Texas Republic News Archives

		Empathy and the Health Care Debate This week, we received an email from a reader named “Calvin” suggesting that we need more empathy in our health care system. And if individuals do not show empathy, the reader suggests, then government should step in.
		Health Care Reform - What It Means For Texas The U.S. Senate Finance Committee today approved a stripped-down health care reform plan on a mostly party-line vote, and even though the bill will likely get a huge makeover in the full Senate, some Texas policy groups are saying the pared-down bill will still be bad for the Lone Star State.
		Who Really Is Taking Care of Business? The Texas Association of Business released its 2009 scorecard of the Texas Legislature. The report, called For the Record, tracks eleven key votes to score Representatives and twelve for Texas Senators.
		Washington D.C. Summit Focuses on Conservative Grass Roots “It was a great opportunity to get people to network and share ideas and learn more about policies and strategies to get them enacted,” said Peggy Venable, Texas’ AFP director, who led a delegation of over 60 Texas activists to D.C. for the two-day conference.
		Donald May - "Politicizing The War On Terror" Rather than acting with courage and doing the right things in the War on Terror, President Barack Obama has chosen to follow the voices of his Far Left political base. As one would expect from a Progressive, war has again been politicized just as health care, education, and welfare.
		Big Endorsement Livens Up Governor’s Race Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison today picked up a giant endorsement in the race for Texas Governor, but Gov. Rick Perry still leads by far in that category.
		Dallas Judge Throws Out Gay-Marriage Ban A Dallas District Judge today ruled the state’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional. Ruling in a case of two gay men married outside of Texas seeking a divorce, state District Judge Tena Callahan ruled that the ban, enacted by the voters of Texas four years ago violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under law.
		Texas History: Settling West Texas - The Red River War, Part I The Red River War commenced after the failed 1867 Treaty of Medicine Lodge and the “Quaker Peace Policy.” Under this policy, Indians were to remain on reservations overseen by Quaker missionaries in exchange for rations and security provided by the federal government. The policy was a complete disaster.
		Lone Star Report: Tina Benkiser Shocks SREC Members in Becoming Senior Advisor to Perry Campaign In her speech, and in a subsequent interview with LSR, Benkiser went into more detail about her decision and why she made it. Here are a few answers to questions that haved been frequently asked about today’s events.
		Give Me A Break John Stossel, whose investigative reporting on consumer issues turned him from an opponent of big business to a free market aficionado, spoke before a crowd of hundreds of legislators, policy wonks and ordinary people at an event sponsored by the Texas Public Policy Foundation in Austin.
		40 Days For Life Tuesday night, on a busy stretch of road in North Austin, over 100 pro-life activists gathered literally on the front lines of the fight against abortion – outside an abortion clinic that looked more like a military compound than a health care center. Yet if anyone expects anger, rage or condemnation from these advocates, you can forget about it.
		Cleansing Christmas? “I think you’ll find that SBOE members that are both Republican and Democrat support keeping Christmas in the social studies curriculum. Anyone who disagrees with this is out of touch with American and world society."
		Rasmussen Poll Shows Kay With Slight Lead The poll currently shows Hutchison with a 40 percent to 38 percent lead over Perry. The Governor had led in the same poll by 46-36 in July. In August, Perry’s lead had been cut to 42-38.
		New Study Casts Doubts on Effectiveness of Bilingual Education “The data analyzed in this study suggest that bilingual education is the least effective program for ELL (English language learner) students if one’s goal is achievement in English,” Rossell writes
		Blue Dot Blues: Dewhurst for Lt. Gov.? What Does It Mean? Some people are speculating that the announcement could be a "stalking horse" move on Dewhurst's part. Here's why I don't think so.
		Democrats Blurring The Lines on Separation of Church and State? Generally, when politics invades the pulpit, it’s the Republicans who are accused of crossing the line, but an event held this weekend in Austin shows that when it comes to mixing religion and political activity, its a two-way street.
		Texas History - Price Daniel Protects the Tidelands from Federal Control In 1987, the Texas General Land Office reported that oil and gas exploration in the tidelands had contributed $2 billion to public education. Gov. Daniel and other Texas leaders certainly knew that ownership of the tidelands was important. However, one wonders whether they realized just how important their unrelenting defense of Texas’ ownership claims would end up being for future generations of Texas children.
		Pauken: The Homeowner Debt Bomb A new study from Deutsche Bank reports that economists estimated that “homeowners were extracting 25-30% of every dollar of increase in home equity, primarily for consumption.”
		Obama Health Care Plan Details The Conservative Republicans of Texas PAC has called attention to a list of proposals in the U.S. House version of the Obama Health Care Bill, HR 3200, as compiled by Mat Staver of the Freedom Foundation. Of particular interest to Texans? Check out Page 770 of the proposed bill.
		Preparing for a Potential H1N1 Outbreak in Texas Paxton: "The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently issued a press release to answer some basic questions about H1N1 and the vaccine, and I would like to share this information with you."
		Senator Hutchison Kicks Off Gubernatorial Campaign in La Marque From the campaign release - "Today I make it official - I am running for Governor of Texas. It is with great pride and humility for history that I make this announcement."
		Texan Payback for Linnville: Plum Creek On August 11, 1840, a motley collection of volunteers, militiamen, and Texas regulars defeated a group of Comanche warriors in the Battle of Plum Creek. In early August, an estimated four to five hundred Comanche raiders had exacted a bloody vengeance on Texas settlers in Victoria. Texans quickly sought justice for the raid, an effort that culminated at Plum Creek, near the site of present-day Lockhart.
		Shrine Fest Benefit to Feature Texas Music Artists, Aug. 22, 2009 - Wichita Falls Let’s check out the line up, how about Charla Corn and Josh Abbott. If that’s not enough lets throw in my friend Casey Donahew. Still not happy? Well get ready: Closing the show will be none other than The Randy Rogers Band.
		Tom Pauken: Texas vs. California - Which Model Is Right For The Nation? Despite these inherent similarities, the policy choices of Texas and California – set many years ago and confirmed many times since – are stark opposites. Thirty years of punishing real life later, the fact is that the Texas model works.
		What Came Out of the North American Leaders’ Summit? President Obama pronounced the strongest commitment to greenhouse gas emission caps stating, “Nations like the United States and Canada will take the lead by reducing emissions by 80 percent by 2050, and we will work with other nations to cut global emissions in half. Indeed, we made progress toward the concrete goals that will be negotiated at the Copenhagen climate change summit in December.”
		Bernsen Editorial: The Health Care Revolt It began with the bailouts and the stimulus package. The health care issue has touched such a strong nerve because it is not just a new issue, it’s seen as part of this larger narrative. Certainly, there is strong opposition to the particulars of the health care bill, but the anger out there is all the greater because they are all inter-related.
		Shapiro Branches Out, Feeling Out U.S. Senate Run One potential candidate in this non-race is only now just starting to spread out her wings, and she may have as good of a chance as any of them. Long-time State Senator and former Plano Mayor Florence Shapiro is getting out and about, meeting the party base and showing her strength.
		Meals On Wheels Gets $680,000 in taxpayer funds to Study if the Indigent Are Depressed, and if Talking to a TV will Help Them Meals on Wheels and More Board Member Namkee Choi, Ph.D., who also serves as a professor of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin, was awarded the funding to determine whether or not homebound Meals on Wheels clients suffering from symptoms of depression could benefit from counseling via videoconferencing.
		Indian Retribution: The Great Linville Raid On August 6, 1840, residents of Victoria sighted the vanguard of Indian raiders taking part in the Linnville Raid of 1840, the greatest of all Comanche raids on the settlements of Southeast Texas. By the time the raid came to an end, twenty-three settlers were confirmed dead and hundreds of thousands of dollars of property had been stolen or destroyed.
		Plano ISD Banned Students from Expressing Religious Views Today, groups supporting religious free speech will argue their case before the court for a final ruling on the school district policies. At issue is whether or not students have the right to speak freely in the classroom as long as their behavior is not disruptive.
		Education Chief, Business Group Clash Over Dropouts The Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency ruffled feathers in recent days when he said that businesses groups who complain about dropout statistics should just stop hiring dropouts.
		3 Houston City Council Members Late Paying Property Taxes Jarvis Johnson, Jolanda Jones and Sue Lovell all had outstanding property tax bills, collectively owing almost $9,000 in taxes, penalties and interest for property they owned last year, according to Harris County tax records.
		Taming Texas: John B. Jones and the Frontier Battalion On July 19, 1884, Major John B. Jones died in Austin. Jones never became as much of a household name and celebrity as some of his fellow Texas Rangers, but he was instrumental in the organization’s development as one of the finest, most unique law enforcement agencies in the world.
		"Friendswood Five" Takes On City Over Taxes... And Wins When Judge Scott H. Jenkins finally looked into the issue, he sided completely with the citizens against their own city government. He ruled against the city on both the spending issue and the issue of building outside the city limits.
		State Goes to Extrordinary Lengths to Fight a Miniscule Pest On July 13, 1903, the Texas Legislature announced a $50,000 prize for discovery of a way to rid Texas of the notorious boll weevil. While the reward offer was ultimately unsuccessful, it showed the state’s frustration with the pest soon after its appearance, a frustration that would continue for the remainder of the 20th century and beyond.
		Texas vs. California But of course, Texas is more than just an alternative to California, it’s also becoming an alternative to Washington. Taking the Lone Star State out of the equation, the current recession looks more like a depression.
		SBOE Members Slam Computer Lobby Textbook Bill The elected members of the State Board of Education today had choice words for House Bill 4294 – the electronic computerized textbook bill pushed by laptop manufacturers. No elected board member even tried to defend the bill.
		Metro Hires Associate of Own CEO at $2400 per Day The California consultant, who is being paid $300 per hour, was hired without any competing bids sought. The head of Metro says the consultant is needed because the agency doesn't have staff with the know-how to oversee a contract to extend light-rail throughout the city.
		Gen. Sherman Faces Reality: the Warren Wagon Train Raid On July 6, 1871, Kiowa chief Big Tree was convicted for his role in an ambush known as the Warren Wagon Train Raid. Though not the worst attack by Indians on Texas civilians, the ambush was a turning point in the battle to tame the West Texas frontier.
		“Blacklisting” at State Board of Education? A liberal group is bashing several members of the State Board of Education for supposedly blacklisting several icons of the minority community in recent curriculum decisions. The claim comes several months after a liberal-led social studies curriculum discussion included calls to remove “dead white guys” from textbooks.
		Dallas Forum Draws Experts to Delve into Complex Future of Health Care Issues The round-table discussion, sponsored by the The Heartland Institute, joined by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) and Americans for Prosperity – Texas, was held on Wednesday at Love Field in Dallas
		Houston Airport System Linked To Mysterious Offshore Companies Texas Watchdog has found that this operation has grown many tentacles that include spinoffs incorporated offshore. One expert has called this intricate web of companies “quite unusual.” Because of the secrecy of this web, and the fact it’s linked to tens of millions of dollars in loans, officials say it’s unclear how this all affects Houston taxpayers.
		The Texas Mugging of Western Civ Dr. Koons and his close advisors realized that their situation was untenable, but there was one bargaining chip left: the existence of the program. Western Civ had garnered national attention, and much favorable attention from alumni groups. Its outright demise would be an embarrassment to the university.
		“Webster on Cattle” – The Eccentric Shanghai Pierce Along with his brother Johnathan, Shanghai also began acquiring land in Southeast Texas, eventually over a million acres (twice the size of their native Rhode Island). Shanghai was among the first to identify the potential of Brahman cattle to thrive in the humid Texas climate, and shortly after his death, his family undertook the state’s largest early importation of the breed.
		Adobe Walls, Billy Dixon, and “The Shot” The distance of Dixon’s shot has long been a source of debate. Suspect early reports placed the distance at 1,538 yards. Dixon never sought credit for the shot nor even addressed it, leaving the question open for more than a century.
		Sunset Renewals, CDAs on call for July 1 Special Perry told reporters he has no plans to add to the session call the much-chewed-over, somettimes inflammatory issue of voter ID, which died after Democratic lawmakers slow-walked the House through the consent calendar for five whole days.
		Casey Donahew: An Interview with a Rising Star of Texas Music Casey has a way of making fans everywhere he goes. If it could be bottled, you couldn’t keep it on the shelves. He is a great performer and knows how to play to the audience, whether it’s a college crowd or a group of river rats on the Guadalupe.
		July 1 Special Session to be limited, focused on Sunset Legislation Gov. Rick Perry called today for a short Special Session of the Texas Legislature to convene on July 1, to focus on sunset legislation that died in the waning days of the 81st Regular Session. Perry’s timetable is virtually identical to a scenario TRN laid out on June 9.
		Texas Ranger Tom Hickman and the Red River Bridge War An Oklahoma federal court ordered the bridge reopened, but Murray refused. Instead, with Hickman’s Rangers looking on, Murray declared martial law and ordered the National Guard to the bridge. Murray, armed with an antique revolver, personally appeared and stationed guardsman at both ends of the free bridge, which technically constituted an “invasion” of Texas.
		The Iranian Election and the Revolution Test We continue to believe two things: that vote fraud occurred, and that Ahmadinejad likely would have won without it. Very little direct evidence has emerged to establish vote fraud, but several things seem suspect.
		Perry: Special Session to Be ‘Short and Very Fast’ Perry indicated that the session would only include must-pass bills, which means it will likely cover transportation and insurance only. The legislature failed to pass sunset legislation for the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Insurance following a Democratic-led slowdown of the session in the waning days.
		Juneteenth: Texas’ Final Independence Day Thus, it was two months after the end of the war when Federal gunboats finally arrived in Galveston and unloaded occupation troops in the City. According to a commonly-cited story, on June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger, stood on the steps of a villa in the city and read the official order that ended slavery in Texas.
		Conservatives Calling for Electronic Textbooks Veto Conservative activists are calling on Gov. Rick Perry to veto legislation that would open to door to electronic textbooks that have no oversight of content by the elected State Board of Education. Fearing that publishers will lower standards in the new electronic materials, many activists are urging Gov. Perry to veto HB 4294.
		James Long, Last of the Great Filibusters On June 8, 1819, an advance force of 120 men crossed the Sabine River, signaling the entry onto Texas soil of the Long Expedition. This was the last in a series of ill-fated Anglo-American filibustering efforts to wrest Texas from Spanish control.
		Doctors Distributing Controlled Substances in New York Despite Being Unlicensed TRN has obtained verifiable internal documents from the U.N., exposing significant details about questionable activities in Medical Services and what sources say is a massive cover-up plan.
		Misconceptions Meet Iranian Reality Last Friday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected with about two-thirds of the vote. Supporters of his opponent, both inside and outside Iran, were stunned. A poll revealed that former Iranian Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi was beating Ahmadinejad.
		Breaking Down Burka - TRN Looks at the REAL 10 Best and Worst Burka, of course, leans to the left side of the aisle, where a vote in favor of major government spending programs generally is a de-facto qualification for his 10 best. This is a view in contrast to the majority of Texans, who like small government and less spending. So TRN decided to take a look at his list and give an alternative view of the 81st Legislative Session. Breaking Down Burka - Part II
		Young Conservatives of Texas Prevented from Passing Out Flyers at Campus Event Officials at the University of Texas at Austin are defending their actions following a minor confrontation between school officials and members of the Young Conservatives of Texas that has left the latter group decrying censorship.
		Randy Rogers And Wade Bowen: Two Friends, Two Guitars And Nothing Fancy It’s easy to throw around adjectives praising songwriters, but the reality is most musicians – even highly successful ones – end up sounding like parodies of themselves after a while. Neither Randy or Wade fall in that kind of category.
		More Fiscally Conservative Legislature, But Still Failing 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.
		Head UN Nurse Allegedly Makes Terroristic Threats A criminal report was recently filed against Ms. Mantin at the New York Police Department, which now becomes part of her permanent record. The alleged criminal activities occurred inside the UN headquarters’ building in New York City. Related Story: UN May Face Major Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
		Fort Griffin and the Saga of John M. Larn On May 31, 1881, the U.S. Army closed Fort Griffin, drawing an end to a colorful period in the history of West Central Texas. The post was established in 1867 on a hill overlooking the Clear Fork of the Brazos River in present-day northern Shackelford County.
		Special Session Likely in Early July Gov. Rick Perry Today confirmed that he will call a special session of the Texas legislature. Although Perry did not reveal details, a source close to the governor today told TRN that the session will likely be a short, three-day session beginning July 1.
		West Bank Settlements and the Future of U.S.-Israeli Relations Amid the rhetoric of U.S. President Barack Obama’s speech June 4 in Cairo, there was one substantial indication of change, not in the U.S. relationship to the Islamic world but in the U.S. relationship to Israel.
		Sovereignty Resolution Fails in Waning Days, But Message is Sent The Texas House of Representatives passed a strongly-worded resolution affirming state sovereignty in the waning days of the 81st Legislative Session. Although the resolution failed to even come up for discussion in the Senate, the move nonetheless got the point across to Washington.
		Texas Legislatve Session Summary: Taxes Rejected, Family Values Protected From the front lines of the Texas Legislature: Despite a change in D.C. and a more liberal coup in the Texas House (which helped many dangerous bill have progress that would have previously never moved an inch), there is good news to report, but also some unfinished business.
		Dallas Blog: UN May Face Major Medical Malpractice Lawsuits by Tom McGregor - The United Nations may face earth-shattering medical malpractices lawsuits in the near future. Why? Apparently, evidence, can be proven through a simple Google search, revealing that only one doctor employed at the UN Medical Services Division (MSD) in New York City is licensed to practice medicine in the state of New York.
		Lone Wolf Lessons The Obama administration appears to be following the Clinton-era policy of stressing the primacy of the FBI and the law enforcement aspect of counterterrorism policy at the expense of intelligence and other elements.
		Foundation: Taxpayers Fared Well In 2009 Legislative Session Taxpayers fared well this legislative session, according to the post-session assessment of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. "The Legislature adopted a relatively conservative budget, needed eminent domain reform, and improved public school accountability, while cutting taxes for small businesses," said Justin Keener, the Foundation's vice president of policy and communications.
		Legal Foundation Challenges Constitutionality of Public Integrity Unit A public watchdog group has filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the constitutionality and standing of the Texas Public Integrity Unit (TPIU) of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, mounting the first ever legal assault on an anachronistic agency which allows the District Attorney of one county to have jurisdiction over prosecution of elected officials voted into office by citizens in all 254 Texas Counties.
		Perry: Special Session Not Coming Anytime Soon Gov. Rick Perry gave a press conference today long on achievements and short on details of a potential special session of the legislature. Although some have speculated that a session is inevitable, Perry refused to go there, merely saying that he and his staff will look at the options.
		Sunset Legislation Unravels in Final Hours. Special Session on Horizon? The Texas legislature fumbled the ball right before the goal line on Monday, ending a session that was decidedly off key from the first play. It was a session in which Republicans controlled the House and Senate, but many watchers felt Democrats were running the agenda – at least in the House.
		Eminent Domain Legislation Passes Just Under the Wire The Texas House and Senate worked out a compromise and passed a constitutional amendment curtailing the powers of eminent domain – the lawful taking of private property by public entities – just before a midnight deadline Sunday.
		Transportation Tax Dies As Sunset Bill is Approved Unamended The tax, which was desired by high-growth cities but strongly opposed by taxpayer advocates, was removed from consideration during discussions late Saturday. All House and Senate conferees have signed off on the agreement. There is no remaining option to append the tax to any other existing bill.
		Two Party Ghost Chase - Still Looking For That Next Big Lone Star Movie Deal The new bill reduces incentive qualifications and increases payouts. While it clearly offends conservative values in a conservative state, it sailed through the 81st Texas Legislature ahead of the masses.
		Legislators Scramble on Transportation Tax in Final Days of Session With time ticking away on the 81st Legislative Session, advocates of a new local option gas tax to pay for transportation are desperately searching for a way to get the tax through the House and Senate.
		The Practical Implications of the WHTI Ultimately, the WHTI will help close some significant loopholes — especially regarding the use of fraud-prone driver’s licenses and birth certificates for international travel — but the program will not end all document fraud.
		Republicans Turn Table on Democrats – Talk Unfunded Mandate on UI Stimulus Funds to Death Rep. Strama avoided pointing fingers at individuals in final remarks eulogizing the bill’s defeat, but the irony was not lost on many in the chamber and gallery that Strama and others were complaining about partisan political tricks after they had spent a week doing the same thing.
		Texas Music Review \| Tommy Alverson and Walt Wilkins: An Icon and a Gifted Songwriter The following is the second in new series at TRN that explores Texas Country Music, including new bands, venues, trends and everything you need to know about this dynamic and growing genre of music.
		The North Korean Nuclear Test and Geopolitical Reality Details continue to emerge through the analysis of seismographic and other data, and speculation about the precise nature of the atomic device that Pyongyang may now posses carries on, making this a good moment to examine the underlying reality of nuclear weapons.
		Legislative Mud Threatens to Kill Key Bills The Texas House of Representatives remains stuck in the legislative mud for the fourth day as Democrats empty out their bag of tricks to stall and delay to prevent a bill reaching the floor that would require voters to show photo identification at the polls.
		Blogging From The Right Conservative and libertarian bloggers met at the Texas Capitol Saturday for the first ever “Right Online Blogger Day” sponsored by Americans for Prosperity (AFP). About two dozen conservative bloggers from across Texas, including as far away as the Rio Grande Valley and Sulphur Springs.
		Democrats Chubbing to Kill Voter ID Democratic legislators are using a tactic known as “chubbing” to kill legislation that would require voters in Texas to show a photo ID to vote, sources tell TRN. By delaying and dragging their feet to slow down the legislative process, they aim to kill SB 362 by running out the clock.
		Gambling Legislation Likely Dead for 2009 Despite having one of the most favorable climates since 2003 to pass legislation legalizing various forms of casino gambling, legislators who want to see Texas take the gaming plunge failed to make any headway in either the House or Senate, with no major gambling bills even making it to the floor for a vote.
		Counterintelligence Approach to Controlling Cartel Corruption The threat posed by the Mexican cartels is different than that posed by traditional criminal organizations, meaning that countering it will require a nontraditional approach.
		Texas Senate Passes Legislation Allowing Concealed Carry On Campus The Texas Senate today gave final approval to a measure that would allow persons holding concealed handgun licenses to carry firearms on Texas public college and university campuses. The legislation now moves to the Texas House where it has strong bipartisan support.
		Senator Cornyn: No Gitmo Prisoners in America During a conference call with Texas bloggers, Cornyn said many Democrats are now joining up with Republicans to stop efforts by President Obama to close down the prison for War on Terror suspects and bring them to the United States.
		Democrat State Rep. Kills Texas Sovereignty Resolution State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) used a procedural motion to block HCR 50, the state sovereignty reaffirmation resolution, Tuesday evening. The move blocks a bipartisan effort to protect state and individual rights from federal government usurpation.
		Report Finds That SAT Scores Indicate A Difference At UT Austin A study commissioned by *George Scott Reports* has concluded that the enrolling scores of Texas high school graduates on the college-entrance SAT test indicate a difference in performance between the top and bottom quartiles of students in terms of graduation rates, dropout rates and grades at the University of Texas at Austin.
		SBOE Awaiting New Debate on Social Studies Standards The concern about the new standards was first examined at the Board’s meeting in March when Brooke Dollens Terry of the Texas Public Policy Foundation brought the issue to light. In her public testimony, she identified places where individualism, free enterprise system and personal responsibility were changed or removed from the social studies textbooks.
		Limits to Exporting the Saudis' Counterjihadist Successes Saudi Arabia’s successes in rolling back religious radicalism at home are the result of the confluence of certain unique circumstances that simply do not exist in more troubling jihadist hot spots like Yemen, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
		Texas Music Review \| Casey Donahew: A Texan Tears it Up in Oklahoma City The following is the first in new series at TRN that explores Texas Country Music, including new bands, venues, trends and everything you need to know about this dynamic and growing genre of music.
		Democrat Radnofsky Announces for Attorney General In her statement, Radnofsky said: "Our state-wide elected officials aren't fighting for the people of Texas; they're fighting for themselves. The AG needs the real world anchors of life lessons and good judgment.”
		"Liberal Attempt to Intimidate Pastors Has Backfired" Free Market Foundation’s legal arm announced today that the Internal Revenue Service found that pastors who gathered in 2006 for a series of public policy conferences and included Gov. Rick Perry as a speaker, had every right to do so and that the organizers of the events did not violate any tax laws that govern non-profit organizations.
		If Voters Approve, Measure Would Increase Your Gas Tax by 125 percent The Texas House Committee on Transportation this week passed House Bill 9 and Senate Bill 855, both of which would permit a 15-cent statewide increase of the gas tax within 10 years, as well as a new 10-cent per gallon local tax. According to the Texas Public Policy Foundation, this represents a 125 percent increase within 10 years for a total tax burden of $21 billion.
		Ted Cruz: The Next Big Thing? ...Cruz is the real deal. As you know, it takes a lot of factors to make the next big thing in politics. But we don’t need more politicians, we need more statesman. Ted Cruz may very well have what it takes to be the next big one of those.
		Time Running out for Concealed Carry on Campus? Legislation that would allow Concealed Handgun License holders to carry firearms on Texas public university campuses is in danger of failing in the Texas Senate. Proponents argue that the bill, SB 1164, would allow students and faculty to defend themselves from Virginia Tech-like situations.
		House to Take One – And Only One – Stab at Immigration The passage of HB 276 would help Texas get a handle on the true nature of the costs to the state of illegal immigration, according to its author, Rep. John Zerwas (R-Richmond). Studies – including one by TRN's James Bernsen working as an independent consultant – show the cost of illegal immigration to Texas likely range from $4.5 billion to $6 billion. Click here to read James Bernsen's independent study (PDF)
		Voter ID Bill Clears Hurdle, Moves to House Floor Rep. Todd Smith (R-Euless) the chairman of the committee, said the fate of the bill on the floor is “anybody’s guess” because of the closely-divided House. “This seems to be an issue that divides people into camps, and if that is the case, this may not survive at the end of the day"
		The Strategic Debate Over Afghanistan The most important issues concern the extent to which Obama wants to stake his presidency on Petraeus’ vision in Afghanistan, and how important Afghanistan is to U.S. grand strategy.
		Voter ID Bill to Get Committee Vote on Monday Breaking News - House Elections Committee passes Voter ID Bill by a 5-4 vote. The Chairman of the Texas House Elections Committee says that legislation requiring that voters show proof of identity to cast their ballots will likely be voted out of committee on Monday afternoon.
		"Electronic Poker" Bill Would Be Back Door For Gambling There’s a reason Texans voted strongly to ban gambling in the state, and why the Texas constitution requires a 2/3 vote to bring it back. HB 222 is a cynical bill that thumbs its nose at the voters of Texas and lies straight up when it says electronic poker is a game entirely of skill.
		SBOE Escapes Sunset Despite Parliamentary Tricks and “Found Votes” “A serious attack on the rights and role of voters was averted today,” said Free Market Foundation Director of Legislative Affairs Jonathan Saenz. “House members chose wisely and left the right to ‘review’ the State Board of Education where it belongs – with the voters."
		Saving Chickens and Mangy Dogs San Antonio is willing to spend hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars to implement the no-kill policy for animals. This is not a ban on euthenasia, but simply an incentive program. So why doesn’t the Alamo City do the same thing for abortion? Why doesn’t Texas? There are around 80,000 abortions in the Lone Star State each year.
		Texas House Passes Tax Cut for Small Business The Texas Legislature gave final approval on Monday to a cut to its business margins tax aimed at reducing the burden the tax places on small businesses.The legislation, House Bill 4765, raises the exemption to the tax from $300,000 to $1 million.
		Republicans Teaming Up with Democrats to Destroy the State Board of Education The worst news is that several Republican Senators and Representatives are turning from their professed "conservative values" and have joined with the liberal Democrats to author and co-author legislation that will strip authority away from the elected SBOE members.
		Texas History: The Texas Roots of Cinco de Mayo The Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862 - Zaragoza sent a message to Juarez in Mexico City telling of his triumph: “Las armas nacionales se han cubierto de gloria!” – “The arms of the nation have been covered with glory.”
		House and Senate Ironing Out Final Budget Details The House and Senate versions of the Budget are not far off. The House approved a budget of $178 billion and the Senate approved one of $182 billion. The two houses have now begun the difficult negotiations merging the two. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Joe Straus have each approved conference committees to discuss the plans.
		Texas Senate Passes Informed Consent Law SB 182 would expand the state’s informed consent law, which currently requires women to be informed of health consequences of abortions. The new requirement would be added on top of that. The legislation does not require the woman to view the information if she chooses not to.
		A Chilling Effect on U.S. Counterterrorism Our contacts in the intelligence community report that the release of the memos has had a discernible “chilling effect” on those in the clandestine service who work on counterterrorism issues.
		Legislation Would Drop Capital Murder in Cases Where Women Suffer from Postpartum Psychosis The Texas House of Representatives could soon consider a measure that could allow some women who kill their infants after birth to get out of prison in a mere six months to two years by claiming postpartum psychosis as a defense. Opponents of the legislation say the bill comes close to decriminalizing murder of an infant.
		Re-Thinking School Accountability: Plan Would Move Away From TAKS-Only Standard A new public school accountability plan for Texas would move Texas away from relying solely on a single test to measure student and school performance and would instead place greater emphasis on college readiness and competence in the core curriculum. The Texas Legislature took up the issue in both House and Senate on Wednesday, passing HB 3 and SB 3 respectively.
		Hutchison Wants to Secede... From the Federal Gas Tax Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has filed legislation to give states the option to bail out of the federal highway system and keep their gasoline tax dollars for themselves. That would mean billions of dollars in new revenue for the cash-strapped Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
		Obama's First Hundred Days and U.S. Presidential Realities While many of his followers may be dismayed, and while many of his critics might be unwilling to notice, the fact is that a single concept dominated Obama’s first hundred days: continuity.
		Legislature Seeks to Fight Human Trafficking "SB 89 gives law enforcement the tools they need to recognize the victims of human trafficking and to prosecute those that prey on the innocent,” Van de Putte said. “I look forward to working with Representative Thompson, who has championed this cause in the House, Governor Perry, and Attorney General Abbott.
		Texas Senate Approves Merit-Based Grading The Texas Senate has passed a measure to require that all Texas schools base their grading systems on merit alone. The measure comes in the wake of revelations by teachers and others that some schools had instituted grading systems where no one fails.
		State Board of Education Pulls Reins on “Radical” Curriculum Group The Texas State Board of Education on Wednesday came down with a reprimand on its social studies curriculum working group after a draft proposal of the group’s new curriculum came to light showing a series of far-left changes that education bureaucrats wanted to install in place of the traditional Texas social studies curriculum.
		Sshhh! Perry: There’s a Better Plan, and Even Texas Monthly Might Like It The January, 1975 issue of Texas Monthly, in fact, is entirely devoted to the idea of Texas secession. Evidently, back then, that loaded buzzword “secession” didn’t have all the evil and racist connotations that the sage of the lone star magazine world seems to think it does today. Burka should know this. After all, in 1975, he was on the Texas Monthly staff as one of the magazine’s five Senior Editors.
		Unbreaking the Logjam on "Social Issues" Bills The legislative process is never fast and pretty, but many conservatives were growing restless with the House State Affairs Committee’s pace for hearing so-called “social” legislation such as abortion, immigration and legislation that re-affirms state sovereignty.
		Torture and the U.S. Intelligence Failure The fundamental question remains unanswered, and may remain unanswered. When a president takes an oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,” what are the limits on his obligation?
		Legislation Would Throw Sunlight On Medical Board In 2003, the Texas Legislature passed legislation creating the Texas Medical Board – an agency designed to address abuses in the health care field. But to listen to doctors today, Texas created a monster, an agency with little transparency in the complaint process that virtually considers doctors guilty until proven innocent.
		April 21, 1836 - San Jacinto Day - The Climactic Battle of the Texas Revolution “We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest, and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: none is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard, and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be free men, that your children may bless their father's name.”
		Mexican Woman Arrested with Anti-Aircraft Arsenal (Dallas Blog) Mexican police have just arrested a woman guarding an arsenal which includes the first anti-aircraft gun seized during the nation‘s drug wars. She was taken into custody at a house in the northern Sonora state.
		Best of the Blogs - April 20, 2009 A sampling of the best of the Texas blogosphere...
		When the Mexican Drug Trade Hits the Border The U.S.-Mexican border is a dynamic place, with competition over drug routes and the quest for cash destabilizing northern Mexico and straining local and state law enforcement on the U.S. side.
		Tax Day Tea Parties Rock Across Texas Declaring “enough is enough,” Texans gathered from the Metroplex, Houston, San Antonio – to small towns between and beyond – to protest against federal government, bailouts, the “Stimulus” plan, high taxes and “generational debt.” TRN Editorial - Tea Parties Are a Shot Across The Bow Pictures from San Antonio and Austin Tea Parties
		Legislators Talk Taxes in Statewide Conference Call The conference call was sponsored by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and included Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston), Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford) and Rep. Ken Paxton (R-McKinney). 180,000 Texans joined in over the phone and internet.
		The Exploration of Being Kinky “I am a humorist, but I know these are not humorous times,” Friedman said in a letter to supporters. “There is a pathetic lack of leadership at the state level. The last governor who was truly on the side of the people was Ann Richards. She was a very funny lady – she was also a great governor.”
		Best of the Blogs - April 17, 2009 A sampling of the best of the Texas blogosphere...
		Gov. Perry Backs Resolution Affirming Texas Sovereignty Under 10th Amendment Video of Gov. Rick Perry joining 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.
		Beneath the U.S. Obsession With Cuba The important thing to understand about Cuba is the historic U.S. obsession with the island, and why the Cubans have never been able to find their balance with the United States. The answer lies in geopolitics. The politics in play now are simply the bubble on the surface of much deeper forces.
		Rep. Creighton Joined by Governor, Other Legislators In Support of Texas Sovereignty Rep. Creighton said that the point of this legislation is to hold the federal government accountable to the Constitution, especially the 10th Amendment. "If the legislature does not take a stand," he said, "we would fall short" of their duties to Texans.
		Best of the Blogs - April 14, 2009 A sampling of the best of the Texas blogosphere...
		The Future for Texas Highways – Or a Multi-Billion Dollar Tax Grab? SB 855 by Sen. John Carona (R-Dallas) would create a local option tax to pay for new highway construction. Proponents say that a cash crunch is creating a critical infrastructure crisis. Opponents say it’s a backdoor new tax that will grow out of control. RELATED TRN EDITORIAL - Bad Ideas are the Result When Good Ideas are Plundered
		Tea Parties Planned Across the Lone Star State to Send a Message To Washington “We’re in some really trying times, that’s why on April 15, you’re going to see an uprising in America like you’ve never seen before,” said Texas Governor Rick Perry during a conference call with conservatives sponsored by Americans For Prosperity – Texas. “In the words of Glenn Beck, bring your pitchforks on April 15.”
		Capitol Rally Held In Support of Voter ID “It is time the will of 95 percent of Republicans and 80 percent of Democrats is heard by passing Voter ID legislation,” said State Rep. Betty Brown (R-Terrell), the sponsor of the bill in the House. “We must restore the integrity in our elections process by making it easy to vote, but hard to cheat.”
		TPPF, Conservative Coalition Say Stimulus Will “Crowd Out” Private Sector Job Growth "Government spending crowds out private sector spending, diminishing the private economy’s rate of growth. In other words, increased government spending makes citizens poorer because it takes their money now while reducing their future income."
		TRN Exclusive Interview with St. Rep. Linda Harper-Brown State Representative Linda Harper-Brown has been one of the strongest advocates of low-tax conservative government in the Texas House of Representatives. The Irving Republican is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for her principles.
		Senate Passes $182 Billion Budget \| TPPF's Heflin Calls Budget Growth 'Reasonable' The Texas Senate passed a $182 billion budget today, representing an increase that is below the rate of population growth, not including federal stimulus items. The budget includes $81 billion in general revenue spending and $11 billion in federal stimulus dollars.
		House Passes 'Mini' Special Session Option on Gov Vetoes The legislation, HJR 29 by Rep. Gary Elkins (R-Houston) is similar to legislation the House voted out in 2007. That bill never made it out of a Senate committee despite being co-sponsored by 26 out of 31 Senators.
		Compromise Wording Reached in SBOE Evolution Debate The Texas State Board of Education ended months of wrangling over language to teach “strengths and weaknesses” of the theory of evolution by adopting compromise language.
		HB1893 Gets Committee Hearing on Monday Legislation that would allow some students and teachers to carry concealed handguns on campus will get its first big test in the halls of the Capitol this week.
		Best of the Blogs - April 1, 2009 A sampling of the best of the Texas blogosphere...
		Unemployment Insurance Stimulus Funds: Boon for Texas or Taxes “To Infinity and Beyond” Legislators from both sides of the aisle squared off in a debate over the controversial unemployment insurance stimulus funds recently rejected by Gov. Rick Perry. Thursday, the Texas Public Policy Foundation held a policy primer on the issue featuring a debate between three legislators.
		New Driver's License Rules Targeted by Democrats, Minority Groups Major changes in government don’t always happen in the legislature, and not always amid the glare of media attention and fanfare. Administrative law is one of the most important – yet obscure – ways to reform or do mischief.
		Eight Years of Quietly Re-Inventing Government While most state agencies bleed red ink, the General Land Office is doing something most people don’t even know about: it’s generating black ink. As in profits to the state. Video - Part 1 \| Part 2
		Best of the Blogs - March 30, 2009 A sampling of the best of the Texas blogosphere...
		Senate Committee Approves Stimulus Funds Including Long-Term Costs Despite a pre-session plea by conservatives to resist the temptation to spend stimulus funding on long-term items that could result in an expansion of government down the road, the Texas Senate Finance Committee agreed to a budget that includes just the same long-term costs that conservatives had railed against.
		Best of the Blogs - March 25, 2009 A sampling of the best of the Texas Blogosphere...
		Best of the Blogs - March 23, 2009 A sampling of the best of the Texas Blogosphere...
		Texas Senate Passes Voter ID Bill Over cries of protest by Democratic lawmakers and claims of “voter suppression” the Texas Senate passed legislation today requiring voters to present a photo ID in order to cast their ballots in Texas.
		Legislative Lunacy - Part III This week, it’s a Republican freshman from Houston, who gets the nod for the silliest legislative idea to come across our desk.
		Daily Reads - Wednesday, March 18, 2009 A sampling of the news content out there today.
		Gambling in Texas - A 4-part Series by James Bernsen Part One \| Part Two \| Part Three \| Part Four
		Daily Reads - Tuesday, March 17, 2009 A sampling of the news content out there today.
		Court Upholds Texas’ Moment of Silence Law A federal appeals court today upheld Texas’ law allowing for a moment of silence prior to the beginning of class in Texas public schools.
		TexasRepublicNews Exclusive Interview with Michael Williams The Texas Republic News sat down for an interview with Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams to learn more about his job and his U.S. Senate campaign. Interview Video - Part 1 \| Part 2
		TFR Conference Call with Gov. Perry, State Lawmakers & 20,000 Texans Thursday night, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility held a conference call with Gov. Rick Perry, several state lawmakers, and 20,000 Texans to discuss the federal stimulus plan and other issues.
		Perry Rejects Part of Stimulus Package Governor Rick Perry today made good on a threat and rejected part of the federal stimulus plan that would require a change in state law that could encumber the state with future indebtedness in order to pay for it.
		Voter ID Bill set for Tuesday Showdown in Senate Legislation that would require Texans to show a photo ID to vote will face its next big hurdle in the Texas Senate on Tuesday.
		Legislative Update - March 10, 2009 State School Reform Bill Passes Senate \| Bill Allowing Concealed Handguns on Campus Gains Steam \| Top 10 Percent Rule Reform Passes Senate Committee \| House Democrat Proposes Toll Road Bill of Rights \| Military Custody Legislation Advances in Texas Senate
		An Interview with St. Sen. Dan Patrick The Texas Republic News sat down with State Senator Dan Patrick and heard a forceful defense of his principles. Interview Video - Part 1 \| Part 2 \| Part 3
		Dem Diagnosis of Border Disorder: It's America's Fault In a telling exchange, Rep. Richard Raymond (D - Laredo) has placed the blame on America for the violence on the border with Mexico. We beg to differ.
		Texas Independence Day and the History of Texas - The Alamo Principles - James A. Bernsen - Texas Independence - Michael Q. Sullivan, Empower Texans (w/video) - Celebrate Texas History in March - Commissioner Jerry Patterson
		Legislative Update \| March 2, 2009 Senate looks to increase oversight at Texas state schools \| Increasing Regulation, Decreasing Regulation \| The State of Texas’ Housing Market \| Reforming Homeowners’ Associations
		“We Didn’t Stimulate Anything With That Bill Except the Growth of Government.” The Texas Republic News sat down with Congressman Paul recently and held a wide-ranging interview on liberty and government.
		Lt. Gov. Dewhurst Weighs in on Stimulus Funds Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst weighed in Wednesday on the federal stimulus funds and how they should best be leveraged by Texas.
		Pro-Life Activists Rally at Texas Capitol Supporters of stronger legislation to reduce the number of abortions in Texas rallied this week at the Texas Capitol.
		Legislation in Texas House Would Re-affirm State Sovereignty Texas legislators are jumping onto a growing bandwagon across the country of states re-affirming their constitutional rights under the 10th Amendment.
		Conservatives at the Crossroads - Part II Texas Conservatives are getting more pro-active and unifying in the wake of several down election cycles which have seen the number of Republicans in the Texas House dwindle from 88 to 76.
		Legislative Update Conservative Coalition outlines fiscal priorities \| TPPF: Free Nurse Practitioners to Practice \| Governor Ron Paul?
		Pro-Lifers Mobilizing for 81st Session Despite electoral setbacks that saw the Republican majority in the Texas House dwindle, pro-life forces are getting behind an ambitious series of bills designed to reduce the number of abortions in Texas.
		When the US-Mexico Border Resembles a 24 Episode Texas State Senator Dan Patrick made an appearance on the Glenn Beck show on FoxNews yesterday to discuss the situation on the border.
		Putting The Brakes On State Spending Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) and Rep. Ken Paxton (R-McKinney) headlined a February 18 press conference for their bills to limit state spending growth to the rate of the State’s population growth plus inflation.
		TexasOnline Web Contractor files for Bankruptcy Bearing Point Inc., a major contractor with the State of Texas, filed for bankruptcy today in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
		Can You Digg It? The Austin American Statesman announced its top 25 Texas Social Media Award finalists today. Two prominent Texas conservatives were on the list:
		TRN Blog Review - 02.16.2009 A bailout that you can’t refuse... \| Breaking down the House Committee Assignments... \| Committee Assignments – The View from the Left \| Bashing Tuition Increases
		Straus Announces House Committee Assignments Committee Assignments have been named. Texas Republic News Staff provide a detailed analysis of each committee and the new chairmen.
		The Scariest Unread Document in Texas State Government US Military Planners Cast Wary Eye South of the Border
		Welcome to the Texas Republic News Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Texas Republic News: your newest source for the latest news and opinion from the Lone Star State.
		Conservatives at the Crossroads - Part I A recent Gallup Poll came up with the surprising finding that Texas appeared to be a competitive state. Gallup found that the split between Republicans and Democrats was now leaning Democrat at 2 percent.
		Legislative Update Gambling Lobby Out in Force \| Empower Texans Offers Taxpayer Alerts \| Speaking of Empower Texans \| Business Margins Tax Draws Opponents \| Texas State Rifle Association Highlights Its Legislative Agenda
		Taxpayer Advocates Urge Legislative Restraint Virtually every major taxpayer advocacy group in Austin joined together on Wednesday to issue a call for the legislature to pull the reins tight on state budget spending.
		Legislative Issues - Part I Generally when the legislature meets at the beginning of session, there are several weeks of partying and pageantry that must be endured before our elected officials actually get down to work.
		Legislative Issues - Part II Here are some of the key issues and trends to keep an eye on in the realm of Texas Health and Human Services this session.
		Where is the Money Going? – Update on the Franchise Tax The Texas Public Policy Foundation recently held their popular Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature.
		A Great Campaign Speech Here’s a quick rundown of Governor Rick Perry’s State of the State address to a joint session of the Texas Legislature on January 27.
		Kelo Case Haunts Legislature Five Years Later The Texas Public Policy Foundation kicked off its 7th Annual Public Policy Orientation in late January with a discussion of eminent domain and the dangers of out-of-control governments abusing constitutionally delegated powers.