More squawking as Texas 'tab' for health bill grows

State social services czar Tom Suehs, even while pitching out one fourth of his previous cost estimate for what federal health care legislation will cost Texas, surprised Democrats and some proponents of the bill today: He upped his 10 year cost estimate to $27 billion, from some $24 billion earlier. Garrett reports.

Dewhurst: Call a constitutional convention to force balanced budget

Slater reports on Dewhurst's call for a balanced budget amendment:

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is raising the idea of Texas and other states convening a constitutional convention to force the federal government to balance the budget. Dewhurst says deficit spending is out of control in D.C. And he says the solution is an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to ban it. There are two ways to amend the Constitution - either Congress acts first or the states can. "I doubt this Congress is going to pass legislation for a balanced budget that would be circulated to the states," Dewhurst said today. So he wants the Legislature to vote shortly after it assembles in January on a resolution effectively bypassing Congress and supporting a convention.

Sen. Ellis jokes he, too, will serve out term

Garrett reports:

State Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, opened his remarks at a press conference on federal health care legislation this morning with a spoof of U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's big announcement she's decided to remain in Washington through the end of her term in 2012.

Hutchison opts to keep Senate seat, serve out her term

SAN ANTONIO – Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison said this morning that she will stay in the Senate until her term ends in early 2013, reversing repeated pledges made during her failed campaign for governor that she would resign early. Slater reports.

The text of her "Open Letter to the People of Texas" may be found here.

State Farm sues Texas over Web posting of its rate hike requests

State Farm takes legal exception to the Texas Department of Insurance's posting of rate hikes, other information. Stutz reports:

AUSTIN – An unprecedented move by the Texas Department of Insurance to publicize recent rate hikes by State Farm Insurance sparked a legal challenge from the company Tuesday over what it said was confidential information.

Joint statement from Representatives Coleman, Dunnam, Farrar, and Gallego on the State Farm lawsuit.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/29244143/Statement-on-State-Farms-Suit-Against-TDI

Pete Sessions sees November as first chance to overturn health care law

This morning, President Barack Obama signed the final piece of the health care reform legislation that Congress approved last week.

But last night, U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Dallas, held a town hall meeting in Richardson to tell constituents what he liked (not much) and didn't like (most everything) about the bills that Democrats pushed through the House and Senate. Ian McCann reports.

Dallas County judge creating court for troubled veterans

Hoppe reports:

AUSTIN – Soldiers who survive combat only to fall into addiction, depression, rage - and, sometimes, criminal behavior - will have their own court in Dallas County, starting next month.


State District Judge Mike Snipes of Dallas attended training in Austin today to handle a new docket devoted to veterans.

If he can, he’s going to get them into a Veterans Administration bed instead of a prison bed.

“The veterans have unique problems that come from their service - not only in Iraq and Afghanistan. There’s still some from Vietnam,” Snipes said.

Karl Rove down and out in Beverly Hills

Protestors shut down book-signing in Beverly Hills. Slater reports (via CNN).

Fear now a way of life in border towns

The AP's Paul Weber reports:

FORT HANCOCK, Texas (AP) – Fear has settled over this border town of 1,700, about 50 miles southeast of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, epicenter of that country's bloody drug war.


School enrollment in Fort Hancock, Texas, which is about 50 miles from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, has been growing as more people flee the drug gang violence. Mexican families fleeing the violence have moved here or just sent their children, and authorities and residents say gangsters have followed them across the Rio Grande to apply terrifying, though so far subtle, intimidation.

Dallas officials: Erykah Badu broke law by getting naked on video filmed downtown

This might not have even made the news in Austin.

Rural Texans reluctant to provide census data

Eric Aasen reports on lower census-return rates in rural parts of state:

Getting rural Texans to mail back their census forms is much tougher compared with their urban counterparts.


While 74 percent of Collin County residents mailed back their forms in 2000, the response rate was only 41 percent in Coke County in West Texas and just 39 percent in Zapata County in South Texas.

Analysis: Dallas' crucial levees only weakened amid debate on park, toll road

Comprehensive reporting from Lindenberger on ambitious Trinity River plans:

When the Trinity River spilled out of its banks so dramatically 20 years ago this spring, it sent a vivid reminder that the only things standing between Dallas and a catastrophic flood were two aging earthen levees known even then to be steadily losing their effectiveness.



Those levees have only gotten weaker as the City Council repeatedly opted to link flood protection with a grander, more complex vision – one that included a toll road that remains uniquely difficult to engineer and in need of $1 billion in additional funding.

Despite big-spending backlash, pork may aid lawmakers in elections

Tom Benning reports from the DC bureau:

WASHINGTON – Rep. Chet Edwards has survived year after year as a Democrat in an increasingly Republican Central Texas district.


That prolonged tenure can be explained by any number of factors, including his standing as a generally conservative "Blue Dog" Democrat and his longtime support of the military. But as Edwards stares down another tough re-election effort this year, friends and foes alike point to another reason for his success: federal pork.

East Texas militia member has been in 'self-imposed prison' for a decade

From Roy Bragg, San Antonio Express-News:

TRINIDAD, Texas – The revolution has ended, but no one told John Joe Gray.

More than a decade after the constitutional militia movement went back to the American political underground, the 60-year-old carpenter remains holed up along the muddy Trinity River.


Gray, his sons and an undetermined number of women and children haven't left their 47-acre farm in 10 years, fearful that Gray will be sent to prison for assaulting a state trooper.

DISD educator Clayton pushes for new chapter of civility on state board

Dallas ISD educator George Clayton pulled a surprise upset in the recent primaries, snagging a Republican seat from a veteran member of the State Board of Education. He was a political unknown with underwhelming financial support running against a 26-year member of the board, which sets education policy in Texas. Hobbs reports.

Texas GOP asks for Democratic House members' exchanges with consultants

AUSTIN – The state Republican Party has asked Democratic House members to produce all e-mails and documents exchanged between their offices and 27 consultants who have worked on Democratic strategy or campaigns. Hoppe reports.

Fort Worth tornado's devastation 10 years ago reshaped downtown

Michael Young offers this fine piece remembering the Fort Worth Tornado:

It would eventually be called the Fort Worth Tornado, the most deadly and damaging of 10 twisters that spun from the North Texas sky on March 28, 2000. Its track took it through the heart of downtown, devastating it and ultimately reshaping it.

Hutchison amendment would allow states to opt out of health care law

As the Senate moves toward votes on a plethora of changes to the reconciliation bill tonight, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison has authored an amendment (pdf) that would allow states like Texas to opt out of provisions that mandate insurance coverage and impose new taxes. Dave Michaels reports.

Tomorrow Fund fixes will have to wait 'til tomorrow

Members of the Senate Finance Committee were scheduled to start talking Wednesday about possible solutions to the massive projected deficit in the original Texas Tomorrow Fund. But representatives of the state comptroller's office, who were updating senators on the program, said they were not prepared to present options yet. Stutz reports.

More links:
https://www.texastuitionpromisefund.com/
http://www.texastomorrowfunds.org/

Keeping the herd of sacred cows small

Garrett offers an amazingly complete story on the fly from today's House Ways and Means Committee examination of sales tax exemptions:

Pointing to 24 categories of services excluded from the sales tax that are being discussed today, Oliveira cautioned audience members not to read too much into that. "Just because your particular exemption or exclusion is on the list doesn't mean that myself or staff or any member of this committee has decided anything one way or another," he said.

State tax swap isn't even, with $5 billion shortfall

AUSTIN – Lawmakers passed a tax swap four years ago that has turned out to be a tax swamp.


The Legislature's top budget-writing staff member told a panel Wednesday that the built-in fiscal gap the state faces is nearly $5 billion a year. While they knew that a reworked business tax meant to make up for a large chunk of property tax cuts has sputtered, legislators hadn't been told in such precise – and stark – terms how big the problem was.

Garrett reports.

Texas loses 13,000 jobs in February; state unemployment holds steady at 8.2 percent

TWC reports January's small job gains wiped out in February. Brendan Case reports:

Texas employers trimmed non-farm payrolls by 13,000 jobs in February, the Texas Workforce Commission announced this morning. That erased a revised gain of 12,600 jobs in January (the preliminary figure for January, announced earlier this month, was a 14,800-job gain).

Texas attorney general backed state health coverage law

The AP reports on AG Abbott's own efforts to boost compliance:

AUSTIN – Attorney General Greg Abbott, who joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the new federal health care law this week, is taking heat from Democrats who say he backed a plan that required noncustodial parents to provide medical coverage for their children.

Tales from Texas' version of Gucci Gulch

I was wondering where all the folks in really well-fitted clothing were going this AM -- Garrett, as always, is on the case:

Texas' version of "Gucci Gulch" is swelling with guys and gals in pin stripe suits. Gucci Gulch was the nickname for a lobbyist-infested hallway in the U.S. Capitol during a monster federal tax overhaul in 1986.

U.S. Supreme Court halts Skinner execution

Nelson reports on US Supreme Court's last-minute stay:

Hank Skinner won't die today.


Just an hour before his scheduled execution, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay. Amazingly, that buys Skinner some time, but it doesn't guarantee that the DNA testing he seeks will be done. The reprieve gives justices time to decide whether to review Skinner's case. If they refuse the review, Skinner could find himself back in the same spot -- headed to the death chamber, with questions about DNA testing still unanswered.

Texas students get average marks in 'Nation's Report Card' reading exam

AUSTIN – Texas students scored near the middle of the pack among the states on a national reading test last year, although black fourth graders ranked fifth highest when compared with their peers on the “Nation’s Report Card” exam. Stutz reports.

Texas legislative panel ready to search for school finance fix

Stutz reports on grim projections, few alternatives:

AUSTIN – A special legislative committee on school finance, concerned about the bleak revenue outlook for public education, indicated Tuesday that it will be open to a wide range of funding ideas as it drafts recommendations for the 2011 Legislature.

Texas Republicans file ethics complaint against Democratic governor candidate Bill White

AP reports on ethics complaint filed against Democratic gubernatorial nominee:

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White is facing GOP allegations that he failed to report $83,000 of income to the Texas Ethics Commission. The ethics complaint was filed Tuesday by the Republican Party of Texas.

Workers with felony arrest records kept jobs at Texas state schools

AUSTIN – FBI fingerprint checks have revealed that 36 felons worked as recently as late last year in state facilities for the mentally disabled, despite past offenses ranging from terroristic threats to second-degree murder. Garrett reports.

Workers with felony arrest records kept jobs at Texas state schools

AP reports: HOUSTON – Employees at state-run centers who were arrested for felonies such as child rape and murder continued on the payroll to care for the mentally disabled, according to criminal fingerprint checks.

Perry, backer of poor don't see eye to eye on health bill

Garrett reports on varying interpretations of health bill's costs:

AUSTIN – State leaders say Congress' revamp of health care will require Texas to spend more to cover the poor, which may force them to cut other vital programs such as schools, roads and prisons.

Texas Faith: Should government practice social justice (like expanding health care)?

Slater surveys his Texas Faith panel for their responses to Beck, who said, "I beg you, look for the word words 'social justice' or 'economic justice' on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can. They are code words."

(The DMN's Religion Blog regularly asks the tough questions.)

Liz Carpenter, Texas humorist, women's rights crusader and aide to Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson, dies at 89

Bob Garrett offers a fine remembrance of Liz Carpenter, who passed away Saturday in Austin:

AUSTIN – Liz Carpenter, a Texas humorist and women's rights crusader who trolled the corridors of power in Washington as a journalist and trusted aide to Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson, never shedding her common touch and flair as a friend-maker, party-thrower and mentor, died Saturday morning in Austin. She was 89.

Collected coverage of the historic health care vote from the pages (and blogs) of DMN

Obama to sign health bill, take it on the road
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is preparing to sign a transformative health care bill ushering in near-universal medical coverage for the first time in the nation's history - and then hit the road to sell it to a reluctant public.

Texas: Most uninsured, most votes against bill
WASHINGTON –The state with the most to gain from a health insurance overhaul was also the state with the most lawmakers who voted against the bill on Sunday. Twenty-one of 32 lawmakers from Texas, including 20 Republicans, voted against the measure. The opponents said the legislation was overwhelmingly unpopular in their districts, although it would offer insurance to more than half of Texas' 6 million uninsured.
Texas House Republicans deny making "baby killer" remark during health care debate
An ugly mystery remains from last night's historic health care vote: who shouted "baby killer" on the House floor at Rep. Bart Stupak? Suspicion for the outburst has been cast at the 20-member Texas Republican delegation. So far, we've contacted more than half the roster and gotten nothing but denials.
Just in -- Gillman tweets from DC: "Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, has admitted shouting "Baby Killer" on House floor last night. Says he has apologized to Rep. Bart Stupak"

"Baby Killer" shout came from Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock

Rep. Pete Sessions' balcony cameo in 'Kill the Bill'
Lots of political theater at the U.S. Capitol yesterday as the House passed the Democratic health care legislation. At one point, several Republican lawmakers walked out on the member-only balcony just off the House floor and held up letters spelling out "Kill the Bill" for a crowd gathered outside. For those without magnifying glasses, as a public service, Trailblazers has confirmed that the Ls in "Bill" were Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Dallas.

TX leaders are oh so partisan on health bill's merits
To Republican Gov. Rick Perry, it's encroaching socialism. To Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, it's a budget-buster. To Democratic lawmaker Garnet Coleman, it's about time someone fixed what state GOP leaders won't.

Abbott says Texas will challenge health bill
Less than an hour after the U.S. House passed a huge health care overhaul bill last night, Abbott said Texas and other states would go to court to challenge its constitutionality.
 
Obama, Democrats get big victory
Tonight's House vote paving the way for health insurance reform gives Barack Obama the biggest victory of his young administration.

Can Charlton Heston help Rick Green - from the grave?

Chuck Norris AND Charlton Heston? Tremble, ye mortals, and beware! Stutz reports:

The website for Green's campaign includes a long list of endorsements, such as actor Chuck Norris and former Texas Supreme Court Justice Scott Brister. But perhaps the most interesting listing is a picture showing Green shaking hands with Heston, who died two years ago.

Solar panels on public projects stoke payback debate

UT Southwestern is one of 32 public entities just awarded a total of $32 million in stimulus money to go green in Texas, but it's costing a lot of taxpayer green to make it happen. Hoppe reports on costs of going green.

Mexico, U.S. working together to battle drug cartels

Murder of 3 with US consulate ties prompts heightened activity. Gillman reports:

WASHINGTON – Drug cartels have expanded their war for control of Mexico faster than the U.S. has been able to pump in aid.


In the time needed for roughly 18,000 Mexicans to die in the violence raging just south of the Rio Grande, the United States has delivered about a fifth of the $1.3 billion promised in late 2007 under a security pact known as the Mérida Initiative.

Mitt Romney says movement to repeal health care overhaul already under way

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney predicted Thursday that Democrats would get the votes needed to pass a massive health care overhaul – and said that the movement to repeal the legislation had already begun. Gromer Jeffers reports.

5 former justices endorse Lehrmann for Texas Supreme Court

Stutz reports on 5 former justices... vs. Chuck Norris:

AUSTIN – In a hotly contested judicial race where endorsements are important, Republican Debra Lehrmann won the backing of Tom Phillips and four other former justices Thursday in her bid for a spot on the Texas Supreme Court.

Bill White releases his 2009 tax returns on his website

http://www.billwhitefortexas.com/taxreturns/

Heat index: A fact check of Gilbert, Staples claims on proposed budget cuts

Jessica Meyers checks in on a dust-up between the candidates for agriculture commissioner. Score for both:

Two more Texas Democrats move closer to supporting health care bill

As the House moves toward a Sunday vote on health care, two more Texas Democrats told the Dallas Morning News late Thursday that they are likely to support the bill: Reps. Henry Cuellar and Ciro Rodriguez. Both members supported the original House legislation that passed in November. It needs 216 votes to pass, which means 37 Democrats can vote no if, as expected, all 178 Republicans vote against it. Michaels reports.

White, Perry camps spar over border security

Hoppe reports:



AUSTIN – Democrat Bill White pressed for help with federal border security in a call to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and he said Thursday that Republican Rick Perry, the governor he is challenging, also should have picked up the phone.

Kay Bailey Hutchison sensed her bid was doomed

Slater writes about the last days of Hutchison's failed gubernatorial bid:

Traveling with Kay Bailey Hutchison in the final days of the primary campaign, I knew one thing was clear: Hutchison expected to lose the primary but was hoping for a sufficient showing against Rick Perry to somehow win the runoff. Aboard her campaign bus, Hutchison expressed frustration at the trajectory of her campaign (basically, down) and her failure to get the endorsement of former President George W. Bush (he stayed publicly neutral).

Bill White hangs the Texas Board of Education around Perry

Democrat Bill White is making the Texas Board of Education -- which voted last week to drop Thomas Jefferson from the world history curriculum, placed Jefferson Davis' inaugural address alongside Abraham Lincoln's speeches and required that students be taught "the unintended consequences" of civil rights legislation -- an issue in the governor's race. Slater reports. After the jump, the letter:

Texas senators invite Obama to US-Mexico border and urge action in drug-war violence

Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison invited President Obama today to join them "soon" in a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border. "Such a visit would draw national attention to a national priority," they wrote, in a letter released by Cornyn's office. Gillman reports.

Democratic House members blame GOP leaders for rising insurance costs

Second State Farm rate hike in 7 months prompts letter. Hoppe reports:

Five leaders of the Texas House Democratic caucus signed a letter calling for an overhaul of state insurance regulation on the heels of State Farm's second homeowners rate hike in seven months.


The five believe the Texas Department of Insurance needs to be given the power to counter insurance companies that raise their premiums excessive and unjustifiable levels. Since 2003, insurance companies have operated under a file-and-use system, whereby they file their new rates and use them until the state determines if they're fair or not. If the state thinks they're excessive, it's supposed to order a rebate to consumers.

David Sibley wants to come back to Senate

Stutz reports:
Former Sen. David Sibley of Waco, who gave up his seat in 2002, announced Wednesday that he will run in a special election in May in a bid to return to the Senate. The special election is expected to be called soon by Gov. Rick Perry because current Sen. Kip Averitt is resigning for health reasons. Sibley, a Republican, immediately becomes the front runner in the special election.

Fighting Cartels on the Camino Real Corridor/Merida II

See the original .pdf here. -- jj

Texas State Senator Shapleigh's letter on the volatile and violent border situation:
I write to update you on the situation in Juarez. Over the last few weeks, approximately 250 experts from Washington, D.C. and Mexico, D.F. representing a dozen agencies have been on the ground in Juarez, San Diego, Tijuana and other Border communities on a fact-finding mission to inform a policy review and assessment of the fundamental policy changes critical to US-Mexico bilateral relations.

Their basic plan is to frame Merida II around four key policy objectives: federal security, local/state security, jobs, and socioeconomic concerns. Key interest groups here and in Mexico want to broaden the policy discussion further to include the trillion-dollar annual (and growing) demand for drugs in the United States.

Texas gubernatorial candidate White on board of firm investigated by Congress as possible polluter

The Houston Chronicle reports:

AUSTIN – Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White earned more than $2.6 million serving on the board of a gas well servicing company that now is part of a congressional investigation into possible groundwater contamination.

The practice of 'fracking,' or hydraulic fracturing, is industry-wide, and is being closely scrutinized: http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/

startling footage from the documentary GASLAND here:




CAN YOU DO THIS WITH YOUR TAP WATER? from JOSHFOX on Vimeo.

At last, something Pete Sessions and Martin Frost agree on: deeming

Deeming deemed unseemly. Gillman reports:

The talk in Washington this week is on arcane House procedure. The Democrats are talking about passing the Senate health care bill without taking a direct vote on it, by "deeming" it approved if the majority approves a related but less controversial measure.

U.S. agencies join Mexico's inquiry into killings of 3 tied to American Consulate

Alfredo Corchado reports on heightened US involvement following slaying of consulate worker, 2 others in Ciudad Juárez:

MEXICO CITY – Teams of U.S. and Mexican agents on Monday poured into the grim streets of Ciudad Juárez, following leads in the murder of an American consulate worker, her husband and another Mexican acquaintance, amid vows that the killings will not go unpunished as so many thousands of others have in Mexico's widening drug war.

Dick Armey says Tea Party is here to stay

WASHINGTON – Dick Armey, a key figure in the Tea Party, shrugged off the movement's lack of success in recent Texas primaries, citing inroads elsewhere and predicting that activists will provide discomfort and guidance to politicians for years to come. Todd Gillman in our DC Bureau reports.

Edwards opposes health care bill

WASHINGTON – House Democratic leaders hunting for votes to pass health overhaul legislation won't get support from Central Texas Rep. Chet Edwards, despite a personal plea from President Barack Obama. Dave Michaels reports.

Slater: Karl Rove pins the blame for Bush White House troubles on others

Slater reports from the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth:

Rove came to Dallas on Monday to promote his new memoir, Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight. In it, he presents the George W. Bush he knew: smart, decisive and insistent that people take personal responsibility for their actions.

Obama condemns U.S. consulate killings in Mexico

MEXICO CITY — Mexican drug cartel enforcers are being blamed for the weekend gang-style slayings in Ciudad Juárez of an American Consulate office worker, her American husband and a Mexican employee of the consulate office, an outbreak of violence President Barack Obama called an outrage. Alfredo Corchado reports from Mexico.

Red Menace: Stop the Ug99 Fungus Before Its Spores Bring Starvation

I usually keep to Dallas Morning News stories, but here's a fascinating piece in Wired about the Ug99 Fungus that threatens the world's wheat crops.

This distinct new race of P. graminis, dubbed Ug99 after its country of origin (Uganda) and year of christening (1999), is storming east, working its way through Africa and the Middle East and threatening India and China. More than a billion lives are at stake. “It’s an absolute game-changer,” says Brian Steffenson, a cereal-disease expert at the University of Minnesota who travels to Njoro regularly to observe the enemy in the wild. “The pathogen takes out pretty much everything we have.”

Number of illegal immigrants getting in-state tuition for Texas colleges rises

Reporter Katherine Unmuth writes about 1% of college students getting in-state tuition but no path to citizenship:


The number of illegal immigrant college students paying in-state tuition and receiving financial aid at Texas' public colleges and universities continues to climb, according to state higher education records.

Exclusive: State privatization champion gets contract to help clear up welfare mess

What runs aground comes around. Bob Garrett reports:

AUSTIN – A former state official who played a major role in the state's biggest privatization fiasco is now making money trying to help Texas fix the problems that resulted.


Gregg Phillips was the state's No. 2 social services official several years ago, and he led a push to hire a private company to evaluate applications for public assistance.

Now his Austin-based company, AutoGov Inc., has received $207,500 since November to help the state eliminate errors in deciding whether an applicant gets food stamps or other aid and how much recipients get. AutoGov was hired without other companies having a chance to bid for the work.

State pitching in $31.2 million to help cover Super Bowl tab

State officials announced today that they would set aside $31.2 million worth of sales tax revenue to help fund Super Bowl XLV in Arlington next year. Jeff Mosier reports.

Texas ed board OKs history standards after spat over Tejanos at Alamo

AUSTIN – New curriculum standards for U.S. history and other social studies courses won tentative approval from the State Board of Education today, but not before a final skirmish over how to teach the Battle of the Alamo. Stutz reports.

Medicaid cuts: Will docs head for exits?

Garrett reports:

Doctors, dentists and hospitals see little hope of escaping trims to their state payments for treating low-income Texans, starting Sept. 1.

But a center-left think tank warned today that the cuts to providers "would represent a tremendous step backward" in the state's recent push to lure more doctors to participate in Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for the poor, elderly and disabled.

State Farm plans 2nd rate hike in 8 months for home policies

Texas homeowner premiums to rise at State Farm, other insurers could follow suit. Hoppe reports:

AUSTIN – State Farm Insurance told the state Thursday that it intends to raise its homeowners rate 4.5 percent statewide starting May 1, only eight months after the company boosted rates 8.8 percent.


Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin, who is powerless to stop the rate hike, asked State Farm in a letter to reconsider, saying such back-to-back increases could influence other insurers and rock consumers.

Perry pot calling the kettle White

Hoppe reports on glass houses:

Rick Perry's campaign is gleefully passing around remarks about the projected shortfall in Houston. Mayor Annise Parker, who recently replaced Bill White, said the city budget woes mean cutbacks and possible furloughs.

But the truth is that the state under Perry faces the exact same problem -- an $11 billion budget hole.

Texas education board member walks out amid race debates

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – A longtime State Board of Education member accused her colleagues of "whitewashing" curriculum standards Thursday and walked out of the panel's meeting in frustration amid heated debates about race and the inclusion of Hispanics in lesson plans.

Read on here.

Texas tales in Karl Rove's memoir likely to raise a few questions, eyebrows

AUSTIN — The way Karl Rove remembers it, he was such a hot political property in Texas in the 1990s even Democrats wanted to hire him.

Slater has a look at Rove's new book.

Texas education board rejects in-depth study of First Amendment

Stutz reports as the Texas State Board of Education tackles the Constitution of the United States of America.

Stutz reports:State Board of Education continues debate over standards for social studies

AUSTIN – State Board of Education members resumed their volatile debate over social studies standards Wednesday as the panel neared its first vote on what Texas students will be taught in U.S. history, government and other classes over the next decade. Stutz reports.

Texas Democratic governor hopeful White duels with Houston critic over bonds

Bill White political opponent invited to State Senate budget panel hearing on government debt. Garrett reports.

Wet winter, active jet stream may spawn active tornado season

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Forecasters say a wetter-than-usual winter and a jet stream ripping over the part of the country known as "Tornado Alley" could lead to an active spring. Tim Talley reports.

New Texas Youth Commission ombudsman named

Gov. Rick Perry just appointed John Moore as the new TYC ombudsman, a position that he left unfilled for four months.


He replaces Catherine Evans, who resigned in November 2009 after being accused of trying to carry weapons and other contraband into a TYC facility. Hoppe reports.

Texas Education Agency rips Fox News reports

Stutz reports on unusual move by TEA:


"The Texas Education Agency issued an unusual press release Wednesday taking the Fox Network to task for what the agency said were "highly inaccurate" news reports about the State Board of Education and its current work on new curriculum standards for social studies."

Dallas-area women among World War II pilots to receive nation's top medal today

Nice. Great story from Sherry Jacobson:
"Long before their faces became wrinkled and their hair turned gray, they were the young, daring women of World War II. Daring because they defied tradition, overcoming discrimination to become the first female pilots to fly military planes in the U.S."
 
Read on here.

Job openings up sharply in January to 2.7M

AP Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber reports on new employment figures.

Rove: WH Couldn't get timely info on Katrina. Anybody turn on the TV?

As he launches his book-promotion tour, Karl Rove has sought to deflect and deny responsibility for a host of problems that bedeviled the Bush years. Slater reports on Rove's Katrina recollections.

Rep. Allen Vaught has role in new Matt Damon movie

Hoppe reports on Dallas Rep. Vaught's role in book, movie:

"Purple Heart recipient and Democratic state Rep. Allen Vaught of Dallas is up on the big screen in the movie Green Zone in theaters on Friday.


An Iraqi war veteran, Vaught was interviewed by The Washington Post reporter Rajiv Chandrasekaran in 2003 about operations in Fallujah..."

Terrell boy wins essay contest to trigger Texas Stadium implosion

Good reasons to both learn to write AND be of kind heart and generous spirit -- this kid gets to seriously blow something up!
Brandon formby reports.

Photo by Bobby Sanchez, special to DMN 

CD review: Ireland's Chieftains journey across Mexican border for latest CD

The Chieftans and Ry Cooder playing music of Mexico? Yes, please.

Health care costs open $1.7 billion hole in Texas budget

Garrett reports on yesterday's budget hearings:
AUSTIN – Lawmakers have been thinking ahead to a massive shortfall, topping $10 billion, that's probably coming when they write the next budget in 2011. But state officials told them Monday that they'll have to fix a hole in the current budget, too.

Rising health care costs have dug a hole of about $1.7 billion, the officials said.

Condolences for JFK's widow published in 'Letters to Jackie'

AP reports:
The book, released last week by HarperCollins, includes more than 200 never-before published letters divided into three categories: vivid recollections of the day Kennedy was killed; letters that express views on society, politics and the presidency; and personal experiences of grief and loss.

Former Texas GOP chairman Tom Pauken blasts Bush, Rove in new book

Slater takes a look at former GOP chair and current Texas Workforce Commission Tom Pauken's new book, harshly critical of  the Bush Administration and its brand of Conservatism. The book is out concurrently with Karl rove's new book.


AUSTIN – As Karl Rove makes the rounds this week with his memoir burnishing the Bush legacy, another book by another Texas Republican offers a decidedly different view.

Former state GOP chairman Tom Pauken, a Dallas lawyer and foot soldier in the Reagan revolution, offers a sober counterpoint to Rove's full-throated defense of his former boss.

Sen. Kip Averitt sets resignation date/Sibley sounds interested

Waco-area Senator to step down 3/17 -- Hoppe reports.

Followup: Lobbyist David Sibley, the former state senator who Kip Averitt replaced, isn't exactly beating back speculation that he might be interested in the spot.

Bill White says he's the real deal

Bill White knows what's coming from the Rick Perry campaign and thinks his down-to-earth, earnest (albeit a little dull) straight-talk is waht voters want to hear.

In his first extensive interview with The News since the primary, White said Perry will try and hang labels on him, the biggest one being liberal, but he sees himself as a fiscal conservative, businessman who has won elections by huge,bipartisan margins in a large and diverse city by being Mr. Fix-It.
Hoppe reports.

Social services short $1.6 billion, chief says

The Texas budget shortfall for next session -- whether it's $11 billion or $15 billion -- just got bigger. Garrett reports.

Sen. John Cornyn says Texas only 'marginally' Republican

Sen. John Cornyn called Texas only “marginally” Republican this morning, less than a week after a primary that drew the most GOP voters in at least 30 years.  Benning reports from D.C.

Lame duck budget writer: It's not as bad as '03

Bob Garrett's over at the Capitol covering the House Committee on Appropriations, filing to Trail Blazers as they go.

Texas budget outlook: Mixed signs

Garrett reports on a (very) cautious assessment from the state's chief revenue estimator.

Five great Texas trails provide paths to pleasure for walkers

Cool hikes around the state.

(Palo Duro Canyon. Photo: Chase A. Fountain)

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers some good resources, too.

Cartels use intimidation campaign to stifle news coverage in Mexico

Another fascinating story from Corchado in our Mexico City bureau:

REYNOSA, Mexico – In the days since a long-simmering dispute erupted into open warfare between the Gulf drug cartel and its former enforcers, the Zetas, censorship of news developments has reached unprecedented dimensions along much of Mexico's border with Texas. A virtual news blackout has been imposed, several sources said, enforced by threats, abductions and attacks against journalists.

In the past 14 days, at least eight Mexican journalists have been abducted in the Reynosa area, which is across the border from McAllen. One died after a severe beating, according to reports that could not be independently verified. Two were released by their captors. The rest are missing.

Read on here.

Families, businesses flee Juárez for U.S. pastures

"El Paso is now known as 'Juárez North.' "
Corchado offers a superb report from Ciudad Juárez.

A look at the resolutions on the Republican primary ballot:

From staff and wire reports 


AUSTIN – Texas Republicans rallied behind resolutions on voter identification, spending and other issues in their primary last week.

The resolutions, including perennial GOP priorities that have failed in the Legislature, were chosen by the State Republican Executive Committee to send a message to elected leaders.

Texans shocked by high electric bills blame Oncor's smart meters

Michael Young reports.

Online hotel bookers ask Congress to restrict how Texas and its cities collect room taxes

AUSTIN – Online hotel bookers have asked Congress to restrict how Texas cities and the state collect room taxes, a move that already strapped governments call a sneak attack on their wallets. Bob Garrett in Austin and Rudolph Bush in Dallas report.

Crime, data, and the right to know

Here's an interesting trio of stories from our paper revealing an intricate (and rapid -- this all happened pretty quickly!) interaction between public data, government, media, and private enterprise:

They won't talk: Why are Dallas police limiting your ability to search for violent crime data?

http://watchdogblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/03/they-wont-talk-why-are-dallas.html 

Email: City of Dallas instructed vendor to restrict public access to some online police reports

http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/03/email-city-of-dallas-instructe.html

Dallas officials agree to restore public access to online crime data

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/crime/stories/030410dnmetcrimereports.17541e3e4.html  

Texas child abuse, neglect deaths soar 31 percent

SAN ANTONIO – Deaths from child abuse and neglect in Texas soared 31 percent to 280 last fiscal year, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Garrett reports.

Bill White, on the hot button issues

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White says he's for the death penalty, isn't a 911 truther, is "a full supporter of 2nd Amendment rights" and took "a more aggressive approach" on immigration while mayor of Houston than did counterparts in practically every other U.S. and Texas city.

Garrett has the story here.

Perry wants Hutchison to stay in the Senate through end of her term

Let the healing continue: Gov. Rick Perry, fresh off his primary throttling of Kay Bailey Hutchison, told WBAP talkmeister Mark Davis today that he would like Hutchison to remain in the Senate through her term, to continue fighting the Obama administration on health care, climate-change legislation, etc. Rusak reports.

Primary election results not likely to shift leadership in Texas Legislature

AUSTIN – While voters rejected five House incumbents in Tuesday's primaries, every senator who filed to run for re-election was renominated – even one in Waco who stopped campaigning. Garrett reports.

Primaries are over for Perry, White: Let the barbs begin

AUSTIN – The campaign between Bill White and Rick Perry began even before the barbecue hit the plate at the Tuesday night primary parties. Hoppe and Slater report.

Ron Kirk is not amused by secession talk

WASHINGTON – U.S. Trade Representative and former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk tore into the Texas GOP fringe's flirtation with secession Wednesday, comparing such comments to a return to "the Jim Crow South." Jim Landers reports.

Cornyn calls Perry's anti-Washington campaign against Hutchison 'unfair'

Senator Cornyn speaks up about Texas gubernatorial race. Gillman reports.

House races: Mixed bag for Joe Straus

Garrett reports on what yesterday's results mean for new(ish) Texas House Speaker Joe Straus.

GOP incumbent Victor Carrillo blames loss on "Hispanic surname"

Theodore Kim in Dallas reports on RR Commissioner Carrillo's post-election letter to supporters and reporters. In the email, he wrote:

Early polling showed that the typical GOP primary voter has very little info about the position of Railroad Commissioner, what we do, or who my opponent or I were. Given the choice between "Porter" and "Carrillo" -- unfortunately, the Hispanic-surname was a serious setback from which I could never recover although I did all in my power to overcome this built-in bias.

Go to Ted's Trail Blazers post to read the rest.

With Election Day over, turn to the Dallas Morning News for infomation and analysis

Coverage? Oboy, we've got coverage -- there's a nice summary of up-to-date stories here. 

With the Primaries over, here's a summary of results for the statewide offices at stake from the Texas Secretary of State.
In summary*:

Governor

• On the Republican side, incumbent Perry beat both challengers by 51% of the vote, avoiding a runoff. KBH came in at 30%, Medina at 19%;
• Democrat Bill White defeated his closest rival, Farouk Shami soundly, 76% to 13%. 5 other candidates divided up the remaining 11% of the vote.

Lt. Governor

• Republican incumbent Dewhurst ran unopposed;
• Democrat Linda Chavez-Thompson beat out challenger (and former Travis County DA) Ronnie Earl 53% to 35%. Restaurant owner Marc Katz trailed a distant third with 12% of the vote.

Attorney General

• Republican incumbent Greg Abbott ran unopposed, as did Democrat Barbara Ann Radnosky, so they'll face off in the general in November. 

Comptroller 

• Not only did incumbent Susan Combs(R) run unopposed in her primary, but the Democrats failed to contest the race, so she can go to bed early on Election Night come November.

 Land Commissioner

• Republican Jerry Patterson ran unopposed;
• Democrat Hector Uribe beat out Bill Burton 52% to 48%.

Agricultural Commissioner

• Unopposed Todd Staples(R) will face Democrat Hank Gilbert, who defeated Kinky Friedman 52% to 48%.  

Railroad Commissioner

• Republican incumbent Victor Carrillo was beaten by challenger David Porter, 61% to 39%. Porter will face unopposed Democrat Jeff Weems in November. 

And visit DMN's Trail Blazers blog for continuous and lively discussion.




*Percentages rounded off, totals may not equal 100% 

Election Day! Resources from the Dallas Morning News

Go to The Dallas Morning News for complete coverage:
Election Resources 

Polling locations

Voter Guide: Compare candidates and create your own ballot
Issue Watch: See where the gubernatorial candidates stand


50 things to know about the gubernatorial candidates
Fact Check: Who is telling the truth?

Recap: Stories about races and issues


DMN editorial board recommendations

FAQs: Your voting rights

Can Republican gubernatorial candidates mend the rift by November?

The Republican primary for governor has been caustic and personal. A six-week runoff campaign, if it comes to that, could get even worse. Gillman reports.

Texas governor hopefuls make final pitches before primary

Staff writers Robert T. Garrett in Austin, Todd J. Gillman in Dallas, Christy Hoppe in San Antonio, Gromer Jeffers Jr. in Dallas, Theodore Kim in Dallas and Terrence Stutz in Austin contributed to this report.

Political moneyman Bob Perry ordered to pay $51 million

A jury has ordered Houston homebuilder Bob Perry to pay $51 million to an elderly Mansfield couple who fought for a decade over a defective house that Perry Homes refused to fix.

Slater reports.

Secretary of State won't forecast Tuesday turnout for Texas primary

AUSTIN – The state's top election official, rather than be flat wrong, simply isn't guessing how big turnout will be in Tuesday's primary election. Garrett reports.

Drug war clashes between Gulf cartel, Zetas may escalate, could affect North Texas

NUEVO LAREDO – Longstanding tensions between the Zetas paramilitary group and their old employers, the Gulf drug cartel, have exploded into a full-blown war, worrying U.S. and Mexican law enforcement officials that a likely protracted battle will further threaten this stretch of the Texas-Mexico border. Parts of it are already under heightened security.

Alfredo Corchado reports from Mexico:

Kinky Friedman hits Dallas food bank in final day of campaign

Friedman toured the North Texas Food Bank and stuck bags of rice into cardboard boxes as he railed against the agriculture department's proposed $2 million cuts to home delivered meals.

Meyers reports on the Ag Commish campaign.

Medina questions need for state CPS

Wharton political activist Debra Medina has questioned whether Texas needs a state child welfare agency. Bob Garrett reports.

GOP Sen. Bob Deuell rejects 'liberal' label hurled by primary rival Sharon Russell

AUSTIN – Sen. Bob Deuell, chairman of the chamber's Republican Caucus and one of the more conservative members of the Senate, never expected to be attacked as liberal in his re-election bid this year.

The 'L' word gets hurled... at Deuell. Stutz reports on Texas Senate race.

Tea Party effect becomes apparent in local elections

Tea Party activism may have started with national politics in mind, but its themes have filtered down into state and even local races. McCann and Kim report.

Elections will tell us just how potent Tea Party's brew is

Gillman reads the tea leaves: "In just over a year, the Tea Party movement has spawned campaigns in Texas for governor, the Legislature and Congress. Election returns Tuesday will help gauge how potent that force has become."

Texas requiring course for aspiring drivers 18 to 24

Starting today, aspiring first-time drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 must take a six-hour driver education course before they can receive a license – part of the latest effort in Texas to make roadways safer.  Tom Benning reports.

Gov. Rick Perry's campaign is more text than talk

Rick Perry's campaign has a radical approach that eschews traditional voter turnout efforts in favor of extensive use of social media networks to win Tuesday's GOP primary. Gromer Jeffers reports.

George W. Bush joins Rick Perry, Kay Bailey Hutchison at church benefit but stays neutral

Gov. Rick Perry courted anti-abortion voters Sunday night at a huge church benefit dinner that featured former President George W. Bush. Perry’s rival, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, attended but did not speak.

Todd Gillman reports.