Ben Philpott, KUT News

Agenda Texas: Looming Legislative Deadlines

Ben Philpott, KUT News — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:38:13 +0000

Over 6,000 bills were filed in the 2013 legislative session. And historically speaking, only about 20 percent of them will be signed into law.

Many of those that don’t pass won’t even receive the dignified end of being voted down by lawmakers.

Agenda Texas: Freshman Rep. Donna Campbell Reflects On The Session So Far

Ben Philpott, KUT News — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:40:16 +0000

Have you ever watched a debate at the Texas Capitol? It’s not always the easiest thing to follow.

Agenda Texas: The Week Ahead

Ben Philpott, KUT News — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:02:28 +0000

It’ll be another busy week for the Texas Legislature. With a take on what to watch for this week, here's Texas Tribune executive editor, Ross Ramsey.

"Well the Senate is going to look at CPRIT.

Agenda Texas: Homeschoolers Take To The Capitol To Learn/Participate

Ben Philpott, KUT News — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 18:29:45 +0000

Agenda Texas as heard on KUT 90.5

There’s a perception, not unjustified, that it takes a high-priced high-powered lobbyist to get a bill passed in the Texas Legislature. But people still try to get something done with an army of volunteers. Some who are still in elementary school.

Around 100 kids from across the state came to Austin for the Texas Home School Coalition's rally day. The kids spent the day learning about the legislative process, yes they got school credit for participating, and to help support home school legislative efforts.

Agenda Texas: Will Safety Bills Make Schools Safer?

Ben Philpott, KUT News — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:09:13 +0000

Agenda Texas as heard on KUT 90.5

The December school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut left the nation stunned and grief-stricken – and scared it could happen again.

Texas lawmakers have filed a handful of bills they say could increase security for students and peace of mind for parents. But some say those bills are more show than substance.

"A couple of bills are obviously just designed to appeal to the NRA while making it appear that they’re trying to make schools safer, when in fact they wouldn’t," says Texas State Teachers Association spokesman Clay Robison.

Martinez Fischer Pushes Legislature To Restore Education Cuts

Ben Philpott, KUT News and Ben Philpott, KUT News — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 12:36:04 +0000

Agenda Texas as heard on KUT 90.5

The Texas legislature cut more than $5 billion from public education in 2011 to help balance the state budget.

Bill Filed To Create New Law Enforcement Certification: School Marshal

Ben Philpott, KUT News — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:11:37 +0000

Story as heard on KUT 90.5

Texas lawmakers have rallied around the idea of making elementary schools safer. There have been calls to allow anyone with a concealed handgun license to bring guns onto public school campuses. Or for teachers to get concealed carry licenses.

The latest idea comes from a bill filed by State Representative Jason Villalba (R-Dallas). He wanted to know what schools and professional school security organizations wanted.

Lobbying Your Legislator: Make Your Voice Heard

Ben Philpott, KUT News — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:25:46 +0000

With the Texas Legislature back in Austin, lobbyists from across the state have descended to advocate for and against the thousands of bills that will be filed.

So what if you’re just a regular Texans with an opinion? Do lawmakers want to hear from you? Do they care what you think?

Education Budget-Building Begins For Legislature

Ben Philpott, KUT News — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:15:55 +0000

When the House and Senate filed base budgets last week, advocates for programs that were cut in 2011, including public education, were upset the budgets didn’t restore funding. Lawmakers countered that the budget was expected to grow.

Yesterday the Senate Finance Committee got a preview of just how much the budget might grow under the constitutional limit on budget increases at their first public meeting on the multi-billion dollar document.

StateWatch Texas: 2013 Legislature Preview

Ben Philpott, KUT News — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:13:47 +0000

StateWatch Texas: Legislative Preview

The 83^rd Texas Legislative Session begins Tuesday.