Don’t count your victories too soon – Off the Kuff

Here's a very important point from Off the Kuff blog about counting victories too soon. The real danger for Texas Democrats is in a special session if we have one. Rick Perry will control the agenda and David Dewhurst has a list of regressive legislation he wants to pass.

Don’t count your victories too soon – Off the Kuff

The Women Versus The Ted - NYTimes.com

The proud wacko bird, Ted Cruz, has pushed the Senate just a little toward the middle, not the direction he wanted it to go, as he continues to make waves

The Women Versus The Ted - NYTimes.com

Andrea Tantaros advises listeners to punch Obama supporters

"Andrea Tantaros advises listeners to punch Obama supporters." Where is the line between free speech and inciting violence? It's just good for her that she didn't say shoot Obama supporters and someone started doing exactly that.

Andrea Tantaros advises listeners to punch Obama supporters

Fewer tests in the future

We haven't reached the finish line however there is hope that Texas may move away from its current model of a, "Test Driven Curriculum.," and an over emphasis on standardized testing.

Fewer tests in the future

Agenda Texas: Legislative Development | The Texas Tribune

The legislative session is winding down. There has been an 'apparent' deal for a week on the budget. We could have a special session however nothing is certain. Gerrymandering is alive and well in Texas. Our legislative maps are still in the courts. Republicans in Texas this session following Rick Perry's lead have rejected any and all parts of The Affordable Care Act. We have another oil boom going on so the legislature can afford to do better than it did last session and it looks like they might, however, "It ain't over til it's over."

Agenda Texas: Legislative Development | The Texas Tribune

New Twist in Budget Deal Would End System Benefit Fund | The Texas Tribune

One of the large problems with Texas government and the way Republicans have been running Texas in recent years despite the best efforts of Democrats is that dedicated funds have not been going to the purposes they were intended for. Money dedicated for state parks never gets there, gasoline taxes don't seem to ever get to actual roads, vanity license plates don't get to the purposes they were intended and it goes on and on. The System Benefit Fund has the largest balance. If money isn't going to be used for the intended purposes it shouldn't even be collected from tax payers. Finally, the legislature is going to slowly spend this particular fund down and stop collecting it from taxpayers and it's past time for that but at least it is a little progress away from using dedicated funds to certify the budget and not spending it on the intended purpose.

New Twist in Budget Deal Would End System Benefit Fund | The Texas Tribune

Gohmert: Force Women to Give Birth to Fetuses With 'No Brain Activity' | Video Cafe

Louie Gohmert would, "Force women to give birth to fetuses with no brain activity." He has make many unusual comments in the last few years: outrageous, ridiculous, absurd, comments worthy of ridicule. Some of his comments people laugh about but still wonder why the people of East Texas, Texas Congressional District 1, continue to elect him. He has moved from the ridiculous, outrageous, and absurd, to cruel with this one.

Gohmert: Force Women to Give Birth to Fetuses With 'No Brain Activity' | Video Cafe

Regarding David Dewhurst | Texas Monthly

Paul Burka doesn't give any slack at all to David Dewhurst in this post from his blog.

Regarding David Dewhurst | Texas Monthly

We appear to have a budget – Off the Kuff

A budget deal "appears," to have been reached. Off the Kuff blog has some details of the current state of the legislative session which is winding down. Many people expect a special session and David Dewhurst is calling for one. This call for a special session is in another link today on this blog and being reported by  Star-Telegram.com.

We appear to have a budget – Off the Kuff

Obama’s counterterrorism speech in two minutes - The Washington Post

The Washington Post condenses President Obama's counter-terrorism speech.

Obama’s counterterrorism speech in two minutes - The Washington Post

Fuel Fix » Higher emissions linked to coal-fired power plants in Texas and other states

We're number one. Texas leads The United States in carbon dioxide emissions. Texas has so much natural gas resources that not only are we sending natural gas to other states, there are plans to export it in liquified form to other countries. We however continue to burn coal in power plants and released 251 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in 2012 which leads the U.S.

Fuel Fix » Higher emissions linked to coal-fired power plants in Texas and other states

Texas is different | TEXAS REDISTRICTING & ELECTION LAW

Yes, Texas is different and this post, with data, gives us some more information about why.

Texas is different | TEXAS REDISTRICTING & ELECTION LAW

Dewhurst calls for quick special session on failed GOP measures | Local | Star-Telegram.com

As "school choice," a new name for what are essentially vouchers didn't make it to the finish line, college students can't carry concealed weapons on campus and welfare applicants aren't currently being drug tested, David Dewhurst has called for a quick special session to remedy these conservative priorities. The Texas Senate passed a record 17 pro-gun measures according to Jerry Patterson who wrote the Texas concealed carry law as a Senator and will be a Republican primary heavyweight candidate for governor next year. The Star-Telegram writes about these, and Dewhurst's other priorities. Rick Perry may call a special session this year because governors in Texas can set the agendas and have more control of special sessions than regular legislative sessions.


Dewhurst calls for quick special session on failed GOP measures | Local | Star-Telegram.com

Gohmert: DHS Documents Advise Deference to Muslim Extremists - YouTube

Louie Gohmert makes a long speech on the U.S. House floor however it doesn't include a lot of real facts, just actually his own interpretations of the facts which he turns into pretzels of his own making.

Gohmert: DHS Documents Advise Deference to Muslim Extremists - YouTube

What Boehner considers ’inconceivable’

What Boehner considers inconceivable.

What Boehner considers ’inconceivable’

Redistricting hearing set in San Antonio – Off the Kuff

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on challenges to Section 5 of The Voting Rights Act in particular and maybe even  a portion of Section 2 of the voting Rights Act. The Texas redistricting case heavily depends on these rulings. No one knows how The Supreme Court will rule however the San Antonio Court is getting the involved groups together.

Redistricting hearing set in San Antonio – Off the Kuff

House-Senate deal clears Texas budget logjam | Dallasnews.com - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News

A budget deal like this is very good news if the governor will sign it. His only reason not to sign it is to give him more control of the issues in the coming special sessions if the whole deal is not accepted.

House-Senate deal clears Texas budget logjam | Dallasnews.com - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News

Texas lawmakers break budget impasse - Houston Chronicle

 Although some Republicans, (think Rick Perry), don't seem to understand that the Rainy Day Fund was not conceived for a hurricane and / or a tornado event but for budget shortfalls just like the one we had last session he continues to insist it does and he is misleading many people. As for the Business Franchise Tax it was part of Perry's 2006 tax plan. It was his own tax plan no matter how unfair it is to large inventory small profit margin businesses especially those with less than one million dollars in business, a Perry idea to begin with to give property tax relief.

Texas lawmakers break budget impasse - Houston Chronicle

Virginia Republicans Panicking Over Their Choice for Lieutenant Governor - NationalJournal.com

The Lieutenant Governor candidate in Virginia is causing some concern in Republican circles due to his arch-conservative positions and controversial comments.

Virginia Republicans Panicking Over Their Choice for Lieutenant Governor - NationalJournal.com

Man with ties to Boston bombing suspect shot during FBI questioning - U.S. News

Ibragim Todashev is reported to have a connection to the older of the Boston bomber suspects. At first cooperative with F.BI.agents he also according to the N.B.C. article became violent and was shot by a Special Agent of the F.B.I.

Man with ties to Boston bombing suspect shot during FBI questioning - U.S. News

Grits for Breakfast: Texas House approves electronic privacy legislatio...

You and I have an expectation of privacy in our private papers, letters, and other written materials, however emails cell phone tracking, and the contents of your emails can be easily be obtained, and cell phone tracking without a warrant is a common practice.
"Most people are shocked when they learn that law enforcement or government agencies like the Department of Insurance can get the contents of email or find out everywhere you have been for the last two months by going to your service provider," said Greg Foster an advocate to bring electronic privacy laws into the 21th century. Our laws on electronic privacy haven't kept pace with the development of electronic communications however several  groups are advocating for changes for more electronic personal privacy protection.

Grits for Breakfast: Texas House approves electronic privacy legislatio...: Great news! A pair of bills backed by the Texas Electronic Privacy Coalition were amended onto a Senate bill in the Texas House of Repres...

Texas House delay on water measure ratchets up tension with Senate | Dallasnews.com - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News

So what are the details that are holding up a final version of the Texas budget for the next two years? Robert T. Garrett who covers the legislature for The Dallas Morning News goes into the details as well as anyone so here is his assessment of what happened yesterday and what needs to happen today.


Texas House delay on water measure ratchets up tension with Senate | Dallasnews.com - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News

Multiple Bills Key to Holding Budget Deal in Place | The Texas Tribune

Today is an important day n the Texas legislature to get a budget deal finished.

Multiple Bills Key to Holding Budget Deal in Place | The Texas Tribune

UMCOR Home - UMCOR

The United Methodist Church pays for the administration of this charity so all donations for disaster relief go directly to disaster relief unlike some charities that have their administrative costs taken out of the donations.

UMCOR Home - UMCOR

Juanita Jean's | ‘Splainin’ East Texas

My family, / ancestors have been in East Texas before it was even a part of the United States which makes me a 5th or even more likely a 6th generation descendent of some of the early settlers of this part of Texas. I am not downing the people here or the area however we don't need biased editorial headlines or news headlines and we can do much better than having Louie Gohmert representing the people of much of the Eastern part of the state. An editorial today in the Beaumont Enterprise wasn't anymore accurate with its headline or commentary, in my opinion.

Juanita Jean's | ‘Splainin’ East Texas

Texas budget negotiations stumble amid questions on tax cuts, school funds | Dallasnews.com - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News

This is the most recent information I can find today about the Texas budget. "Texas budget negotiations stumble amid questions on tax cuts, school funds," from The Dallas Morning News."

Texas budget negotiations stumble amid questions on tax cuts, school funds | Dallasnews.com - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News

READ: FBI's Affidavit For Search Warrant OF Fox's James Rosen | TPM LiveWire

Just in case you are iterested in the FBI's affidavit for a search warrant of Fox's James Rosen,  Talking Points Memo has a copy you can read.

READ: FBI's Affidavit For Search Warrant OF Fox's James Rosen | TPM LiveWire

Medical association backs Medicaid expansion - San Antonio Express-News

The Texas Medical Association has voted to back Medicaid expansion. Its vote is too late to influence the current legislative session which ends in just a few days and won't change Rick Perry's opinion about it. It is though a realization by a majority of the members of the association that the loss of federal funds will have a tremendous influence on healthcare in Texas. A high number of people will continue flooding emergency rooms with no insurance and no ability to pay, healthcare in Texas for the rest of us will remain very expensive, hospital districts' taxes and insurance rates will also continue to be high as Texas politicians reject Medicaid expansion

Medical association backs Medicaid expansion - San Antonio Express-News

Fine Print: The press and national security - The Washington Post

As this controversy continues, (the A.P. phone record controversy / scandal,) The Washington Post tries to explain the significance of the leak of information and the significance the A.P printing the information which eventually led to government action to find the person who leaked the story to the A,P in the first place.

Fine Print: The press and national security - The Washington Post

Obama’s rating steady amid controversies, likely buoyed by rising economic hopes - The Washington Post

The unpopularity of Congressional Republicans is likely the most important aspect of this poll. The belief  or perspective that a majority, although a slim majority, of Americans believe that President Obama is focused on issues important to the American people while congressional Republicans are not is the real news in this poll. For congressional Republicans, how about making some progress on important issues facing the nation? Thirty seven or thirty eight votes to repeal Obama-care has taken a large portion of the last two congresses while other issues sit waiting for action.


Obama’s rating steady amid controversies, likely buoyed by rising economic hopes - The Washington Post

Political Animal - Bordering On a Big Lie

Ed Kilgore explains that there is a huge difference between reviewing the application for a tax exempt status and a tax audit. Republicans are also conflating the difference between the two types of tax exempt organizations that have been doing more political activity than social welfare work

Political Animal - Bordering On a Big Lie

ALEC in Wonderland, An Act In Two Plays (Part 1) | JONATHAN TURLEY

Jonathan Turley writes about ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Counsel. There is a lot of background material in this post which will be a two part story.

ALEC in Wonderland, An Act In Two Plays (Part 1) | JONATHAN TURLEY

As Towns Say No, Signs of Rising Resistance to Smart Meters | The Texas Tribune

I'm mot sure exactly what to think about this. It would be nice if people who had smart meters could access more information about their usage information. For me, the smart meter as one commenter says, "Keeps someone from trampling around my property once a month to read the meter." 

As Towns Say No, Signs of Rising Resistance to Smart Meters | The Texas Tribune

Still no support for term limits

Although other statewide elected officials would be affected the best argument for term limits has been Rick Perry's long tenure as governor.

Still no support for term limits

The secret memo that only Rand Paul understands - The Maddow Blog

I didn't know whether to label this post under, "Republican Conspiracy Theories," or "Alternate Realty Republicans," so I put it under both. As a Texan I can't say much about Kentucky electing Rand Paul as we have Ted Cruz as one of our U.S. Senators.

The secret memo that only Rand Paul understands - The Maddow Blog

Grits for Breakfast: Nearly 200 Texas LEOs use license-plate-reader location tracking vendor

This technology is in use as close as Nacogdoches County and is in use in nearly all large Texas Counties. You are likely in their data bank somewhere if you do much traveling at all in Texas.

Grits for Breakfast: Nearly 200 Texas LEOs use license-plate-reader location tracking vendor

Michael Morton Act signed into law – Off the Kuff

If you are not familiar with the Michael Morton case, his conviction for a murder he didn't commit, and his release after D.N.A. evidence that proved he was innocent and also led to the finding of the real person responsible, there are other links on this blog to news stories and blog posts from several sources.


Michael Morton Act signed into law – Off the Kuff

Budget deal reached

One more vote in the Senate, one more vote in the Texas House and the signature of the governor is all that is lacking for the 83rd legislature's budget deal to be complete.

Budget deal reached

Umbrella-Gate | JONATHAN TURLEY

We are finally getting to a really serious scandal thanks to Sarah Palin whom always, well almost always, carries her own umbrella.

Umbrella-Gate | JONATHAN TURLEY

Dana Milbank: Conspiracy of the unproductive - The Washington Post

The GOP: "Turning justifiable inquiries into wild conspiracies."

Dana Milbank: Conspiracy of the unproductive - The Washington Post

Budget settled after tumultuous negotiations | www.mystatesman.com

Not as much money for education as advocates wanted and not as much in tax cuts as Rick Perry advocated for, however the Texas budget seems to be coming together. The key points along with some numbers are in this link to The Austin American Statesman.

Budget settled after tumultuous negotiations | www.mystatesman.com

Benghazi: What Did the CIA Know, and When Did It Know It? | Mother Jones

Just for a point of reference it seems that the Republicans', "Benghazi Fever," may subside for a while as they move on to other issues that are perceived to be scandals. The I.R.S. story about an office that apparently stalled or targeted groups with names such as Tea Party or Patriot is the big story today. The I.R.S.'s  scrutiny of 501(c) (4's), ( a special kind of tax exempt organization) which should under current regulation interpretation be  "majority," or "primarily," social welfare organization but many have however dived headlong into politics as a primary purpose. This story is wall to wall coverage on all the cable networks and news outlets right now. Next we will get an investigation of the A.P. phone tapping story which I will post updates about as new developments emerge. The only way to solve the primarily / majority problem of these organizations is to restore the original language of the 1954 law which said that social welfare was to be the "exclusive," purpose of the 501(c)(4) organizations in this classification.

Benghazi: What Did the CIA Know, and When Did It Know It? | Mother Jones

Dewhurst: Texas budget deal should be done Friday | www.statesman.com

Will we have a deal on the Texas budget today or not? At this point we seem to not be quite sure and the other question is will Rick Perry sign it into law?

Dewhurst: Texas budget deal should be done Friday | www.statesman.com

Budget talks still snagged on school, water funding | www.mystatesman.com

Texas legislature still has to finalize a budget however there are several important details to work out.

Budget talks still snagged on school, water funding | www.mystatesman.com

Infrastructure Constraints Loom as Texas Grows | The Texas Tribune

A long term water plan, money to repair and build new roads, and upgrades in Texas's electric grid will be necessary or Texas's economy will be restrained in the coming decades.

Infrastructure Constraints Loom as Texas Grows | The Texas Tribune

We still have the Railroad Commission to kick around – Off the Kuff

The Texas legislature can't even agree on a more appropriate or 'apt' name for the Texas Railroad Commission. It regulates the oil and gas industries, and has nothing to do with railroads. If legislature can't even agree on a new name how are they going to make serious, needed, reforms to the agency? Off the Kuff has more.


We still have the Railroad Commission to kick around – Off the Kuff

The most important problem facing American children today

This is an important read about children and poverty. Here is just one part of one paragraph for emphasis. "The consequences of poverty for children and adolescent well-being are perhaps more critical than those for health. These are consequences that may change their life trajectories, lead to unproductive adult lives, and trap them in inter-generational' poverty."  There is much more to this article which is recommended reading.  



The most important problem facing American children today

How Grassroots Groups in Texas Are Beating the Testing Lobby | Diane Ravitch's blog

Thankfully, Texans and grassroots groups are beginning to win the battle over the over-testing of Texas public school students.

How Grassroots Groups in Texas Are Beating the Testing Lobby | Diane Ravitch's blog

Central Texas Water Fight Could Have Statewide Implications | StateImpact Texas

As a growing state needs more water one fight over water rights in Central Texas could possibly have larger implications state-wide.

Central Texas Water Fight Could Have Statewide Implications | StateImpact Texas

Texas budget negotiations teeter as lawmakers try to boost funding for education | Dallasnews.com - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News

Robert T. Garrett of The Dallas Morning News, Austin Bureau, has a summary of where thing are with time running short for legislative action in the Texas legislature.



Texas budget negotiations teeter as lawmakers try to boost funding for education | Dallasnews.com - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News