Texas Senate calls for balanced budget amendment in U.S. Constitution

AUSTIN — The Senate, taking a break from Texas’ own budget problems, Wednesday passed a joint resolution calling on Congress to stop deficit spending and approve a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution requiring a balanced federal budget. Under the resolution, approved 24-7, Congress will first be asked, and then if nothing happens, the Senate wants a constitutional convention to be called solely to pass a balanced budget amendment.

Stutz: http://dallasne.ws/hrJnVC

Sen. Ogden calls for major changes in school funding, Medicaid

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden, the new Senate president pro tempore, used his election to that post Tuesday to lay out to fellow senators some of their primary tasks in tackling a massive revenue shortfall that is expected to dominate this year's legislative session. Ogden said a solution to the bleak budget picture is within reach, but will require tough decisions in such areas as education and health care.

Stutz: http://dallasne.ws/hVFcDA

Texas GOP legislators flex new political clout in first bills filed

AUSTIN – Republican lawmakers flexed their clout and highlighted their agenda on Monday, showcasing bills that would create an Arizona-type immigration law, further restrict abortion, allow guns on campus and require voters to present ID at the polls. The ambitious lineup, filed on the first day for new legislation, probably has its best chance in years because of GOP supermajorities in the House and Senate.

Mulvaney and Hoppe report: http://dallasne.ws/9rGMIv

Sibley challenges opponent's eligibility in Senate race

Republican David Sibley of Waco, trying to recapture the senate seat he gave up a decade ago, is challenging the eligibility of perhaps his strongest opponent in a special election that will be held for the now vacant post on May 8. Sibley contends that fellow Republican Brian Birdwell of Granbury, a retired lieutenant colonel in U.S. Army, cannot serve in the Senate because he does not meet the constitutional requirement of five years of continuous residency in Texas to run. Terry Stutz reports.

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.

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.