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Mon May 13, 2013 10:22 am
The Non-session Session
By Paul Burka

When the curtain went up on the 83rd Legislature, I thought the state was poised to have one of the best sessions ever. The treasury had oodles of money, there was a feeling that important issues needed to be addressed, and Speaker Joe Straus was in position to dominate the session because of the weakness of the lieutenant governor and the governor. Straus had made it clear that he wanted to do big things—in education, in water and transportation infrastructure, and in increasing transparency—and he had a team of veteran legislators who knew how to get it done.

Then came the vote two weeks ago on HB 11—funding the water plan—and the House leadership couldn't get the votes, and everything fell apart. Now, here we are at the end of the session, with fifteen days to go, and the House has accomplished ...nothing...and will accomplish...nothing. Instead of one of the best sessions ever, it was one of the most depressing.

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Thu May 9, 2013 2:48 pm
"Responsible" Funding for Transportation
By Paul Burka

UPDATE: REP. DARBY HAS PULLED DOWN HIS BILL, AND IN DOING SO SUGGESTED THAT IT WOULD BE TAKEN UP IN A SPECIAL SESSION.

Michael Quinn Sullivan is at it again. Writing on the Empower Texans website, he assails the House leadership for scheduling a bill raising fees for transportation. HB 3664, authored by Drew Darby and appearing on the major state calendar today, raises fees on vehicle registration stickers by $30. Governor Perry opposes fees for funding transportation.

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Wed May 8, 2013 10:27 am
Disorganization in the House
By Paul Burka

Yesterday's scene at the end of the floor session in the House was all too familiar. The proceedings limped to a close. Members milled about in the aisles. A major tax-cut bill, HB 500, was on the calendar but hardly anyone knew what was in it. Or cared. This scene has been repeated throughout the Straus speakership as the end of the session approaches. I get that Straus wants the members to be in charge--we've known that since 2009--but at some point you have to get the votes for the things you want. The House and Senate are far apart on their approaches to funding infrastructure. The clock is running out on the session. I recognize the symptoms. The lethargy in the House is what you get when members start to resign themselves to a special session. I think that's where we're headed.

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Mon May 6, 2013 12:34 pm
Remember the School Finance Case?
By Paul Burka

State District Judge John Dietz listens as attorney David Hinojosa makes his closing arguments in a consolidated six-lawsuit case contending the school finance system violates the Texas Constitution on February 4 in Austin. (AP Photo | Eric Gay)

One of the critical issues facing the 83rd Legislature has been the funding of the public schools, a debate that has raged long and loud after the deep cuts that were made by the 82nd Legislature. Compounding the issue has been the school finance lawsuit; in early February Judge John Dietz ruled that the current system was unconstitutional.

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Sun May 5, 2013 9:05 pm
What Is Going on With Calendars?
By Paul Burka

How could Chairman Todd Hunter allow HB 1076, by Steve Toth -- the "nullification" bill -- to get on the general state calendar? Calendars is not a charity booth for clueless tea party members. It's serious business. This is the worst breach of the way Calendars is supposed to work since Speaker Craddick let Ryan Guillen's local bill get on Major State, in 2007. I know Saturday was "gun day," but that's no excuse.

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