Shelley Kofler

State Lawmaker Says Expanded Newborn Testing Will Save Lives

Shelley Kofler — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:47:22 +0000

On Wednesday state lawmakers on the House Public Health Committee will consider screening newborns for congenital heart defects. The bill filed by Denton Republican Myra Crownover continues her efforts to expand genetic testing for babies.

Judge Finds Texas School Funding System Unconstitutional

Shelley Kofler — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:00:17 +0000

District Judge John Dietz has ruled the Texas school finance system, which serves over 5 million public schoolchildren, is unconstitutional.

“The court declares the school finance system is not adequately funded and therefore fails to make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of the system,” Dietz said Monday, explaining one of the reasons he ruled against the state.

State-of-the-State Analysis: Will Lawmakers Buy Perry's Tax Cut?

Shelley Kofler — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:24:19 +0000

Two SMU political science professors disagree on whether Governor Rick Perry’s call for a tax cut will sail through the legislature. We asked professors Cal Jillson and Matthew Wilson to watch the governor’s state-of-the state speech yesterday and tell us what impressed them.

Some Texas Lawmakers Ready To Tap The Rainy Day Fund

Shelley Kofler — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:44:42 +0000

As the state legislature prepares to open its session Tuesday, lawmakers are hearing a word not spoken in the capitol for a long time. It’s ‘surplus.’ Unlike two years ago, when they faced a massive deficit and cut $15 billion from the budget, there’s talk of an increase in money for state programs and a growing Rainy Day fund. The state comptroller will release the official budget estimate this morning, but the debate over whether and how to spend the Rainy Day money has already begun.

Texas Senate Unveils Tax Credit Plan To Send Students To Private Schools

Shelley Kofler and BJ Austin — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:47:19 +0000

Texas Senate leaders today announced efforts to assist public school children who want to attend private schools.