Rick Perry defends fast-tracking Tea Party issues

Rick Perry  today dismissed critics who've questioned why he put tea party issues on "emergency" status for fast-track consideration while the Legislature's big issue is a whopping budget shortfall. The Republican governor has made voter-id, sanctuary cities, private property rights, anti-abortion legislation and a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution "emergency" issues.
Slater: http://dallasne.ws/heM0N8

Texas Gov. Rick Perry defends fast-tracked items, says lawmakers can multitask

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry dismissed complaints Tuesday that he’s focused on the wrong subjects at the start of the new Legislature, saying lawmakers know how to multitask. Perry has listed several issues as emergency items, including an end to sanctuary cities, a resolution supporting a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution and a voter identification law. Emergency status means lawmakers can act on the items sooner.
Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/gQRbDc