Lawmakers face tough session in Texas Capitol
The 79th Texas Legislature opened in Austin amid battles over school finance and taxes. Senate leaders back a statewide property tax, franchise tax reform, and new revenue sources, while critics warn of reduced local oversight and increased state control. Comptroller Strayhorn proposes outsourcing services to curb spending, framing a broader budget balance goal.
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Texas
Austin
Tom Craddick
National Conference of
David Dewhurst
Senate
Craddick
Dewhurst
Strayhorn
Let Peace Begin With Me Editorial Note
The Odessa American Jounineer editor Ken Brodnax writes a peace themed editorial paraphrasing personal freedom and moral guidance. He asserts freedom as a divine gift and self control, aligning with the Ten Commandments the Golden Rule and the Declaration of Independence.
Gluttons for punishment by Jacob Sullum
Jacob Sullum, syndicated columnist and senior editor at Reason magazine, writes on social and political issues with a provocative stance that challenges mainstream narratives.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jacob Sullum Sullum
Reason Magazine
Angelos case highlights dangers of mandatory minimums
The 55 year federal sentence for Weldon Angelos, who sold marijuana and carried a pistol, shows how mandatory minimums and prosecutorial charging power can override judicial discretion. Despite Booker making guidelines advisory, the statute dictated his punishment, prompting calls for reform and restraint on new mandatory penalties.
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Weldon Angelos
Record Company
Paul Cassell
U.S. Court For
District of Utah
Bush
Supreme Court
Angelos
U.S
Congress
Cassell
Utah
Tuition deregulation falls short for health science centers
Guest column argues House Bill 3015 failed to help Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and similar institutions. Despite tuition increases and funds set aside for aid, revenue remains small relative to general universities, risking static enrollment and funding gaps. The piece urges finding alternative funding beyond deregulation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
M. Roy Wilson
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Health Sciences Center
Health Sciences Centers
University of Texas, Texas A&m
Health Science Cente
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Pater
Ken Brodnax
God
Patrick Canty
Bill Salter
United States Sentencing Commission
Ussc.gov
Gary Brookins
Col