take advantage of this opportunity to apply those volunteer hours toward a THSC Good Citizenship Certificate and learn firsthand about government.
11-21-09	Battle for True and Accurate U.S. History by Ken Mercer Texas is currently adopting new Social Studies textbook standards for our 4.7 million public school children. The standards that we adopt in Texas will impact the American History textbooks used in the rest of our country. Video on New History Standards by Ken Mercer I am currently in Austin and today the State Board of Education will meet and the battle to Re-Write History will begin. My campaign has prepared this video to educate Texans about the current situation we are facing. Fight Club by Ross Ramsey With 198 legislators on the ballot next year, there ought to be more fear in the air. But only a few are in obvious political trouble. Who's on the list, and what makes them vulnerable? Thanksgiving, Socialism and Blocking Out Sunshine by Michael Quinn Sullivan As Congress considers pulling America down the disastrous path of socialized medicine, we should pause to consider what that ideology's precursor wrought on our own shores. Hutchison Chases Texas Right Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison may have won the backing of former Vice President Dick Cheney in her race for Texas governor, a key endorsement for a candidate seeking conservative support. But her drive to unseat Republican Gov. Rick Perry remains an uphill battle. Gov. Perry: Have Courage to Fight Bills Texas Gov. Rick Perry said there’s a reason that Barack Obama is president and the Democrats control the Congress. “Before the last election, there were too many Republicans who were elected that went to Washington and acted like a Democrat.” Rallying Behind Party Switchers After State Representative Chuck Hopson’s recent switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, the buzz in Austin and throughout Texas is what one might expect. Some Democrats have reacted with anger and have resorted to questioning Mr. Hopson’s integrity. Most Republicans, however, have welcomed Mr. Hopson into their party with open arms. State Doesn't Know Whether CPS Workers Are Law-Abiding, Non-Violent The state, despite efforts to tighten background checks, still doesn't know for sure whether Child Protective Services employees are law-abiding and nonviolent. Despite His Millions, Shami Faces Steep Climb to Governor's Office With hundreds of supporters watching, businessman Farouk Shami leapt into the Democratic gubernatorial primary field Thursday with plenty of hoopla and a promise to spend millions more than his opponents will likely raise, but he will face obstacles that even money may not allow him to overcome. Rick Perry Campaign Update With only 101 days left until the GOP Primary, Texas Monthly has rated both campaign’s television ads…Take a look for yourself. Hutchison Plans to Stay Put in Senate during Primary Run Kay Bailey Hutchison announced Friday she will not resign from the U.S. Senate while she runs for governor in the Republican primary against Gov. Rick Perry. Her surprising decision came on the same day a new Rasmussen poll shows her 11 points behind Perry among GOP primary voters. Perry has 46 percent in that survey. With just three months until early voting starts for the primary, the poll indicates a campaign that's in trouble.
11-14-09	Tex Mess by William Murchison Just what conservatives need right now -- a family feud in our largest conservative state. "You louse!" "You heel!" "Get that thumb out of my eye!" "No -- put down that frying pan first!" Part I of III: The Left’s War on U.S. History - Have Liberal Activists Hijacked Texas’ Social Studies Curriculum Process? by Bill Ames In Part I of a three-day series of articles here, Bill Ames today reveals how various left-leaning groups in Texas might have come together to hijack the social studies review process in order to promote their agenda of indoctrinating Texas’ public school students with a negative, politically biased view of America. Update on Texas' New Science Standards by Ken Mercer At the January 2009 meeting, the State Board of Education (SBOE) debated the new textbook standards for Science. As noted in the public record of that meeting, the SBOE was in 99% agreement with the science experts' document. Rick Perry Campaign Update 11-10-09 Texas Medical Association endorses Governor Perry for re-election! Serve on Governor Rick Perry’s Campaign Help reelect a friend, teach your children how government works, and fulfill the state requirement to teach a course in good citizenship. Texan of the Year … Rick Perry? by William McKenzie Love him or hate him – and trust me, there are plenty of Texans in each camp – you can't ignore Rick Perry. Our governor's domination of the 2009 news cycle makes him my nominee as this newspaper's Texan of the Year. Houston Sheriffs Round up Thousands of Illegals While Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Phoenix gets all the media attention for his crackdown on illegal immigrants, eight deputies in an unremarkable office at the Harris County Jail are posting similar numbers for deportation -- and doing so without controversy. New Endorsements Mark Ongoing Momentum of Governor's Campaign In the last several days, Gov. Perry has earned more endorsements from important statewide groups including the Texas Association of Builders HOMEPAC, Texas Association of Manufactures MPACT, the Texas Medical Association TEXPAC, and the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists PAC. Election 2010: Texas Republican Primary Governor Rick Perry is back out front of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison with an 11-point lead in the 2010 Republican Primary gubernatorial race in Texas.
11-07-09	True Phonics is Back in Texas Textbooks by Ken Mercer In May of 2008, education liberals attacked me for my decisive vote to move Texas public schools into the teaching of explicit and systematic phonics, back-to-basics grammar and usage, expository and persuasive writing, spelling, penmanship, and quality literature. Perry leads KBH by 12 Gov. Rick Perry leads U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison by 12 percentage points in the Republican primary for governor, but she does better than him in hypothetical matchups with Democrats in next November's general election. Texas GOP Senators Advanced Gay U.S. Attorney Candidate The Dallas Morning News outed Republican Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison yesterday for making a rather uncharacteristic decision in one of their U.S. Attorney recommendations. Senate Favorite Would Make History Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams is emerging as a favorite to be named as U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's successor if she resigns to run for governor, creating the possibility he could become the first black U.S. senator from Texas. Houston Tea Party Rally Draws More than 10,000 More than 10,000 people turned out Monday night for a North Houston Tea Party Patriots gathering to protest proposed health care reform and what they called big government spending and overzealous government leadership, according to preliminary attendance figures.
10-31-09	Rebuttal to the Express-News by Ken Mercer On Thursday, October 15, the San Antonio Express-News published a long editorial announcing an opponent to my re-election in the March Republican Primary for the Texas State Board of Education. Adams Wins Election: Now What? by Will Lutz Now that Cathie Adams is chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, what’s next? Adams said recruiting good candidates and raising the money to fund them is her next top priority. Stacy Kuykendall's Statement about the 1991 Fire Stacy Kuykendall, the ex-wife of Cameron Todd Willingham, offers her first detailed account of the 1991 fire that claimed the lives of her three daughters and led to Willingham’s execution in 2004. Todd set our house on fire then stood outside and watched it burn, Kuykendall asserts, saying she agrees with Gov. Rick Perry’s portrayal of her husband as a monster. Perry-Hutchison Fight May Cause Major Fallout in GOP Texas Democrats watching the state’s top two Republicans fight for their party’s gubernatorial nomination are glad that Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison have apparently abandoned the Republicans’ 11th Commandment, established during Ronald Reagan’s run for California governor in 1966: Thou shall not speak ill of another Republican. Perry, Hutchison Slug It Out on Web A bruising political battle like the one between Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison usually means a slew of tough television ads. But for now, the candidates are saving their barbs for the Web. Hutchison in a Pickle over When to Resign by Peggy Fikac It looks like U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison can't win — and no, I'm not talking about the governor's race. I'm talking about the resignation question — that when-will-she-do-it mystery that occasionally morphs into the will-she-or-won't-she debate. Smokescreen of a Wannabe Governor By Ken Herman Life has its eternal mysteries, never to be solved by mere mortals (or even newspaper columnists). These would include the BCS college football system and who put Al Sharpton in charge of anything. Then there are the periodic mysteries that pop up every four years or so. Governor's Race: Is Cheney Key to Conservatives' Vote in Texas Primary? Kay Bailey Hutchison's campaign hopes the endorsement of former Vice President Dick Cheney will help woo conservatives in the GOP base that will be key to winning the Republican nomination for governor. New GOP Chair Nearly Sidelined in 2007 Wreck by W. Gardner Selby The car was headed off a cliff with Republican powerhouse Cathie Adams of Dallas destined for 13 broken ribs and months of little activity. Boy, did she recover. Adams, 59, is the new chairwoman of the Republican Party of Texas — a huge rebound, considering she could have been permanently sidelined by the December 2007 crash. Texas GOP Stuck in Reverse by Editors of dallasnews.com Dallas County Republican Party chief Jonathan Neerman has been working to shore up the local GOP in a time when local government has gone Democratic and the national Republican Party has been in freefall. He's been trying to reach out to younger voters, who are more secular and more socially moderate than many older Texas Republicans. Texas Gubernatorial Candidates Spar over Endorsements Endorsements, transportation and even the Texas Rangers — the peace officers, not the baseball players — were on the minds of gubernatorial candidates Thursday. What’s the Real Agenda behind the Willingham Brouhaha? by Janet Jacobs When I moved back to Corsicana, I figured my dealings with the "big boys" in big media were over. I worked at a major metro daily once, and it was swell, but I was glad to get out, away from the office politics, the pressure and the big-city traffic. Governor Perry Receives More Endorsements Governor Perry received several big endorsements just this week from the Texas Association of Builders, Texas Association of Manufacturers and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. CPS in Need of Major Reform Gov. Rick Perry came to San Antonio at the beginning of the legislative session in 2005 to announce a major reform of the state's Child Protective Services. In the months leading up to the announcement, a number of child deaths that resulted from abuse — including several in Bexar County — shocked Texans.

10-24-09	No Home Schooler Left Behind? by Tim Lambert This week I responded to a letter from a woman in Amarillo who wrote to express her strong disagreement with our publicly stated support of the Leeper vs Arlington ISD decision that the Texas Supreme Court rendered in 1994. As many Texas home schoolers know, that decision upheld the Tarrant County lower court decision that clarified that home schools in Texas have historically been considered private schools by the Texas Legislature. As private school students, home school students are therefore exempt from the compulsory attendance laws as are all private school students in the state. Perry and the Realtors by BurkaBlog I attended the governor’s speech to the realtors yesterday. If the Hutchison folks videotaped it, they got an eyeful, and not one that they would have liked. He was greeted with a robust ovation accompanied by the waving of placards that said, “Realtors for Perry.” I was standing outside the room at the time, and it was LOUD, even through closed doors. My summary of the speech, which follows, reflects my notes, not the actual text. New Study on Texas House Trends, KBH Resignation in Limbo? by Mike Hailey A new report on partisan shifting in Texas House districts suggests that seven seats that Republicans currently hold are within the Democrats' reach in what the author of the study defines as GOP swing districts based on voting trends in the last two election cycles. Perry, Hutchison Lock Horns in Texas Race Republican infighting is getting nasty early in Texas' gubernatorial primary race - a bellwether indicating whether the party will enhance its electoral fortunes by tacking center or right, or devour itself and raise the prospects for Democrats in the reddest of red states. Perry's Fingerprints All over State by Peggy Fikac So, this is what you get with a governor who's appointed everyone to everything after nearly nine years in office: You name it, Gov. Rick Perry has a hand in it. Itching for a Fight, Republicans Take Aim at Themselves by Bud Kennedy In 12 years in the Texas House, Keller Republican Vicki Truitt has been called a lot of names. But until now, she had never been called liberal. In the new world of internal Republican name-calling, Truitt and fellow Republican incumbent Todd Smith of Euless are suddenly under attack from an Austin membership group that calls them "left-leaning." Willingham Confessed, Former In-Law Says Nine days before Cameron Todd Willingham was to be executed for setting a house fire that killed his three daughters, his ex-wife called her family together to tearfully recount a conversation with the condemned prisoner, according to a newly released statement from Willingham's former brother-in-law. Prop. 11 Provides Greater Private Property Protection by Peggy Venable We Texans value our property and private property rights are at the very core of a free society. That explains why the controversial Kelo decision of 2005 rocked the nation as property rights activists rolled up their sleeves to get greater protections written into state constitutions, as the U.S. Supreme Court suggested. The Texas legislature has passed a bill which, if passed on the November ballot, will improve private property rights in the State of Texas. By declaring that Prop.11 is “counterfeit eminent domain reform,” some opponents are suggesting the legislation doesn’t go far enough. How Texas Lives within Its Means by David Dewhurst Given recent comments about our state budget, I feel it’s time to separate fact from political fiction. Gov. Rick Perry Reiterates Support for Texas' Death Penalty Process Gov. Rick Perry reiterated his support for the state's death penalty system Tuesday after one of his predecessors raised questions about its reliability. Many Child Deaths Come Despite CPS Visits Nearly half of all Texas children killed by abuse belonged to families previously investigated by Texas Child Protective Services — a statistic that has shown no improvement since 2004, despite efforts to save more children, records show.
10-17-09	Lessons of Life by Tim Lambert This post is different from most. It is not about public policy or issues that could impact our freedom. Rather, it is about life. Lyndsay and I decided to homeschool our children twenty-five years ago because we wanted to have the greatest impact possible on the spiritual growth and well-being of our children. We reasoned that, if we taught them ourselves, we could better integrate our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with their academic instruction. We realized that someone was going to "indoctrinate" them or "disciple" them, and we believed it should be us, their parents. Plethora of Candidates Eyeing Texas Governor’s Seat With so many candidates eyeing the governor’s seat, Texas is headed for a busy primary season. More than 20 candidates have filed paperwork with the State Ethics Commission as of the end of September, and new candidates continue to announce their interest in the seat every few weeks. Perry: Washington Bad, Willingham Prosecution Good Gov. Rick Perry fired up a friendly crowd of real estate agents at a luncheon that sounded and felt like a campaign rally. Perry, without mentioning Republican primary opponent Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, railed against federal spending and lack of federal border protection. CPS Plan to Save Kids Loses Momentum An ambitious plan to save more children by hiring former law enforcement officers to improve abuse investigations lies in disarray with more than half the investigators leaving Texas Child Protective Services since the program began in 2005, state records show. An Election about Whom State Serves by Peggy Fikac Grover Norquist, known for saying he wants to cut government “to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub,” says he was sort of, you know, kidding. Propositions and Recommendations by Michael Quinn Sullivan Early voting begins this coming Monday for the Nov. 3 constitutional amendment propositions election. The propositions cover a range of issues, including curbing eminent domain abuse and controlling Texas' property tax appraisal system. Other propositions fix errors that have crept into the constitution, allow for new debt, or provide the legislature with the authority to spend money.
10-10-09	Who Makes Public Policy by Tim Lambert David Brooks wrote a piece in the New York Times today in which he argues that radio talk show giants like Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and Sean Hannity do not represent the views of the majority of Americans. He points out that they could not sway voters to support their favorite candidates in last year's presidential primaries. Latest on the Campaign for Texas Governor by Tim Lambert The campaign for Governor of Texas continues to evolve even though the filing deadline is in early January next year. The most watched and commented on are the campaigns of incumbent Governor Rick Perry, who is unabashedly conservative on fiscal and social issues, and U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutichison, who is recognized as a "moderate." Debra Medina, a former Republican County Chairman in Wharton County has also joined the fray as a conservative. Learning from the Great Depression by Tim Lambert As home school parents, we find that we often get an education in the process of teaching our own children, and very often, that education challenges what we learned in high school or college. In fact, the statement, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it," was brought to my mind recently in regard to our current economic crisis and what happened during the Great Depression. Abbott, Perry Want Appeal of Dallas Judge's Decision to Hear Gay Divorce Case A state district judge in Dallas has ruled that the Texas ban on same-sex marriage violates the constitutional guarantee to equal protection under the law. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison: Conservative Enough? Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison often talks up her anti-abortion voting record in Washington, but she has a steep hill to climb with many conservatives who think her views on abortion and embryonic stem cell research make her a bad fit for the Texas governor's office. Farabee Retirement Could Cause Shift in Power of Texas Politics It's been a long run for the quiet man from Wichita Falls. David Farabee, the lanky, low-key state representative first elected in 1998, recently announced he won't run for re-election. Farm Bureau Changes Its Mind about Perry U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison today is scheduled to collect the Texas Farm Bureau political arm's endorsement in her GOP primary challenge to Perry, showcasing it with visits to Waco and Lubbock farms, the Fort Worth Stockyards and an Austin boot store. Taxes, Taxes, and Bureaucrats by Michael Quinn Sullivan In less than a month, Tim, Texans will be going to the polls to decide on 11 constitutional amendments. We’ll be addressing most of them, with our recommendations, in a special e-mail next week. But wanted to point two out today. Hutchison Defends Earmarks Despite Perry Jabs Gov. Rick Perry has hammered Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison time and again as a Washington-style big spender. He decries the $2.6 billion that she slipped "secretly" into the last two annual budgets. But he doesn't know the half of it. Houston's Guzman First Latina on Texas High Court Houston Judge Eva Guzman, the child of an immigrant welder and cleaning lady, became the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Texas Supreme Court on Thursday when Gov. Rick Perry appointed her to the court. Texas Republicans Looking for New Party Chairman Texas Republicans will select a new party leader this month following the resignation of party chairwoman Tina Benkiser, who recently left the post to become a senior adviser to Gov. Rick Perry's re-election campaign.
10-03-09	Next Lieutenant Governor May Depend on Hutchison by Dave McNeely Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, the Senate’s presiding officer since 2003, is hankering for the United States Senate seat Kay Bailey Hutchison has said she’ll relinquish late this year to concentrate on her Republican primary challenge to Gov. Rick Perry. Amarillo Man Unsure of Chances to Become Republican Chairman Tom Mechler of Amarillo and other Texas Republicans have one less intra-party fight to worry about. Over the weekend, Republican Party of Texas Chairwoman Tina Benkiser announced that she is stepping down on Oct. 5 to join the re-election campaign of Gov. Rick Perry. Benkiser Explains Texas GOP Chairman Resignation, Joining Perry Campaign by Will Lutz Republican Party of Texas Chairman Tina Benkiser announced her resignation at today’s meeting of the State Republican Executive Committee. After the Census, New Battle Begins by Peggy Fikac The coming months will tell whether Democrats can influence redistricting and, thus, policy-making for the next decade — or if they'll blow it. What Did Founding Fathers Believe? by Gary Scharrar Texas schoolchildren should know how God and religion greatly influenced the country's Founding Fathers more than 230 years ago, say some of the experts reviewing the state's social studies curriculum. Perry Campaign Says Internet Message Was Hacked An attempt by Republican Gov. Rick Perry to jump-start his re-election campaign via the Internet was disrupted by a hacker, his campaign claimed Tuesday, calling the attack "political sabotage." Perry Camp Uses Amway as Model You know those ads that promise to show you how to make thousands of dollars working at home on your personal computer? They're mainly bogus, of course. But Gov. Rick Perry, ever dedicated to helping the Texas economy, has come up with a program to allow Texans to do just that. Texas Governor Voices Opposition to Climate Bill A climate bill being debated in Congress is "draconian" and would wreak havoc on the Texas economy by wiping out thousands of jobs in the energy sector, Texas Gov. Rick Perry said Wednesday. Dallas Judge Paves Way for Gay Couple to Get Divorce In a first for Texas, a judge ruled Thursday that two men married in another state can divorce here and that the state's ban on gay marriage violates the U.S. Constitution. Secession Movement Spreads Well beyond Texas As head of the Texas Nationalist Movement, Daniel Miller of Nederland believes it’s time for the Lone Star State to sever its bond with the United States and return to the days when Texas was an independent republic.
9-26-09	Is Texas Ready for a Moderate Governor? by A.W.R. Hawkins As the 2010 gubernatorial race unfolds in Texas, battle lines are clearly drawn between two candidates -- Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison: both of whom are Republicans, but only one of whom is a conservative. Gloves Are Off in Texas Race Charges of economic cluelessness and political hackery are flying in Texas as U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison challenges Gov. Rick Perry for the Republican nomination for governor. Perry Says He's Got Pickens' Vote Gov. Rick Perry announced Tuesday that he's won the endorsement of Dallas energy executive T. Boone Pickens, and Perry declared himself an ally in the billionaire's effort to promote wind energy and natural gas as a way of weaning the nation from foreign oil. Perry on Israel, Chavez, and Secession by Michael Goldfarb Texas Governor Rick Perry came to Washington last week and I had a chance to hear him talk for about an hour on a wide range of issues before a small number of journalists. Gov. Rick Perry's Wealth Fueled by Land Deals Gov. Rick Perry never had much money growing up, and he has spent most of his adult life in public office, drawing a part-time salary as a legislator and relatively modest earnings in statewide office for the last quarter century.
9-19-09	Partisanship and Healthcare Reform by Tim Lambert President Obama continues his full-court press to pass "healthcare reform" without Republican support. George Will has a very interesting take on this in his Newsweek article. Proponents of the various Democratic plans argue that the government can run an efficient health care program and offer Medicare as an example, while the President says he can pay for the 900 billion dollar plan by saving almost 500 billion dollars by eliminating "fraud, waste and abuse" from Medicare and Medicaid. A Uniter not a Divider? by Tim Lambert In an article in the San Antonio Express News yesterday, Karen Hughes announced the need for a "different tone" from the Republican Party and the Governor. Of course, she is supporting Senator Kay Bailey Hutchision in her bid to unseat Governor Rick Perry. Another report on a presentation by Senator Hutchison was not so positive. Texas Home School Coalition PAC Endorses Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst for Reelection THSC PAC today announced its endorsement of Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst in his campaign for reelection for Lieutenant Governor of Texas. Tim Lambert, chairman of THSC PAC, noted, “Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst has been a staunch supporter of home schoolers and parental rights in Texas.” Governor Perry Forms Border Security Strike Teams Last Thursday, Gov. Perry announced Operation Ranger ReCon, a new joint mission aimed at bolstering security along the Texas/Mexico border. The operation will send at least 200 highly-trained soldiers and airmen from the Texas National Guard to rural areas along the Rio Grande valley where they will join "strike teams," comprised of state police under the direction of the Texas Rangers. Wharton County Republican Chair Debra Medina Joins Race for Texas Governor Saying her two high-profile rivals have dropped the ball for Texas, Wharton County GOP chairwoman Debra Medina on Saturday announced her campaign for the Republican nomination for governor. Curriculum Plan Would Remove Mention of Christmas A proposal for new social studies curriculum in Texas public schools removes a mention of Christmas in a sixth-grade lesson, replacing it with a Hindu religious festival, a change that's riled conservatives who say it's another battle in the "war" against the Christian holiday. Federal Health Care Reform Would Cost Texas Dearly by Arlene Wohlgemuth As Congress continues its health care debate, the American public is focused squarely on the implications that current federal proposals will have on our nation's economy, health-care system and fiscal future. Gattis Announces for Ogden Seat State Rep. Dan Gattis, R-Georgetown, has just informed supporters he is running for the Texas Senate District 5 seat being vacated by Bryan GOP powerhouse Steve Ogden. Controversy over ACORN Flares in Texas As controversy over the advocacy group ACORN flared from Washington into Texas on Tuesday, state politicians quickly began lining up to oppose federal financing for the group and to cut off any state financing. Perry Touts Guiliani, but Not on Social Issues by Wayne Slater What better place for Rick Perry to showcase America’s Mayor than a police station? Rudy Giuliani — the hero of 9/11, the voice of heroic first responders the day terrorists struck — came to Texas this week to raise money for Perry’s re-election. It’s payback by Giuliani, who got the Texas governor to campaign for him in Iowa and Florida in last year’s presidential race. Texas Rangers' Deployment to Mexico Border a Military-Style Effort To much of the public, the iconic image of the Texas Ranger is that of a taciturn lawman in a Western hat, a pistol holstered at his side. But the specialized team of Rangers that Gov. Rick Perry is dispatching to the Texas border comes closer to resembling a military-style commando unit in a foreign war zone. Election 2010: Texas Republican Primary The volatile 2010 Republican Primary race for governor in Texas has become a toss-up, with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison currently inching ahead of incumbent Rick Perry by two points – 40% to 38%. Education Board Looks at Curriculum Standards Today State Board of Education members surely will have lots of questions today when experts responsible for the first draft of new history curriculum standards appear before them. No More Christmas in America? by Ken Mercer, SBOE “A proposal for new social studies curriculum in Texas public schools removes a mention of Christmas in a sixth-grade lesson, replacing it with a Hindu religious festival …” 11-Sep Houston Chronicle. To my 12 counties and 1.5 million constituents, I can not make this stuff up. Texas is in the middle of a Nationwide Culture War, and I need your help! Right now in Austin, September 16-18, the State Board of Education (SBOE) will vote on the above proposed change and a multitude of other new social studies “standards” developed by liberal “experts”. Tort Reform? We’ve Done It In Texas Already by Peggy Venable In his address last week, President Obama said he had talked to some doctors and learned that medical procedures were being done that may not be necessary due to fear of medical malpractice lawsuits, and he entertained the idea of tort reform, saying we could try it in some states with pilot projects. But there’s no need for a pilot project. Texas enacted malpractice reform years ago. Welcome to Texas, Madame Speaker: An Open Letter to Nancy Pelosi by Rep. Ken Paxton Dear Madame Speaker, I want to be one of the first to welcome you to Texas for your fundraising visit on Saturday in Austin. You should feel at home as you drive from the airport to your event, passing by businesses that were once located in your home state of California and being greeted by the smiles of friendly Californians who now call Texas home. Senator Hutchison Absent for Key Vote to Protect Taxpayers ACORN, a leftist community activist organization notorious for shady and illegal election activities, was subject to a vote to prevent federal dollars from funding its operations. The amendment came Monday as a result to recent exposure of organization employees involved in aiding and abetting illegal sex trade workers. Insertion of Liberal’s Texas History Warrants SBOE Action, Part I by Bill Ames Even as tens of thousands of Texas citizens rally against the Obama administration’s agenda of deficit spending and socialist health care policy, another leftist agenda is going relatively unnoticed. A group of educators, some of whom are liberal activists, have descended on Austin. This year they have been busily rewriting U. S. history, revising the story of the most successful experiment in history – with its roots firmly anchored in Western Civilization – and replacing it with their own negative view of America told thru an overly multicultural lens of victimization and oppression of minorities and women. Insertion of Liberal’s Texas History Warrants SBOE Action, Part II by Bill Ames In Part I of this article, published yesterday, I exposed the liberal agenda of education activists to rewrite American history, downplaying the story of the most successful experiment in freedom and liberty in the world’s history. Their goal is to replace that story with one in which even America’s greatest achievements are told in the context of negativism and multicultural oppression and exploitation. Insertion of Liberal’s Texas History Warrants SBOE Action, Part III by Bill Ames On Wednesday, in Part I of this series, I exposed the agenda of education activists to rewrite American history. Yesterday in Part II, I discussed actions taken by the SBOE to address the situation, and the writing teams’ subsequent actions in response to the SBOE’s instruction during their second meeting on July 28-31. Today, Part III will discuss what happens to textbooks when their content is driven by negative and overly multicultural standards, closing with what Texas citizens can do to urge the SBOE to approve a set of Social Studies Standards that will make our youth proud to be Americans.
9-12-09	Why Endorse Governor Perry? by Tim Lambert We have received a good deal of discussion about why we chose to endorse Governor Perry. As home schoolers are independent by nature and opinionated as well, I thought you deserved to have more details on our decision. Battle Brewing over Control of State GOP The bitter gubernatorial race between Republican incumbent Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is already worrying high-ranking GOP leaders such as Texas House Speaker Joe Straus. Eye on Austin: Lots of 'No-Name' Democrats Running by Enrique Rangel Next year will see 15 statewide races and possibly 16 if U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison resigns her seat. But except for Houston Mayor Bill White, former State Comptroller John Sharp plus singer and humorist Kinky Friedman, the other declared and undeclared Democratic candidates for major races such as governor, lieutenant governor and U.S. senator are virtually unknown. State Launches Review of CPS A state review team is looking at a possible breakdown in the way Texas Child Protective Services follows up on its own abuse investigations after three Houston-area children died despite the agency's intervention. Democratic Field Gets Crowded in Governor Race by R.G. Ratcliffe The field of Democratic candidates for governor continues to grow, but the question remains whether there is an elephant slayer in the bunch. Endorsements for Gov. Perry Keep Rolling In "Gov. Perry's endorsements for re-election keep on coming, last week from Texas Alliance for Life, Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association PAC, Texas Home School Coalition PAC, Texans for Life President Kyleen Wright and Conservative Republicans for Texas President Dr. Steve Hotze. Insertion of Liberal’s Texas History Warrants SBOE Action by Bill Ames Even as tens of thousands of Texas citizens rally against the Obama administration’s agenda of deficit spending and socialist health care policy, another leftist agenda is going relatively unnoticed. A group of educators, some of whom are liberal activists, have descended on Austin. This year they have been busily rewriting U. S. history, revising the story of the most successful experiment in history – with its roots firmly anchored in Western Civilization – and replacing it with their own negative view of America told thru an overly multicultural lens of victimization and oppression of minorities and women. Dewhurst Announces Re-Election Bid for Texas Lt. Governor in 2010 I wanted you to be one of the first to know that I am running for re-election as Lt. Governor of Texas, and I would like to humbly ask for your endorsement and continued support in my re-election. Special Election Costs and Remembering 9/11 by Michael Quinn Sullivan How much will electing a new U.S. Senator cost? No matter what you think of the gubernatorial race, or the candidates involved, should Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison resign a special election will be needed to fill the unexpired term. Speaker Paves Path Rest of GOP Should Follow by Scott Stroud Republicans these days should follow the example set by Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, who led the GOP down a pretty smart path during the 2009 legislative session — and didn't even have to raise his voice. Rick Perry Campaign Update by Texans for Rick Perry It was another exciting week for Texans for Rick Perry! In case anyone is wondering…we have 172 days until the March 2nd primary and 157 days until early voting begins (but, who’s counting).
9-05-09	THSC PAC Endorses Governor Perry by Tim Lambert THSC PAC today announced its endorsement of Governor Rick Perry in his campaign for reelection for Governor of Texas. Tim Lambert, chairman of THSC PAC, noted, “Home schoolers in Texas have never had a better friend in the Governor’s mansion than Rick Perry.” Opposing State Regulation of Home Schools by Tim Lambert This week I fielded the usual calls and e-mails we get at this time of year from people who have family members or neighbors that homeschool, whom they believe are unqualified to teach their own children. These folks usually contact the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to ask what state requirements are in place for people who homeschool. The TEA refers those kinds of calls to us. Texas Democrats Should Field Full Ticket in 2010 by Statesman.com Editorial Board The filing period for the March primaries starts Dec. 3 and ends Jan. 4. But last call may be closer than you realize and the fields are forming now TAL PAC Endorses Texas Governor Rick Perry for Re-election The Texas Alliance for Life PAC is proud to endorse Gov. Rick Perry for re-election in 2010. "We enthusiastically endorse Governor Perry in his bid for re-election," says Joe Pojman, Ph.D., executive director of Texas Alliance for Life and a leader of the organization's political action committee. "He is a loyal advocate for the protection of unborn babies and their mothers, and TAL is eager for him to continue his dedicated and effective leadership of our state." Internship Announcement, Texas for Rick Perry! I am excited to extend to you the attached Texans for Rick Perry 2010 internship opportunities to your political science/etc students for the upcoming Fall semester! We have both paid and unpaid opportunities available and will be happy to work with you to get them college credit for their participation. Texas High-School Athletes Gain Ground in Class A new Texas law that could double the amount of academic credit high-school athletes receive for playing sports is stoking a long-standing debate in the Lone Star State about whether athletics should count the same as schoolwork. War of the Roses in Texas by Cragg Hines Kay Bailey Hutchison had sweet dreams of the governor's mansion. She'll have to play smash-mouth politics to get there. Elected School Board Should Be Thanked, not Attacked by Will Lutz Frequent Dallas Blog contributor William Lutz appeared on WFAA Channel 8's Inside Texas Politics with Brad Watson. Lutz took aim at the liberal Democrats and RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) who are attacking the conservatives on the elected State Board of Education. He argues that the SBOE should be thanked, not attacked, for insisting that public schools portray America positively and teach students about our country's Founding Fathers. Friedman Running for Governor Again, This Time as Democrat Kinky Friedman, the author-musician who railed against the two-party system as an independent candidate for governor three years ago, joined that system Monday when he declared he will seek the Democratic nomination for the state's top job next year. Rancher Aims to Be Governor by Lisa Falkenberg One of the last times I saw Hank Gilbert, he was staring out the window of a campaign bus that had another candidate's name on it, bemoaning the fact that he'd missed his wife's birthday and remarking how the cows dotting the dusk-lit landscape made him lonesome for home. School Spending and Tough Times Ahead by Michael Quinn Sullivan School is back in session, but are our expectations high enough? Since 1998, public education spending is up 113%. On a per-pupil basis, we spent $5,597 per pupil in 1998. In 2008, Texas was spending $9,998 per student. What do we get for it? Secessionist -- No, not Perry -- Is Getting More and More Republican Votes If any Texas Republicans had never heard of Larry Kilgore, they probably have now. Kilgore, 44, of Mansfield, is an anti-abortion activist and perennial Republican candidate. Until Gov. Rick Perry piped up, he was the only candidate talking about Texas seceding from the United States. How Will Perry Play Interim Senate Choice? by Mark Davis When Congress reconvenes next week after an eventful August recess, the Senate will be particularly busy. From health care to cap and trade and beyond, senators will be the focus of several vital battles. Swine Flu Vaccine Personal Protection Alert by Dawn Richardson The recent discussion at the state, federal, and even international level about an impending aggressive fall vaccination campaign for H1N1, or swine flu, has many Texas families alarmed that the government may attempt to force them to submit to a vaccine or drug treatment they do not want. Foremost in these Texas citizens’ minds are questions about how they will be able to protect themselves and their families from vaccines and treatments that have debatable safety, efficacy, and even necessity while simultaneously protecting themselves from a new strain of the flu. Sharp's Back, and the Weirdness Continues As promised in the invitation, there were "Fireworks!" and "Live Music!" at U.S. Senate candidate John Sharp's "blast-off rally" at a Lake Austin restaurant Wednesday night. Hair Care Exec Might Run for Governor as Democrat Rick Perry might not be the only candidate in the 2010 race for Texas governor who is known for great hair.
8-29-09	The "Best Interest" of the Child by Tim Lambert One of the concerns that many parents have about CPS workers coming to their doors is that often these caseworkers are young, have no children, and have unrealistic views of what is and is not appropriate for children. These young caseworkers often assume a house that is not clean is a sign of abuse or neglect, whereas a parent of several children will know that it is often only a sign of a mother of several children who is overwhelmed. Statewide Texas Tea Party Meet fellow Texans Saturday, September 5th, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on the steps of the State Capitol in Austin, Texas. Fiscal Conservatism and the Soul of the GOP California needs a strong leader, says Texas governor Rick Perry. That strong leader, Mr. Perry thinks, needs to go to Sacramento and "take special interests out" of government. He needs to "make massive cuts" in spending and taxes. And he needs "to make major changes in the constitution," including tort reform. Straus Worried about GOP Gov Race Impact on House Texas House Speaker Joe Straus said Tuesday he is concerned that the political and financial cost of a bitter GOP gubernatorial primary election could undermine “the delicate balance” he developed earlier this year with Democrats in the GOP-controlled House. Hutchison versus Perry ... versus Medina? Republican Debra Medina, a former nurse and the pride of Orangedale, could be a spoiler candidate in the 2010 party primary for governor. Dems' Best Hope for Gov? Maybe a Senate Candidate By the time Texas Democrats stop accumulating long shots for governor, I won't be shocked if Austin's Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-independent Carole Keeton Strayhorn dives in. Comptroller Susan Combs’ Texas Economic Outlook Both the U.S. and Texas economies have contracted in 2009, but Texas continues to perform relatively better than the nation. While Texas’ economy, the world’s 11th-largest, continues to fare better than many other states, Texas is feeling the effects of the worldwide recession. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the U.S. economy peaked in December 2007 and has been in recession since then. Although the Texas economy slowed with the nation’s late in 2008, Texas’ gross product expanded almost twice as fast as the U.S. economy (2.0 percent versus 1.1 percent) during calendar 2008. Tea Parties Galore Around the State The Tea Party Express, a bus criss-crossing the nation rallying Americans to oppose the out-of-control spending, higher taxes, bail-outs and the growth and power of the government, will roll into Dallas on Friday, September 4 at 11 a.m. at the Cape Buffalo Grille, 17717 Addison Rd., Dallas. Texas Attracts Toyota Tacoma Production Line, TEF Investment Draws 225 New Jobs Citing further evidence of Texas' ongoing economic clout, Toyota announced Thursday it will relocate its Tacoma production line to San Antonio, creating up to 1,100 new Texas jobs. In a Thursday statement, Governor Perry said, "Following on the heels of major jobs announcements from Caterpillar, Farouk Systems, Medtronic, and other employers, the good news from Toyota affirms my unshakeable belief that Texas is the best place to do business." Government Takeover of Health Care Has Constituents Dogging Doggett; Liberals Busing in Supporters U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett will walk into an Astroturf-filled town hall meeting following a rally at the Texas Capitol today, all designed to give the impression of widespread support of a government takeover of the country’s health care system. Conservative Ken Mercer Announces Re-Election Campaign I am honored to serve as your representative (1.5 million constituents in twelve counties !) on the State Board of Education and to announce my 2010 re-election campaign! Kay Bailey Hutchison Calls for More 'Enlightened' Leadership in Texas Kay Bailey Hutchison called Friday for more "enlightened" leadership in state government, arguing that statements from rival Rick Perry on subjects such as secession hurt both Texas and the Republican Party.
8-22-09	Texas Continues to Leads the Way by Tim Lambert More data has been released showing that Texas and its approach of limited government and more freedom for business and individuals is the right approach in encouraging economic development and the prosperity of the people. WashingtonKay.com Launches, Exposes Hutchison Flip-Flops For 16 years, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has said one thing in Texas and done another in Washington. Visitors to the website WashingtonKay.com will learn of Senator Hutchison's hypocrisy and the truth about her record, including insight on her broken promises and support of overwhelming debt, earmarks and bailouts. Your Tax Dollars Being Used Against You (Still) by Michael Quinn Sullivan If Thomas Jefferson was right, that taxpayer-funded lobbying is sinful and tyrannical, then many of Texas' cities and counties might want to check the status of their fiscal souls.
8-15-09	Senator Dan Patrick Announces for Re-election “During the past few weeks there has been speculation I might run for, or be appointed to, higher office. My goal is to return to the Texas Senate to continue to fight for the conservative values and principles in which I and many Texans believe. “Today, I hereby announce my re-election campaign for the Texas Senate. If an opportunity presents itself to serve in the United States Senate, I will seriously consider it at the appropriate time, but my sights are set on the Texas Senate. I feel honored and blessed each day I walk onto the Senate floor to represent my district and my state.
8-08-09	Governor Calls on Christians to Get Involved by Tim Lambert There is no question that evangelical Christians are a key element of the Republican Party's coalition that leads to electoral success. Today a report in the San Antonio Express-News is almost breathless in describing Governor Perry's comments to a church in that city yesterday. He articulated, quite rightly in my view, that freedom of religion should not be confused with freedom from religion. The mainstream media will have a field day with this and will call Perry extreme and a right-winger - just as they have when he has talked about taking on the federal government in defense of our freedom in Texas. However, this resonates with the vast majority of Texans. Texas vs California or Red States vs. Blue States by Tim Lambert A recent opinion piece in the New York Times highlights a comparison being made more and more often between Texas and California. It highlights the difference between a conservative and liberal approach to governance. Lloyd Doggett Faces Angry Crowd at Randalls by Patrick George Back in Central Texas while Congress is on a month-long recess, Congressman Lloyd Doggett faced an angry reception at a town hall meeting at an Austin Randalls store yesterday. Health Care Protest Set Up by Partisans, Doggett Says U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett said Monday that a weekend showdown with constituents in Southwest Austin over national health care proposals was a "mob" scene driven by Republicans and Libertarians intent on derailing universal coverage. Path to Victory for Hutchison Now a Challenge U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison began this year as “Kay the Invincible.” But as she prepares to officially launch her bid for governor later this month, that aura is gone. Texas Senate Seat within Democrats's Reach by Martin Frost I received an e-mail from one of my law partners in Denver recently asking me about Houston Mayor Bill White, who was in town raising money. Basically, my partner wanted to know who White is and why he is running for U.S. Senate as a Democrat in a reliably Republican state for a vacancy that did not yet exist. Hutchison Critics See Conflict in Husband's Work As the state's senior U.S. senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison has secured hundreds of millions of federal dollars for public projects across Texas. As one of the state's top public finance attorneys, Ray Hutchison has helped issue and defend the government bonds that benefit many of the same cities and public agencies getting that federal money. Governor Perry Brings Jobs to Texas, Honors Veterans Last week, Governor Perry spoke at a press conference announcing Farouk Systems' relocation to Houston where they foresee creating 1,200 new jobs and investing $26 million in additional capital. The billion dollar company manufactures and exports professional spa products to more than 90 countries.
8-01-09	Texas No. 1 in Cutting Teen Traffic Deaths Texas leads the nation in the decline in fatal crashes involving teen drivers. Fatalities involving 16- to 19-year-old drivers fell 33 percent from 2002 to 2007, more than double the national rate of decline, according to a study released Monday. Hutchison Now Wants Federal Mandates? Regardless of the rewrites attempted by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's unannounced gubernatorial campaign, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and the conservatives in the Legislature were right to stop the string-laden "stimulus" dollars from entering Texas' unemployment fund. After having voted against the stimulus package in DC, Hutchison now says Texas should have taken those costly dollars. Hutchison vs. Perry Promises a Texas-Size Brawl Texas is bracing for a ferocious bout of political campaigning now that Kay Bailey Hutchison has confirmed she will leave the U.S. Senate to challenge Gov. Rick Perry for his job. Governor Perry Continues Fight Against Big Government Wednesday's Washington Times featured Governor Perry's op-ed highlighting economic strengths in Texas as a result of limited government and low taxes. Texas has been in the national spotlight for its success during a tough national economic picture. After Close 2008 Result, 2010 State House Race in Irving is Already Being Closely Watched In the bid for Irving's Texas House District 105 seat, the campaign coffers are filling up. Political jabs have begun stoking bipartisan fires. A center-stage role in the statewide election circus has already been secured. A&M Regents Contribute to Perry Gov. Rick Perry is the state's most high-profile Aggie. A student yell leader during his days at Texas A&M University, he regularly touts his Aggie roots. And in his campaign's latest financial report, Perry collected $106,000 in political donations from five A&M regents – all of them his appointees. Political Notes by Gromer Jeffers State Sen. Florence Shapiro is first up for the Dallas County Republican Party's "Rise & Shine" breakfast series featuring potential candidates for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Kay Bailey Hutchison .
7-25-09	Economic Recovery May Be Less Tough on Texas by Brendan Case The Great Recession may be nearing an end. Sort of. An index of leading economic indicators rose in June for the third month in a row. State Board of Education Rejects Math Course by William Lutz s a curriculum requiring students to “apply, compare, and contrast ratios, rates, and ratings (such as television program ratings, NFL Quarterback ratings, and job ratings) to make informed decisions” a clever way to get kids interested in statistics or another example of “fuzzy math and social engineering”? Perry Raises Possibility of States' Rights Showdown with White House over Healthcare Gov. Rick Perry, raising the specter of a showdown with the Obama administration, suggested Thursday that he would consider invoking states’ rights protections under the 10th Amendment to resist the president’s healthcare plan, which he said would be "disastrous" for Texas.
7-18-09	Ted Cruz Campaign for Attorney General Endorsed by Conservative Leaders Former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz announced Monday that a broad coalition of statewide grassroots leaders and prominent national leaders have endorsed his campaign for Texas Attorney General. What You Can Look for as Campaign Season 2010 Develops by Will Lutz Now that the policy season is over, most in Austin are taking a well-deserved summer vacation. Those not on vacation are switching their attention to the upcoming elections and the March primary. Less Lincoln, More Religion in Class? Biographies of Washington, Lincoln, Stephen F. Austin? Not fit reading material for children in the early grades. Campaign Reports Will Offer Glimpse of the Future by Peggy Fikac If a candidate's most reliable friend is ready money, as former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm once famously said, this is the week we judge the candidates for governor by the greenback buddies in their campaign chests. Hutchison's Accusations Kick Off a War of Words with Perry Rep Kay Bailey Hutchison said Monday that she's raised $6.7 million in the first half of the year for her Republican primary challenge to Gov. Rick Perry. Perry Shrugs Off Hutchison's Fundraising Lead in Texas Governor Contest Gov. Rick Perry dismissed U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's fundraising prowess Tuesday, suggesting that he's still not convinced she will challenge him in the March Republican primary for governor. Will Kay Bailey Hutchison Play Texas Hold 'Em? by Nate Silver No, this is not a poker post. Instead, it's one about Kay Bailey Hutchison, the Texas senator, who today announced that it's full speed ahead in her bid to challenge to Texas' incumbent governor, Rick Perry. The news comes to absolutely no one's surprise as Hutchison has been contemplating this race for years and long ago hired consultants and established a website toward her bid, while already having raised some $6.7 million dollars on behalf of it. This Isn't California by Michael Quinn Sullivan Texas' economic position keeps getting better, if for no other reason than the antics of the other states. Perhaps one of the best economic development tools the Lone Star State has right now is that we're not California. Former Donors of Gov. Rick Perry Backing Kay Bailey Hutchison At least 26 past major donors to Gov. Rick Perry are now giving to rival Kay Bailey Hutchison, contributing more than $1 million to the senator in the last six months.
7-11-09	Tea Parties Try to Keep Momentum Brewing Organizers of the Independence Day Tea Party at Southfork Ranch said Sunday that it and other rallies have helped energize their grass-roots anti-tax movement. Other Governors Come and Go, but Not Texas' Perry Sex and bribery scandals have rocked three governors; four have resigned or announced they won’t seek re-election because of aspirations for higher office — and term limits are about to terminate California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Perry Reports Having $9.3M on Hand in June Gov. Rick Perry's campaign reported ending June with $9.3 million in its kitty Wednesday as Perry said that if re-elected next year, he'll serve the full four-year term. We Have Great News To Share! by Texans for Rick Perry This has been a great week to be part of Team Perry. Not only were we able to report your tremendous support on the financial side ($4.2 million raised in nine days has to be some kind of record), but a new poll is out showing a 12-point lead over the closest presumed competitor in the race for governor. Brief Filed on Behalf of Friendswood Taxpayers by Americans for Prosperity In response to the outrageous efforts of Friendswood City Council members to raise taxes, abort the city charter, and buy land outside of its jurisdictional limits, Americans for Prosperity Foundation-Texas has filed an amicus brief on behalf of its members in Friendswood. Gov. Perry Appoints Gail Lowe to State Board Chair Today, Gov. Perry selected Gail Lowe to be the next chair of the State Board of Education (SBOE). Gail Lowe, of Lampasas, Texas, is one of the more conservative SBOE members, and was first elected to the SBOE in 2002.
7-04-09	Governor Takes Heat for Standing Up for Families by Tim Lambert Governor Perry is taking heat for his veto of SB 1440 which would have given CPS authority to obtain a court order ex parte (without notification of the family or their counsel present) to gain access to the home or children in the course of an investigation of abuse or neglect. In his official statement with the veto, the Governor said, "Senate Bill No. 1440 ... overreaches and may not give due consideration to the Fourth Amendment rights of a parent or guardian ... I am also directing DFPS, through its parental advisory committee, to develop and recommend statewide procedures to follow when seeking court orders to aid investigations, while protecting the rights of parents and families." Gov. Perry: Cap and Trade Would Be Largest Tax Increase In U.S. History and Hurt Texas' Economy Gov. Rick Perry has urged Texas leaders in Washington to vote against House Resolution 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which would amount to the single largest tax increase in U.S. history and hurt the Texas economy. Capping Your Prosperity by Michael Quinn Sullivan Check the locks on your doors, gather the kids, and hide your cash - the Legislature is meeting in a special session starting Wednesday. While the governor's call is very narrow, never underestimate the mischief 181 lawmakers can cause when they gather. Prepare for the Fifth of July by Michael Quinn Sullivan Each Independence Day I think of my ancestor Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Two centuries and numerous generations later, I take much inspiration from what he and his colleagues committed to in the summer of 1776. 'We're not going to put up with this any longer,' Wentworth says. Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, thinks that Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst abused his authority in the recently completed legislative session, and he wants senators to change their rules in 2011 to prevent it from happening again. Tea Party's Organizers Hope to Draw 50,000 to Southfork Ranch on Saturday Southfork Ranch, the symbol of Dallas and doing things big, is the stage Saturday for the largest tea party in the nation, aimed at attracting 50,000 folks for fireworks, both in the air and from the microphone. In Just 30 Hours, Legislature Sends 2 of 3 Bills to Perry, Then Adjourns After less than 30 hours of fast lawmaking, the Texas Legislature adjourned Thursday having resolved two of the three problems Gov. Rick Perry wanted them to fix.
6-27-09	Texas Democrats Try to Block Perry's Use of Stimulus Funds Texas Democrats in Congress vowed Wednesday to keep pushing the White House to help them block what they see as Gov. Rick Perry's misuse of $3 billion in federal aid for public schools. Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 1440 Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto Senate Bill No. 1440 of the 81st Texas Legislature, Regular Session, due to the following objections…. Governor Vetoes Child-Abuse Bill by Corrie MacLaggan Gov. Rick Perry today vetoed a child-abuse bill that critics said would have violated families’ rights. Think Elections Don't Matter? by Michael Quinn Sullivan You’ve probably heard this at least as many times as I have from family and friends: “I don’t vote because there isn’t a difference between the candidates and the parties.” Comments on Perry Budget Action, Veto of HB 130 by Texas for Fiscal Responsibility The president of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility said Gov. Rick Perry correctly wielded his pen this legislative session on the state budget. The governor used his line-item veto authority to cut $288.9 million from the budget, of which $97.2 million came from general revenue spending. Texas Gov. Rick Perry Shuns Protection for Kids by statesman.com Editorial Board Nothing government does is more important than protecting those least able to protect themselves. Children — particularly the depressingly-too-many Texas children abused at home — are among those at the top of that list. Perry Surges to Lead in New Poll An article in Wednesday's San Antonio Express-News titled “Perry tops GOP rival in gov race poll” highlights some great news, "Gov. Rick Perry leads U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison by double digits in their race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, according to a new statewide poll by the Texas Lyceum."
6-20-09	Governor Perry Vetos SB 1440! by Tim Lambert Moments ago (June 19) I received a phone call from Governor Perry's office to let us know that he will announce shortly that he is going to veto SB 1440. He has heard the outcry from parents all over Texas (and many other parts of the country) and is responding. Veto SB 1440 Yesterday (June 14) the Ft. Worth Star Telegram printed an editorial by supporters of SB 1440 calling on the governor to sign the bill into law. I have sent the following response to several papers in the state. Legal Basis for Veto of SB 1440 by Tim Lambert Yesterday (June 15) we delivered a letter outlining the legal arguments for our request that Governor Perry veto SB 1440. This letter was drafted with the help of several attorneys who defend innocent families in CPS investigations on a regular basis, as well as some constitutional attorneys. It is a long and detailed legal argument that clearly shows why this bill must not become law. Sponsor of SB 1440 Calls for Veto by Tim Lambert Rep. Jerry Madden, the House sponsor of SB 1440, has issued a letter asking the governor to veto his own bill. This is a huge development as it supports our position that this legislation was passed without the full understanding of the legislature. The governor may make his decision as soon as today. Read Madden's letter. Coalition Asks Texas Governor to Veto “Take Away Your Child Act” It’s been just over a year since the Texas Child Protective Services, acting on a hoax phone call, launched a military-style raid against polygamist families of the Fundamentalist Church of the Latter Day Saints (FLDS) at their West Texas ranch, seizing 440 children that they placed in foster homes scattered across the state. Last-Minute Legislative Flurry Led to Controversial Amendments For chambers of commerce across Texas, the five pages of words were like gold. Enacted into law, they would exempt dozens of "nonprofit community business organizations providing economic development services to local communities" from paying property taxes — at a cost of more than Texas Now Key Battlefield for National Standards The concept of national education standards is, at first glance, a great idea. And that’s what the politicians, education bureaucrats and education marketers are counting on. The battle is political, and the ultimate question is: who controls public education? Texas Gov. Rick Perry Signs Off on Tax Cut for Small Businesses Nearly 40,000 small businesses would see their state franchise taxes go away for at least the next two years – an average annual savings of $2,200 – under legislation Gov. Rick Perry approved Tuesday. Texas Should Adopt and Measure Learning Expectations for Technology by William Lutz The politics of education has little to do with what's good for kids and everything to do with which adults get to spend the taxpayers' money.
6-13-09	CPS Blank Check II by Tim Lambert SB 1440 was delivered to the governor on June 3. He has twenty days after the end of the session to take action on the bill by signing or vetoing it or allowing it to become law without his signature, which means he has until the 21st or 22nd of June to veto the bill. GOP Primary for Governor May Become Costliest in State History The theatrics of the 81st Texas Legislature may be over, but Texans are now gearing up for the state’s next feature attraction — a roiling political season topped by a marquee race for governor. GOP Chief Appears to Be Fielding Two Challengers for Re-election The Houston lawyer who chairs the Republican Party of Texas has fielded an Amarillo challenger for the chairmanship and is expected to pick up a Katy foe as soon as Tuesday, though it’s probably safe to say both start as longshots—assuming Tina Benkiser commits to seeking another two-year term leading the party. Texas Child Protective Services Looking to Expand Powers The Travis County Republican Party joins several organizations in urging Texas Governor Rick Perry to veto SB 1440, a bill which would allow Texas Child Protective Services to enter homes, take children, subject them to interviews and investigations without a court hearing or notice to the parent or even showing good cause. Texas Legislator Ratings Released by Michael Quinn Sullivan Texans for Fiscal Responsibility released its final ratings today for members of the 81st Texas Legislature. TFR President Michael Quinn Sullivan says that while the partisan gap narrowed, the ratings of the House and Senate members show a more fiscally conservative direction. Groups Pushing for Perry to Veto Bill on CPS Interviews A wide assortment of groups wants Gov. Rick Perry to veto a bill that clarifies when Child Protective Services may enter a child's home, take a child from school for an interview and obtain medical records. Special Session for the Texas Legislature? by Michael Quinn Sullivan While the date hasn’t been set, Governor Rick Perry said this week a special session was inevitable. Lawmakers failed to reauthorize, reform, or even just continue for the interim the Texas Department of Transportation, the Department of Insurance and other agencies. Unless action is taken this summer, those will shut down within the next year.
6-06-09	Giving CPS a Blank Check by Tim Lambert SB 1064 by Senator Kirk Watson was filed early in the session, and it sought to allow CPS, in the course of an investigation of abuse or neglect, to get the medical or mental health records of children who are the focus of an investigation. In order for CPS to accomplish this, the person refusing to give the records and parents must be given notice and a court hearing and CPS must show "good cause" for the action before the court would order the release of said records to CPS. Handful of Democrats Grind Session to a Halt by Will Lutz Give the Democratic leadership high marks for creativity. Every session (except 2005), Rep. Jim Dunnam (D-Waco) finds some new way to create end-of-session chaos. Perry Blasts Senators Who Let Bill Die, Says a Special Session May Be Necessary Gov. Rick Perry said Tuesday that he may be forced to call a special session because of actions by a group of senators the night before. Perry Declares Session Victory Staring at a rough Republican primary battle ahead, Gov. Rick Perry declared success Tuesday in the just-completed Texas legislative session, trumpeting victories like small-business tax cuts and unspent savings money. But primary voters may see defeat in the failure to pass anti-abortion measures he vocally backed. Special Session Still an Option State lawmakers on Sunday approved a windstorm insurance reform measure — eliminating the need for a special session — but legislative brinksmanship on transportation and insurance created new threats that such a session will be necessary. There's Very Little to Remember This Session By by Wayne Slater The Texas Legislature creeped Saturday toward the end of its Seinfeld session, the session about nothing. This Session, Both Parties Lose as Red-Hot Legislation Fizzles Out Dozens of hotly debated measures, from mandatory pre-abortion sonograms to concealed handguns on college campuses, appear to have fizzled out in the Legislature – the result of a politically divided House and an ever-ticking clock. Officials' Efforts Against Sex Trade Help Close Illicit Businesses in Northwest Dallas There was a time when neighborhoods in northwest Dallas were besieged by massage parlors, bathhouses and rogue bars that served as fronts for prostitution and even the trafficking and exploitation of minors. Defeat of Texas’ Statewide Smoking Ban a Victory for Private Property Rights by J.R. Labbe There is perhaps no more zealous crusader in the world of social causes than a reformed smoker. Once people make the decision to kick the habit, they become vocal critics of anyone who chooses to continue contaminating their lungs and the health of those around them with burning tobacco. Texas Legislature Adjourns after Meltdown in Senate; Special Session Looms The 81st Legislature adjourned Monday night with angry state senators urging Gov. Rick Perry to call a special session to salvage $2 billion in highway transportation money. The money was left in limbo when the House killed legislation to keep the Texas Department of Transportation and four other state agencies operating. Texas Legislature Adjourns with 2 Major State Agencies Unaddressed The Legislature’s 2009 session ended in a bitter meltdown late Monday as the Senate refused to vote on whether to keep two major state agencies alive, setting up the possibility of a special session within months to revive the transportation and insurance departments. Two Dallas-Area Republicans Reflect on Power Shift in House As power shifted in the House in January, two Dallas-area Republicans found themselves in unfamiliar roles. Taxpayers Did Well This Legislative Session The first business of any legislative session is to pass a budget. In these though economic times, Texas is one of only a few states able to balance their budget, Texas is in the black, and the state budget stabilization fund is intact. This is a major victory for Texas taxpayers and good news for the Texas economy. Ex-CPS Worker to Serve 90 Days in Jail A former Child Protective Services supervisor who falsely accused a man of molestation must spend 90 days in jail as a condition of her probation.
5-30-09	Beating Back Efforts to Undermine Parental Rights by Tim Lambert The last couple of weeks, the Texas legislature has heard from home school parents, who are the driving force to defend and protect parental rights in Texas. On May 14 we sent an Alert to our list asking home schoolers to call their state senators in opposition to HB 1232, a bill requiring mental health screening for certain children and the sharing of health care information with CPS and other agencies. Democrats Spend Third Straight Day Stalling the House House Democrats spent a third straight day Sunday tediously debating routine and noncontroversial bills, chewing up time in hopes of derailing a controversial voter identification bill. Senate Tradition Has Been Abused by Editors of the San Antonio Express News Two years ago, the Texas Youth Commission was a national embarrassment. An internal investigation by the agency in early 2007 had uncovered sexual abuse at the West Texas State School in Pyote. But that was only the beginning. Democrats' TacticsTake Down Voter ID Bill in Texas House Democrats appear to have stalled business in the House long enough to prevent consideration of a divisive measure to require photo identification for voting, after a long, lost weekend of legislating. McLeroy Opposed as Board of Ed Leader Senate Democrats say they have more than enough votes to remove Don McLeroy as chairman of the State Board of Education Tuesday when McLeroy’s confirmation reaches the Senate floor. School Board Reins Yanked from McLeroy In a rare rejection of an appointment by the Texas governor, the Senate Thursday ousted Don McLeroy as chairman of the State Board of Education, with his supporters claiming the Bryan dentist was the victim of his strong religious beliefs. Who Says They Don't Listen? by Michael Quinn Sullivan Anyone who thinks lawmakers don't move to fix unintended problems in legislative initiatives should see what State Rep. Jerry Madden of Plano did. He took what could have accidentially been a joke on the taxpayers, and fixed it to become a cost-saving initiative good for everyone. Texas Republican Speaker Joe Straus Criticizes Democrats Republican Speaker Joe Straus broke away Monday from the Democrats who lifted him to power, calling them “obstructionists” and criticizing the partisan gridlock he says they have brought to the Texas House. State Representative Dan Flynn’s Statement Regarding Actions of the Texas House While I know there are widely varying opinions about “Voter ID” please remember that the “Block” is not from the folks on the list not wishing to suspend the rules of the House. Social Promotion Change May Doom School Accountability Bill Gov. Rick Perry has warned legislative leaders that he may veto a wide-ranging school accountability bill if it scraps the state's longtime rules to curtail social promotion – the practice of automatically passing students regardless of achievement. Capitol Journal: Texas Democrats Filibuster Voter ID Bill for Fifth Day House members learned the hard way Tuesday that red ties and butterflies may be free, but killing a voter ID bill is expensive. Texas House Feeling the Pain Little known: When state Rep. Edmund Kuempel had a heart attack, the guy who found him punched in "911" three times on his cell phone without getting an answer, though he still was able to help save the Seguin Republican. Surprised at Lack of Support by Michael Quinn Sullivan Thought you might be interested in seeing this e-mail Vicki Truitt sent earlier this morning to her supporters. Apparently she is finding there aren't many people, that many actual taxpayers, interested in hiking taxes and raising fees during the worst economic climate in recent memory. Just don't seem to be that many families eager to see their cost of living rise so projects can be funded that aren't required to reduce congestion! (The Truitt/Corona language on HB300 has no requirement for congestion relief; just more spending.) Rep. Jim Jackson’s Tactical Analysis of Memorial Day Bill Killing Many people have heard or read from news sources about the 4 to 5 days of delay over Memorial Day weekend that some Democratic members of the Texas House have used to slow the legislative calendar in order to kill the Voter ID Law for voter integrity. Some have even told me they watched some of the action or inaction on the streaming video. June 2009 Texas Eagle Forum News & Notes June 1 is the last day of the 81st Legislative Session in Austin. Hundreds of bills never saw the light of day in the waning days of the session, including the Ultrasound Bill, due to House Democrats invoking a five-day stall so the Voter ID bill would never come up before the May 26th deadline. In the final week, legislators scrambled to cut and paste some of these bills as amendments onto other bills.
5-23-09	I Don't Advocate Secession by Governor Rick Perry About a month ago, I stood with a bipartisan group of Texas legislators to speak in support of a resolution honoring the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The resolution simply restates the Constitution's principle of federalism — that powers not granted to the national government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or the people. From the Midwest to the Pacific, Job Seekers are Heading to Texas Across the nation, unemployment is sky-high, the housing market is sucking wind and recessionary fears have frozen Americans in place. Texas Primary Could Help define GOP of Future As the GOP struggles nationally to redefine itself, the debate over what it means to be a Republican is playing out in Texas, too, through Kay Bailey Hutchison's challenge to Gov. Rick Perry. Texas House Takes Moderate Direction The Texas House, tightly controlled by conservatives just a couple of years ago, has become downright moderate. Martinez: Looking after the Interests of the Blue Collar Worker Every now and then a bill comes to the floor of the House or Senate that allows a state legislator an opportunity to really “vote their district.” Hutchison Supporters Seek Apology from Perry over Strategist's Comment A group of Kay Bailey Hutchison supporters is demanding an apology from Rick Perry, saying his top political strategist insulted her by invoking the imagery of a brothel. Texas Board of Education Chairman Don McLeroy a Step Closer to Retaining Post Republican Don McLeroy's nomination as chairman of the State Board of Education was revived Wednesday when a Senate committee finally voted to recommend him to the full Senate. Plan to Change Sex Ed in Texas Fails A bill geared to help reduce childhood obesity erupted into a fight Wednesday in the Texas House over the way sex education is taught in the state’s public schools. Technicality Shoots Down States' Rights Bill A Republican-launched initiative embraced by Gov. Rick Perry, exhorting Congress to affirm states' rights as outlined in the 10th Amendment, was shot down Tuesday by a lone Democrat on a point of parliamentary procedure.
5-16-09	Parental Rights - Never Give Up! by Tim Lambert The battle for restoring or defending parental rights goes on. In April, hundreds of home schoolers met on the steps of the Texas State Capitol to rally for the Texas Parental Rights Restoration Act (TPRRA), and Governor Rick Perry announced his support along with several state legislators. Later that week, well over a hundred showed their support in a public hearing, and on the 29th of last month the bill was voted out of the Human Services Committee on a 5-3 vote. Open Letter to Texas Legislators -- Your Call by Donna Garner, SBOE If you are a caring citizen and are concerned about our Texas public schools, please make your wishes known to your elected Texas Legislators. They cannot read your minds, and they constantly have high-priced vendors and special interest groups breathing down their necks. This is the time to express yourselves clearly to your elected legislators. Will Party Switching Return Soon in Texas? Observers Skeptical by Anna M. Tinsley Former Tarrant County Judge Tom Vandergriff did it. So did Gov. Rick Perry. Even former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm. These Texans are among the many politicians who have switched parties and survived — maybe even thrived. Stalled Voter ID Plan Shows Struggle to Find Compromise on Thorny Issue In a touchy stretch of his 12-year legislative career, Rep. Todd Smith huddled late last month with fellow House Republicans leery of his proposed compromise on a voter identification bill. House's About Face on SBOE Sunset by Elise Hu First it narrowly passed. Then it was narrowly defeated. Response to Editorial Board's Attacks on the State Board of Education (SBOE) by Ken Mercer, SBOE Change in education is hard. Texas has many people who are deeply entrenched – education bureaucrats/lobbyists (a.k.a., “educrats”) who make their living off education dollars but who devote their lives to defeating any true education reform involving real change. Backers of Expanded Texas Gambling Fold 'Em Lawmakers have folded on their last chance this year to expand gambling in Texas, saying neither a budget crunch nor growing public interest can overcome staunch conservative opposition. To Help UT, Modify the Top 10% Admissions Law by Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, Texas Legislature The House will soon be debating Senate Bill 175, legislation that proposes to modify Texas' top 10 percent automatic admissions policy, or what has become known as the top 10 percent law. The legislation does not propose to repeal the top 10 percent law, nor does it seek to reduce efforts promoting diversity or academic excellence. Rather, it is designed to correct an unintended consequence creating a critical imbalance at one of our state's tier one universities, the University of Texas.
5-09-09	Victory over Daytime Curfew Bill - We Think by Tim Lambert The battle against daytime curfews has continued to take many forms over the last few years. We have opposed HB 1886 since early spring because it would expand the possibilities of daytime curfews in Texas. We opposed the bill in the Urban Affairs Committee; it passed. We opposed it in Calendars Committee, and it was finally brought to the floor last Friday for consideration. Liberals Make It Official--Christians Need Not Apply by Ken Mercer It is official; conservative Christians are unqualified and need not apply. It happened at the Miss USA Pageant and then at the Nominations Committee of the Texas State Senate. Skullduggery in the House – HB 710 by Donna Garner As described to me by someone who was there in person, this is the high drama that took place on the floor of the Texas House today. Please write your legislators and tell them that you are ashamed that such obvious tricks are being used to take the authority away from the elected State Board of Education members. We want to retain our Constitutional right to elect these Board members who make decisions over the 4.6 million public school children in our state. Oppose Pre-K Program by Michael Quinn Sullivan Later today the Texas House will consider House Bill 130 which would create a full-day pre-kindergarten grant program. At a time when public education dollars are already stretched thin, this is an inappropriate expansion of government.
5-02-09	Texas House Battles Over Daytime Curfews HB 1886 by Miklos is a bill requested by the mayor of Balch Springs,, which has little or no police force. The bill would allow them to ask the county sheriff and deputies to enforce the city's daytime curfew. Home-School Interest Grows in Hard Times More budget-conscious Houston families appear to be contemplating home schooling as an alternative to pricey private school tuition. Leadership Style of New Speaker Taking Shape The role of Texas House speaker isn't defined by the state Constitution, but rather by the individual holding the office. From reform-minded Price Daniel Jr. to the iron-fisted rule of Tom Craddick, circumstances and personalities have dictated each leader's power and prestige. ICR Launches Federal and State Lawsuits against Texas Agency The Institute for Creation Research Graduate School (ICRGS) has filed two lawsuits against the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) defendants as of Thursday, April 16. Commissioner Raymund Paredes was formally served at his offices in Austin yesterday afternoon. Procedural Games Get Anti-SBOE Constitutional Amendment Over the Line by Terri Leo, State Board of Education The Democrats (with help from a handful of Republicans) succeeded in passing the constitutional amendment taking the Permanent School Fund away from the elected State Board of Education, but it sure didn’t look pretty. Perry Practices the Politics of Division by Matt Mackowiak Texas has as singular and unique a history as any of the 50 states and it's evident in our deeply felt independent streak. In Texas, we commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto and we celebrate March 2, which is known as Texas Independence Day. Texas House Moves Toward Likely Confrontation over Voter ID Law The House of Representatives moved closer toward a likely confrontation over voter identification legislation on Wednesday as House Elections Committee Chairman Todd Smith unveiled a plan that he said strikes a balance between ballot box security and increased citizen access to the polls. Voter ID Compromise Gets Cool Reception A proposed compromise offered Wednesday on the politically charged voter ID proposal in the Legislature would delay the mandate until 2013, a wrinkle opposed by nearly every House Republican. Legislators May Strip Education Board of Power The legislative session so far has not been kind to the State Board of Education. Senate confirmation of Board Chairman Don McLeroy, R-College Station, is dead in the water, the Nominations Committee chairman said Thursday. Texas Senate Passes Bill Requiring Doctors to Offer Ultrasounds to Women Seeking Abortions The Texas Senate voted Thursday to require doctors to offer an ultrasound to women seeking abortions and to let them see the results if they want to.
4-25-09	San Jacinto: A Reflection by Paul Perry On the afternoon of April 21, 1836, at San Jacinto, an army of outnumbered frontiersmen charged the most experienced professional army in the Western Hemisphere. With ‘Tea Parties,’ Perry Is Both Culture Warrior and National Conservative Darling by Wayne Slater The governor arrived for the “tea party” protests in a hunter’s cap with a camouflage brim. The cap, like his speech denouncing runaway spending in Washington and embracing states’ rights, carried a distinct message: Rick Perry, culture warrior. French Republicans? Budgets and Taxes by Michael Quinn Sullivan Okay, a day early, actually. Our forefathers defeated Santa Anna on the San Jacinto battlefield outside modern Houston on April 21, 2009, securing Texas' independence. An Open Letter to Republican Members of the Texas Senate by Ken Mercer I am more than just a little “shocked" to learn that some Republicans are behind Senate Bill 2275 and other efforts to strip power from the elected State Board of Education. Dallas-Based Institute for Creation Research Sues State over Denial of Its Master's Program The Institute for Creation Research has taken its fight to train future science teachers to the federal courthouse. TEA Parties Draw Attack from Democratic Senate Candidate Sharp Former Texas Comptroller and candidate for Kay Bailey Hutchison’s Senate seat, John Sharp, launched a web ad criticizing Governor Rick Perry’s recent comments about state sovereignty during the nationwide tea parties on April 15, 2009. Action Alert Cargill Connection April 2009 State Board of Education by Barbara Cargill The State Board of Education passed academically strong and rigorous science standards at our March meeting. These standards, like the English Language Arts and Reading standards that were passed last year, will equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need for college and/or the workforce. Dallas Council Keeps Nighttime Curfew for Kids, to Decide on Day Proposal May 13 A nighttime curfew for children will remain law, although the Dallas City Council on Wednesday delayed voting on whether to implement a more contentious daytime curfew proposal. End Poor Guidance of Texas Education It’s time for Don McLeroy to step down as chairman of the State Board of Education. Since he won't go willingly (and Gov. Rick Perry apparently won't remove his appointee), it is up to the Texas Senate to remove him from the chair. Senate OKs Purchase of Guns in all 50 States The Senate voted unanimously Thursday to let state residents purchase firearms, ammunition and accessories in all 50 states. ALERT: SBOE Chm. Don McLeroy's Reappointment Texas Eagle Forum The State Board of Education Chairman Dr. Don McLeroy has been reappointed by Governor Perry, but it must be approved by the TX Senate. Please ask the Nominations Committee members to vote YES for Dr. Don McLeroy.
4-18-09	Bedford Battle Moves to the Voting Booth by Tim Lambert Freedom-loving people have been fighting the adoption of daytime curfews in cities all over Texas, which we have covered for some time. Bedford has been ground zero since last fall as the city council there adopted the curfew without a public hearing; this week they voted again to keep the curfew in the face of growing opposition from business owners, civil liberty activists, and parents of public, private, and home school students. TPRRA Gains Ground in Austin by Tim Lambert Last week was a busy one in Austin for THSC. On Tuesday almost 400 home schoolers attended the second of three THSC Capitol Days. They learned about the legislative process and lobbied all 150 Texas House members and 31 Texas State Senators to support the Texas Parental Rights Restoration Act (TPRRA). Legislators Seek to Gut SBOE by Tim Lambert One thing that seems to be constant is that if conservatives have power and are making policy, they will be accused of being divisive and "political" and even "not caring about the children." This year is no different, as a contentious debate over science standards on the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) resulted in a compromise that took a conservative position. Dallas Daytime Curfew Support the effort to defeat the Dallas Daytime Curfew. Daytime Curfews, While Perhaps Popular, Are Bad Policy by Bob Barr Local governments, from Kennesaw, Georgia to Benicia, California, are jumping on the curfew bandwagon as a way to tighten control of the citizenry. While late-night/early-morning curfews for children have been employed for decades as a way to limit gang and other youth-based violence — often unsuccessfully — the latest, 21st-Century iteration is to extend the concept to daytime hours. Gov. Perry Backs Resolution Affirming Texas’ Sovereignty Under 10th Amendment Gov. Rick Perry today joined state Rep. Brandon Creighton and sponsors of House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 50 in support of states’ rights under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Texas Lawmakers Debate Stripping Education Board of Authority Over Curriculum, Textbooks Four state senators, fed up with curriculum and textbook battles at the State Board of Education, pitched legislation Tuesday that would strip the board of its authority over curriculum and textbooks and transfer it to the commissioner of education. House Panel to Consider State’s Actions in Sect Raid The House Committee on Human Services tomorrow is scheduled to take a look at how the state handled last year’s child-welfare operation at a West Texas ranch owned by a polygamist sect. Why are Rep. Branch and Sen. Wentworth Assaulting 20 Million Texans? by Mike Ford House Bill 3458 introduced by Rep. Dan Branch R-Dallas is the same as Sen. Wentworth's anti-petition bill (SB 690). It will be heard in the House Urban Affairs Committee (see members below). A hearing is set for THIS Thursday, April 16, at 10:30 a.m. in Room E 2.028. Board That Disciplines Doctors May Be Reined In A bill that was the subject of a 5½-hour hearing Tuesday would sharply curtail the powers of the Texas Medical Board if it becomes law. Why Does Dallas Need a Daytime Curfew? by Jim Olvera Why are Dallas city officials and police so keen on passing a daytime curfew? Curfews are usually imposed for public safety in times of crisis such as natural disasters or riots. Rick Perry: Tea Party Darling Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s star is rising among a new constituency — the anti-tax “tea party” crowd — in the wake of his recent endorsement of a Texas state House resolution affirming the state’s sovereignty. Government Fights Back, and Our Budget Boneheads by Michael Quinn Sullivan Were you able to be at a Tea Party? It was remarkable -- people gathering by the tens, the hundreds and the thousands in nearly every town in Texas and across the country. All peacefully, and all for the purpose of calling for restrained government spending, low taxes and individual liberty. Three Cheers for Our Elected State Board of Education by William Lutz Here we go again. Another session; another attempt from the social left to neuter this state's elected State Board of Education (SBOE). Perry Stands by Secession Comments Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday stuck by his earlier statement that Texas can secede from the United States — a far-reaching, legally questionable prospect that nevertheless drew Perry a fresh favorable mention by Rush Limbaugh, one of the nation's leading conservative voices. Perry Gets the Buzz and the Bucks, Too With the fiery rhetoric of a prairie populist, Gov. Rick Perry calls on “Texas patriots” to protest against “bailouts, all this stimulus, all this runaway spending” in the nation’s capital.
4-11-09	Tea and Taxes by Wes Riddle On the night of 16 December 1773, members of the Sons of Liberty dressed up as Mohawk Indians and boarded ships in Boston harbor. A large number of citizens gathered to watch as they broke open hundreds of chests of tea and heaved them overboard into the water. STOP Gambling Bills Texas Eagle Forum Two extremely dangerous gambling expansion bills that were quietly voted out of committee last week are now in Calendar’s Committee waiting to be scheduled for floor votes. These are HB 222, which would legalizing electronic poker, and HB 1424, a so-called bingo “clean-up” bill that – oh yes – expands bingo far beyond its original charitable purposes and also allows bingo slot machines. Both bills would create “Class III” gambling in Texas, opening a breach in state law that, under federal law, will allow untaxed and unregulated Indian gambling. Gambling Backers Pitch Their Ideas to Texas House, but Foes Fire Back Racetrack operators and Las Vegas developers played their best hands Wednesday, trying to persuade Texas lawmakers to authorize resort-style casinos, legalize slot machines at tracks and bring gaming back to Indian reservations. Republican Lawmakers Resisting Perry Repeatedly Democrats always have chafed under the rule of socially conservative, fiscally tight Rick Perry. But in the current legislative session, it's not the opposition party that's pushing back. GOP Holds Key to Unemployment Stimulus Dollars Against the wishes of Gov. Rick Perry, lawmakers are pressing ahead with efforts to claim $555 million in federal economic stimulus money for unemployment benefits. Rep. King, Home-Schooling Group Push to Make It Harder for Grandparents to Sue for Access Parents of home-school children showed their support in Austin this week for a bill aimed at protecting their parental rights from litigious grandparents. Campus Guns Bill Gaining Support in Texas House Legislation allowing state university students and employees to carry their concealed handguns on campus appears to have enough pledged support from lawmakers to pass the full Texas House. Gov. Perry Backs Resolution Affirming Texas’ Sovereignty Under 10th Amendment Gov. Rick Perry today (April 9, 2009) joined state Rep. Brandon Creighton and sponsors of House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 50 in support of states’ rights under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
4-04-09	Sausage Making and Friendly Fire by Tim Lambert This week was a busy one in Austin for THSC Association. It seems like I have been in Austin two or three days a week for months. One of the most important things we try to do in Austin is to maintain our credibility as an organization by making sure that our information is correct and that we only call for appropriate action and at the right times. The Political Realities of Daytime Curfews by Tim Lambert Last week many home schoolers in Dallas and Bedford joined other concerned parents and leaders of the ACLU in rallies protesting the current and proposed daytime curfews in those cities. Huge Education Victory for Texas Students by Ken Mercer, State Board of Education Common sense, combined with the pressure of at least 14,000 constituent communications in favor of allowing students to discuss all sides of a science theory, finally prevailed. Governor Perry Announces Jobs and Talks Economic Stimulus Last week was a busy week in Austin, but Gov. Perry still made time to get out with the people in West and South Texas to go face to face with citizens and discuss a number of key issues. Suit Dismissed in Firing over Creationism E-Mail A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit Tuesday by a former state science curriculum director who alleged that she was illegally fired for sending out an e-mail on a lecture that was critical of those wanting to teach creationism in science classes. Pro-Life Issue One to Watch as March 2010 Primary Approaches Recent polls already show United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison with a slight advantage over Governor Rick Perry for the 2010 gubernatorial election. UIL Soon May Be Forced to Accept Private School Teams For the last 14 years, a handful of private schools have been asking the Legislature for a chance to participate in the league for public school sports and academic competitions. Help Governor Perry Kickoff His Campaign This Summer with Your Ideas While Governor Perry is working hard and focused on making the 2009 legislative session a success, at the campaign we are now gearing up for the race ahead. A Year After Sect Raid, Changes in Laws Sought A year after a massive child welfare raid at a West Texas ranch run by a polygamist sect, some legislators want to rewrite the laws that guided the state's actions during an investigation into whether young girls there were being forced to marry older men. Big-Government Strikes Back by Michael Quinn Sullivan When it comes to public policy, the big-government crowd can only fight in two ways: cheating, and with personal attacks. Texas Eagle Forum ALERT: DNA Database House Bill 1672 concerns an existing DNA database of newborns in Texas. TEF believes that before a child's DNA is taken at birth and stored by the TX Department of Health, PARENTS should consent.
3-28-09	Parental Rights and Custody Cases by Tim Lambert We have seen home school parents in custody cases faced with judges who decide arbitrarily that the children should not be home schooled again and again. The most recent high profile case was in North Carolina where a judge ruled that the children must be place in a public school in spite of the fact that they were doing very well academically evidently because of the religious beliefs of the mother. The basis upon which judges are allowed to do this is called "the best interest of the child." HB 1611 is designed to reassert parental rights by requiring an equal treatment of the parents unless a parent is found to be unfit. Science Curriculum Standards for Grades K-12 by Barbara Cargill, State Board of Education The State Board of Education began discussing the science curriculum standards for grades K-12 in November. The final vote is quickly approaching. We have listened to many testifiers, and we have received over 9,000 e-mails about this issue. The vast majority are from concerned citizens who want the scientific weaknesses of evolution to continue being taught to our students. Interestingly, a Zogby poll released in January reflects similar results in that over 78% of likely voters agree with teaching both the evidence for and against Darwin’s theory. Opponents of Daytime Curfew in Bedford Plan Rally Today Saying it’s unfair to children, people who oppose a daytime curfew ordinance plan to rally at Bedford City Hall this afternoon. Demonstrators Rally Against Bedford Daytime Curfew Chloe Kozak, 13, said daytime curfews make her very nervous. Daytime Curfew Onslaught Continues by Tim Lambert Opponents to current and proposed daytime curfews rallied recently in Dallas and Bedford. The Dallas City Council held a hearing two days later to consider adopting the curfew. Many home schoolers testified against the measure as ineffective and dangerous to the liberty of law abiding citizens. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a group known for their liberal leanings, is also heavily involved in the battle to stop or roll back daytime curfews. Daytime Curfew Criminalizes Children, ACLU Says It's 12 p.m. Do you know where your children are? The City of Dallas wants to make sure they are in school by instituting a daytime curfew, which could carry a $500 fine for violators. ACLU to Stage Rally Today Against Dallas' Daytime Curfew Ordinance Proposal Members of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and a group called Citizens Against the Dallas Daytime Curfew are planning to stage a rally at 4 p.m. today outside Dallas City Hall. Texas Senate Endorses Bill to Have Commission Redraw Congressional Districts Congressional redistricting in Texas would be handled by an independent commission rather than the Legislature under a bill tentatively approved Monday by the Senate. Hutchison Urges Perry to Find Way to Take Federal Unemployment Money Gubernatorial candidate Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison said Monday that Gov. Rick Perry should look for ways to accept $550 million in unemployment fund stimulus money without committing the state to future federal mandates. A Senator Does Right by Michael Quinn Sullivan Political courage is hard to find. And while State Sen. Jane Nelson of Flower Mound is known for her rather steely-eyed determination, on Monday she cast the lone vote standing up for fiscal responsibility on Texas’ powerful Senate Finance Committee. Texas Senate Tentatively Approves Limiting Automatic College Admission to Top 10% Texas' top 10 percent law for automatic college admission would be limited to 60 percent of the incoming freshman class at state universities under legislation tentatively approved Tuesday by the Senate. Texas Dems Say Energy Is at Risk More than a dozen House Democrats on Tuesday warned that President Barack Obama’s proposal to hike taxes and levy new fees on the oil and gas industry could curb domestic energy production. HB 319 Hearing by Tim Lambert A THSC representative testified yesterday at the hearing of HB 319, a bill by State Representative Richard Raymond, that will change the current statute that allows adults to be exempt from jury duty if serving on a jury would cause a child ten years of age or younger to be left alone. The Judiciary Committee hearing was to begin at 2PM, but we did not give testimony on the bill till almost 6:30PM.
3-22-09	TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION: Fight Human Trafficking of Children! by Dennis Mark Human Trafficking bill HB 639 will be heard on Monday, March 23rd, by the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee and we need your support! HB 639 will launch a number of measures to fight human trafficking, including establishing a state-wide human trafficking task force and requiring training of law enforcement officers who are often the first to come in contact with the victim. Dallas and Tarrant County Citizens Rally Against Daytime Curfews by Tim Lambert I have received the following announcement that I share for your information: Citizen activists in Dallas and Tarrant counties will hold rallies Monday, March 23, to show public opposition to the current daytime curfew in Bedford and the proposed daytime curfew in Dallas. The Dallas City Council will hold hearings on the issue on March 25; the Bedford City Council will meet on March 24. Many home schoolers who do not live in those cities recognize that they or their children could be impacted by these ordinances because their teen children may go to jobs and/or educational activities without their parents in those cities. Summary of HB 1886 Hearing by Tim Lambert House Urban Affairs Committee hears bill that would allow county officers to enforce city daytime curfews... Proposed Law Allows Texas Parents to Opt Out of Storage of Babies' Blood Texas lawmakers are the latest group to seek changes in the state health department's policy of indefinitely storing, without disclosure or consent, blood samples from virtually all babies born in Texas. Bedford Leaves Daytime Curfew in Place Almost a dozen employees of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford school district asked the City Council on Tuesday night to continue its daytime curfew for schoolchildren. Law Puts Home-Schooling Parents on Long Leash When a child listed on the Wichita Falls Independent School District’s rolls as home-schooled was implicated in a drive-by shooting, the incident piqued the concern of WFISD Truancy Director Diann Taylor. She wondered just how much legitimate academic work was going on in that home. Bill Proposes More Exemptions to Texas Business Tax Proposed Many small Texas businesses would no longer have to pay the state business tax and others would see their tax liability drop under legislation endorsed by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and a majority of senators. A Daytime Curfew for Teens by Michael Tate I am hopeful that the City of Dallas' daytime curfew plan for teenagers will die a quiet death. It is a clueless and short-sighted idea that won't fix the truancy problem, although I know it has just enough appeal that some people might consider it a plausible solution to daytime crime. It was plausible enough for the city council to schedule two public hearings on it this spring. Texas Ranked Number One in Two Important Categories This week, Texas earned the number one ranking in two important categories: government transparency and economic climate. Texas' GOP Senators Rule Day on Judges Texas' Republican senators refused to cede control of judicial nominations, and now the Democratic White House seems to have struck a deal in their favor: The senators will continue screening applicants, though Texas Democrats will get input. Report Says Gambling Interests Bet $7.6 Million on Texas Politicians in 2008 Cycle A report released by a campaign-finance watchdog group shows border-area lawmakers received more than a quarter million dollars in campaign contributions from the gambling industry in 2008. Proposal Targets State Funding for Planned Parenthood Facilities A Senate budget proposal threatens to cut off state funding to Planned Parenthood in favor of "comprehensive primary care" facilities – clinics that offer more than reproductive health services. First Hearing Held on Pre-Abortion Sonograms Emotions ran high Thursday as lawmakers had their first hearing on a bill that would require women seeking abortions to first get a sonogram of the fetus. Take Action to Stop the Abuse of the Texas Medical Board against Physicians! by Steven F. Hotze, M.D. Legislation has been introduced in the 2009 Texas Legislature to require transparency of the actions of the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and to protect patients’ and physicians’ rights. The TMB has for too long cloaked itself in secrecy which allows dishonorable individuals to corrupt the process. This is a free society and the light of day should shine brightly on the actions of all of those in positions of authority. Lawmakers Want More Funds for Regulatory Agencies Texas regulatory agencies could get as much as $41.2 million more over the next two years to better do their jobs keeping an eye on everything from banks to investment advisers to doctors. Texas Democrats at Crossroads in 2010 Elections by Jay Root The once-mighty Texas Democratic Party was essentially broke and flirting with fringe status when wealthy trial lawyer Fred Baron rescued it in 2005. Straus Disagrees with Federal Stimulus Package House Speaker Joe Straus said Friday that he "strongly disagrees" with the federal economic stimulus package, even though the money expected to flow into Texas will help balance the state budget for the next two years. Continue Allowing Strengths and Weaknesses of Theories by Ken Mercer For twenty years, Texas teachers have been required by the Texas Education Code to teach both the “strengths and weaknesses” of scientific theories.
3-14-09	Bill Will Allow Guns on Campus If some Texas lawmakers have their way, concealed weapons will soon be allowed on UTEP's campus. Texas Senate Sharply Debates Voter ID Bill Democratic and Republican senators skirmished Tuesday over legislation that would require Texans to show a photo ID before voting – but the debate was mainly for show, as the measure was expected to win approval. Texas Voter ID Bill Passes Senate Committee A sharply divided Senate on Wednesday tentatively approved legislation that would require Texans to show a photo ID before voting, but the measure faces longer odds in the House and an expected court challenge if it becomes law. Faith in Faith Unites Many Legislators In any legislative session, you never know where a moment might lead. So it was for me after a prayer breakfast the other day where Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst recited Scripture, House Speaker Joe Straus read from the Old Testament and Gov. Rick Perry playfully blew air kisses to the president of the Texas Association of Business. Bedford Daytime Curfew Battle Escalates by Tim Lambert Anne Gebhart has posted another blog on the continuing saga of the battle by citizens of Bedford against the daytime curfew adopted by that city at the request of HEB school district. To Fight Truancy, Wise County Judge Trades Hall Monitors for Ankle Monitors Wise County is going high-tech on truants. To keep tabs on students who are habitually absent, Justice of the Peace Terri Johnson can now place a GPS ankle monitor on them for 30 days. Dallas Curfew Opponents Gear Up by Tim Lambert Tracy Wallace with "Citizens Against the Dallas Daytime Curfew" sent the following message out regarding strategy and tactics to defeat the proposed Dallas Daytime Curfew. I think this is a good strategy and makes sense. Pass this on to like-minded friends who live in the Dallas area.
3-07-09	Concealed Carry on College Campuses i\Is on Texas Lawmakers’ Agenda Jason Bowman would feel safer walking to his night classes at Tarrant County College if he had his concealed handgun. Report - Weaknesses Expelled from Texas Schools by Terri Leo, State Board of Education In spite of a reported 6500 constituent emails, three-quarters of the public testifiers, and recommendations of half of the "experts" to keep weaknesses in theories and two-thirds of the "experts" to keep weaknesses of hypotheses, Darwinists succeeded in deceiving eight members of the State Board of Education (SBOE) on most votes -- including a decisive one specifically related to retaining "strengths and weaknesses" in biology standards. How did YOUR SBOE member vote? (Above was typical vote split--8 votes were required to pass, hence passed items needed abstentions or swing votes from the above 8 NOs to pass. Note that Craig, Hardy, and Miller are Republicans). Fiscal Restraint Key to Economic Recovery by Representative Phil King As a board member of the Texas Conservative Coalition (TCC), the conservative caucus of the Texas Legislature, I am excited to talk to you about our roadmap for a responsible state budget. Texas Independence by Michael Quinn Sullivan Texas Independence Day, that is. We should pause to consider not only the blessings of our great state, but the dedication of those who declared our freedom on March 2, 1836. Measure Would Move Sex Ed in Texas Away from Abstinence-Only Texas’ sex education curriculum, which now teaches abstinence as the only form of birth control, would include more medical information about contraception and disease prevention under a bill proposed Monday by Democratic lawmakers. Californication of Texas by Michael Quinn Sullivan Just what does an economic disaster look like? California is a good place to start. They have tried to spend and tax their way out of horrible economic times and only made matters mind-numbingly worse. And some Texas lawmakers cannot work fast enough to make us look like California. Democrats in Austin Want Perry to Take More Stimulus Aid for Unemployment Texas should take a half-billion more federal stimulus dollars that it can tap by allowing more jobless workers to qualify for aid, Democrat legislative leaders said Tuesday. Bill Would Raise License Hurdles for Teen Drivers Obtaining a license to drive could get tougher for Texas teenagers. Teen Driver Safety - Round II by Tim Lambert Home schoolers made themselves heard this week before and during a hearing at the House Public Education Committee.
2-28-09	Texas Gov. Rick Perry Touts Abortion Opposition at Austin Rally Gov. Rick Perry greeted several hundred anti-abortion activists rallying outside the Capitol by promising to prevent embryonic stem cell research in Texas and touting his record for passing more restrictions on the procedure than any previous Texas governor. Stimulus Funds Throw Wrench into Capitol Works Passage of a $787 billion stimulus package by the Democrat-controlled Congress has thrown the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature off-kilter. $16 Billion Stimulus Windfall Dividing Texas Legislature Texas lawmakers, given a $16 billion windfall from the federal stimulus bill, are forming two camps. Texas Should Beware Strings in Stimulus by Dallas Morning News Editors Readers of this page know that we have not supported the Obama stimulus plan, largely because we didn't agree that some parts are the best way to revive the economy. Texas Lawmakers' Reactions Follow Party Lines Reaction from some Texas lawmakers to President Barack Obama’s speech Tuesday was divided along partisan lines, with Democrats hailing his economic plan and Republicans concerned about rising debt. Straus Doesn't Take Stand on Ultrasound Bill A bill requiring women seeking an abortion to first get an ultrasound got a big push Tuesday from three top Texas Republicans — but GOP House Speaker Joe Straus didn't take a stand. Child Protective Services Seeks More Funding to Improve Services Debbie Pendergrass flops down on the bedroom carpet with two sisters rescued by Child Protective Services from violence and drug abuse. The CPS worker, the one constant in the girls' move through three foster homes in two years, scans for any hint of fresh psychic wounds. Poll Shows No Clear Favorite for Kay Bailey Hutchison's Senate Seat The race for Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison’s U.S. Senate seat will likely be close should the seat become available soon, according to a poll released Wednesday by a North Carolina firm. Perry’s Pandering to the Far Right by Lisa Falkenberg Let me save Gov. Rick Perry some money on glossy mailers. In a gubernatorial contest against fellow Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Perry is, hands down, the Right candidate. Make that Far Right. Righter by the day, it seems. Perry's Camp Digs for Dirt on Kay Bailey Hutchison at Dallas City Hall A political operative working for Gov. Rick Perry has asked Dallas City Hall for numerous documents concerning Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, a signal that the campaign for governor could include personal attacks. Mayor Takes Responsibility for Idea to Pay Homebuyer Debt Mayor Bill White accepted responsibility for the widely disparaged plan for using public funds to pay some home buyers’ personal debts, saying he was not clear on the details and that the idea should have been reviewed more thoroughly. Defending Spending, and a Tea Party by Michael Quinn Sullivan Can your elected officials defend what they spend? Do they even ever have to? Of course not, because the spending is all too often hidden from view. Signs Point to Democrat Tom Schieffer Announcing Bid for Texas Governor Monday Fort Worth Democrat Tom Schieffer, who has served as U.S. ambassador to Japan and Australia, is all but certain to run for governor and will announce the formation of an exploratory committee Monday in Austin. Driver Education and Teen Safety by Tim Lambert Next Tuesday, March 3, the Public Education Committee in the Texas House will hold a hearing on HB 339, which is authored by State Representative Larry Phillips. This bill is designed to address teen driver safety and includes almost everyone's ideas about how improve it. Everyman's Fight for Freedom by Tim Lambert I sometimes meet members of the Texas Home School Coalition Association who say that they support THSC because we work hard to protect parental rights and the freedom to home school so they can focus on other things. While I appreciate the kindness of their comments, the reality is that no one person or group alone can effectively defend the freedom of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children.
2-21-09	New Speaker Brings New Blood and a New Attitude to Texas House The change in leadership in the Texas House of Representatives' majority party brought a breath of fresh air to the Capitol last week. Surprise Speaker Joe Straus, a Republican from San Antonio, set a bold new direction for the House with his committee appointments. Perry Says Texas Will Take Its Share of Stimulus Package, but He Has Reservations Gov. Rick Perry said Wednesday that Texas will accept the state’s $16 billion share of the new federal stimulus package, but he is leaving the door open to rejecting funds that place an onerous burden on the state and require state taxpayers to put up long-term matching funds. Darwin Would Not Have Supported Censorship by Terri Leo, State Board of Education In the article (Houston Chronicle, "State Board of Education Must Be Held Accountable," February 12, 2009), the Texas Legislators, who were quoted, misstated the current debate when they said, "The SBOE continues to engage in narrow theological debate about the validity of evolution." These Senators obviously have been getting their information from far-leftwing groups and from many in the liberal news media.
2-14-09	Daytime Curfew Update: Dallas and Bedford The Dallas City Council and the Bedford City Council are holding public hearings to discuss the expansion of the current curfew to include school days from 9a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Perry, Hutchison Exchange Bitter Words in Austin A rivalry almost 20 years in the making between Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison erupted in open acrimony Monday as she accused him of playing politics to embarrass one of her supporters while he all but accused her of shirking her duties in the nation’s capital. Conservative Groups: Texas Legislature Shouldn't Drain 'Rainy Day Fund' Texas budget writers should resist temptation to drain the state’s “rainy day fund” and accept some of the billions offered in a federal economic stimulus bill, according to seven conservative groups and a trade group for small business owners. In Making Committee Appointments, Straus Scatters Social Conservatives Hither and Yon The hill got a little steeper and the ball a little heavier for social conservatives Thursday.
2-7-09	Report - Weaknesses Expelled from Texas Schools In spite of a reported 6500 constituent emails, three-quarters of the public testifiers, and recommendations of half of the "experts" to keep weaknesses in theories and two-thirds of the "experts" to keep weaknesses of hypotheses, Darwinists succeeded in deceiving eight members of the State Board of Education (SBOE) on most votes -- including a decisive one specifically related to retaining "strengths and weaknesses" in biology standards. How did YOUR SBOE member vote? (Above was typical vote split--8 votes were required to pass, hence passed items needed abstentions or swing votes from the above 8 NOs to pass. Note that Craig, Hardy, and Miller are Republicans). Education board to Confront Ellis’ 'Club' and 'Stiletto' by Clay Robison The State Board of Education’s latest fight with scientists over how or whether evolutionary theory should be taught in the public schools was just about the last straw for Sen. Rodney Ellis. Fort Worth Couple: Take Our Money, Keep Your Stuff For nine days, a Georgia family’s plan to sell all their belongings on eBay to pay their children’s medical bills looked hopeless. Dewhurst and Straus: Help Us Cut by Will Lutz Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Speaker Joe Straus Jan. 30 issued a letter to all entities getting money from the state, indicating at least general agreement with Gov. Rick Perry that now is the time to tighten the belt. The two leaders say they "will be looking for recommendations to reduce the Fiscal Year General Revenue and General Revenue-Dedicated appropriations by approximately 2.5%." The Gallup Poll: Is Texas Blue? by Paul Burka The Gallup organization released a nationwide poll last week showing the partisan preference in every state. The daily tracking poll, conducted during the election campaign, sampled 19,415 adult Texans concerning their self-identification by political party and found that 43.4% identified themselves as Democrats compared to 41.0% who identified themselves as Republicans. CPS Drops Case Involving FLDS Leader’s Teen Daughter Texas Child Protective Services notified a judge Monday that it is removing the 17-year-old daughter of jailed polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs from court supervision even though evidence shows her father encouraged her marriage to a 34-year-old sect member. Sarah Palin Endorses Texas Gov. Rick Perry for Re-Election Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has endorsed Rick Perry for re-election, calling him the "true conservative" in a primary election showdown with fellow Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison. Hutchison Says Palin’s Endorsement of Perry Won’t Be a Factor So what does Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison really think about Republican rising star Sarah Palin endorsing Gov. Rick Perry? It's Time to Extend Dallas' Juvenile Curfew to Daylight Hours by Jacquielynn Floyd You can’t tie a kid to a chair to keep him in school, but you can at least make sure he doesn’t have anyplace more exciting to go. This pretty much sums up the philosophy behind a daytime curfew for juveniles, which Dallas is considering as an expansion of its existing night-hours curfew. Seeing Red-Ink, Bailouts and UT Bonuses by Michael Quinn Sullivan In political and policy fights, winning is as much about showing up as anything else. That will perhaps never be more true for Texas' taxpayers than this legislative session. The key, of course, is knowing when to show up – knowing when and where to focus our energies at the most opportune times. A Tale of Two Cities by Tim Lambert The *daytime curfew* issue continues to raise its ugly head across the state of Texas as more and more cities decide the statute that the legislature adopted to allow cities to deal with crime is a good "tool" to use to circumvent the compulsory attendance laws of the state of Texas.
1-31-09	PACs Flex Muscle in 2008 Elections Fifteen Texas political action committees spent more than $1 million each over the past two years, often trying to influence state elections and curry favor with officeholders. Gambling Expansion Difficult to Handicap This Session A new speaker with family ties to horse racing is leading the Texas House. A chairman who oversaw gambling legislation two years ago is under investigation and likely out of the picture. And a slowing state economy leaves lawmakers looking for budget cuts or new revenue. Hutchison Gathers Supporters for Governor, While Perry Rallies Anti-Abortion Marchers U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Gov. Rick Perry rallied crowds at distinct Austin events less than 10 blocks apart Saturday, signaling a possible showdown for the Republican nomination for governor next year punctuated by differences on abortion rights and Congress propping up Wall Street. Proposed Texas House Rules Trim Committees, Moderate Speaker's Power The House speaker would no longer have unchecked power to keep his seat but could swat down nitpicking parliamentary objections to keep legislation moving under proposed rules for the chamber unveiled Monday. Perry: Tightening of Funds Likely for State Gov. Rick Perry is expected to tell lawmakers today that the state’s economy can be best kept above water by keeping a tight state budget, revising the new franchise tax and by continuing the economic development funds his office uses to attract new business into the state. Change Is Good – or Not by Tim Lambert The New York Times ran a story recently on the takeover of the speakership of the Texas House by moderate Republicans. "When the Republicans nearly lost their majority in the Texas House in November, a small group of moderates from the party joined with Democrats to oust the archconservative speaker, Thomas Craddick of Midland." The article also reported that Staus, the new speaker, "voted against banning gay men and lesbians from serving as foster parents and against a ban on late-term abortions. (His wife, Julie Brink Straus, was on the board of Planned Parenthood in the early 1990s.)" Don’t Shoot Till You See the Whites of Their Eyes by Tim Lambert I continue to see from different sources e-mails and comments that quote a comment or policy proposal by President Obama or a Texas legislator calling on the recipient to take action or we will lose either our freedom to homeschool or some other freedom. The danger of such messages are twofold. Texas Rebellion Gives a Centrist a Lift On first blush, it is easy to think the Democratic tide that swept President Obama into office barely touched Texas. After all, Republicans still run the state and hold all the top offices and, if Texas voters had had their way, John McCain would be in the Oval Office. Fossils: Some on Texas Education Board Prove Yet Again that Evolution Is a Long, Slow Process Finally, the science curriculum for Texas students and its standards for teaching evolution are poised to enter the 21st century. Well, almost. It sure looked that way for a while when the Texas Board of Education met last week to set standards for its new science curriculum. Perry's Address Aimed at Businesses and Social Conservatives The agenda that Gov. Rick Perry presented for the state Tuesday was designed to cheer business and social conservatives, while rebuking the ways of Washington, and by extension, political rival Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. State of the Taxpayers by Michael Quinn Sullivan Texas Gov. Rick Perry just offered his State of the State address before a joint session of the House and Senate. Taken in all, Perry's recommendations for the Legislature are good for taxpayers. Perry Blasts 'Bailout Mentality' but Would Take Texas' Share of Stimulus For months, Gov. Rick Perry has been an outspoken opponent of emergency spending measures that created a record federal deficit. At the same time, his Transportation Department has lobbied to maximize its haul of federal money from an $819 billion stimulus bill.
1-24-09	Teaching Evolution in Public Schools A debate carries on today in Austin, TX, one with a decade’s worth of consequences for Texas’ younger generation. At issue is a proposed update to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) document. Senator's Voting Move Underscores GOP's Power by W. Gardner Selby Tommy Williams, who ranks 22nd in seniority in the 31-member Texas Senate, showed unexpected big-dog swagger on behalf of an unsatisfied Republican cause the other day. Who Needs Truancy Laws? We Have Daytime Curfews by Tim Lambert More and more Texas cities are jumping on the bandwagon of daytime curfews. In 1995, the Texas legislature enacted a law to allow cities and counties to adopt daytime curfews under the reasoning that students not in school were driving up crime rates. Homeschoolers have generally opposed these ordinances because home school students sometimes get caught up by over zealous police officers. Gather Your Children and Watch Your Property - The Texas Legislature Is in Session by Tim Lambert The 81st Texas Legislature officially began the 2009 legislative session almost two weeks ago. In 1866, Gideon J. Tucker said, “No man’s life, liberty or property are safe when the legislature is in session.” That is particularly true for home school families. This year there is a great deal of uncertainty around the country regarding our home school freedom. Duncan Bill to Strengthen Property Rights One of the most sacred rights of all Americans is to own property, but a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling turned such rights upside down, according to Gov. Rick Perry, Sen. Robert Duncan and a state representative from North Texas. Dallas Same-Sex Divorce Case a First for Texas In what could further define the rights of same-sex couples in Texas and beyond, a Dallas man has filed for divorce from his husband and longtime partner.
1-17-09	Perhaps Conservatives Can Survive Under Straus by Will Lutz Does Speaker-designate Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) offer the House a fresh start or – as some of his detractors argue – a dose of Barack Obama’s "Change You Can Believe In"? Texas Leads the Way in Home School Growth by Tim Lambert According to a recently released report by the U. S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics, the number of home schooled students reached 1.5 million in 2007. This represents a 74% increase since its first report in 1999 and a 36% increase since its 2003 estimate. The percentage of the school-age population being homeschooled increased from 2.2% in 2003 to 2.9% in 2007, according to the Department of Education. U.N. Convention on The Rights of the Child in Texas? by Tim Lambert HB 188 is a bill filed by State Representative Roberto Alonzo from Dallas that has a very strong potential to undermine the Right of Parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children. Let me give you a few examples. Knives Out of Sight in Texas House, for Now The Texas House arranged itself like a pretty picture Tuesday — yellow roses on the desks, families gathered for pictures, members greeting one another arm in arm. Texas Senate at Odds Over Voter ID Legislation, Two-Thirds Rule The usually harmonious Senate began its year with discord Tuesday over Republican proposals to advance voter ID legislation and change a long-standing rule th