Monthly Archives: February 2009

Stimulus for the schools

Posted on February 19, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Texas’ public schools are set to get some much needed stimulus money. Texas school districts can expect a jolt of more than $3 billion over two years under the $787 billion package ushered in by President Barack Obama’s administration. Under … Continue reading →

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Stimulus for the schools

Posted on February 19, 2009 by Greg Wythe

Texas’ public schools are set to get some much needed stimulus money. Texas school districts can expect a jolt of more than $3 billion over two years under the $787 billion package ushered in by President Barack Obama’s administration. Under … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Budget ballyhoo | 2 Comments

Reading and writing and social networking

Posted on February 19, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

From the “You kids don’t know what it was like!” files: Studying on your laptop is so 2007. A group of biology students at Houston Community College’s southeast campus just turns on iPhones. “Instead of bringing your book to class, … Continue reading →

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Reading and writing and social networking

Posted on February 19, 2009 by Greg Wythe

From the “You kids don’t know what it was like!” files: Studying on your laptop is so 2007. A group of biology students at Houston Community College’s southeast campus just turns on iPhones. “Instead of bringing your book to class, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Technology, science, and math | Comments Off on Reading and writing and social networking

So about those stimulus funds

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Greg Wythe

Remember how Governor Perry had argued against states receiving federal stimulus dollars? Well, he still doesn’t want them, though he’s giving himself some waffle room. Gov. Rick Perry said Tuesday he’s not sure the state should accept all of its … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Budget ballyhoo | 2 Comments

So about all those stimulus funds

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Remember how Governor Perry had argued against states receiving federal stimulus dollars? Well, he still doesn’t want them, though he’s giving himself some waffle room. Gov. Rick Perry said Tuesday he’s not sure the state should accept all of its … Continue reading →

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Shady Acres candidate forum report

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Greg Wythe

I attended the District H candidate forum that was presented by the Shady Acres Civic Club last night. Eight candidates were in attendance: Gonzalo Camacho, Karen Derr, Yolanda Navarro Flores, Lupe Garcia, Ed Gonzalez, Hugo Mojica, Rick Rodriguez, and Maverick … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2009 | 1 Comment

Shady Acres candidate forum report

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I attended the District H candidate forum that was presented by the Shady Acres Civic Club last night. Eight candidates were in attendance: Gonzalo Camacho, Karen Derr, Yolanda Navarro Flores, Lupe Garcia, Ed Gonzalez, Hugo Mojica, Rick Rodriguez, and Maverick … Continue reading →

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Voter ID already moving in the Senate

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I hope you’ve all enjoyed the relative quiet in the Lege these past few weeks, because it will be coming to an end soon. The controversial Voter ID bill that triggered a nasty Senate fight last month over a rules … Continue reading →

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Voter ID already moving in the Senate

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Greg Wythe

I hope you’ve all enjoyed the relative quiet in the Lege these past few weeks, because it will be coming to an end soon. The controversial Voter ID bill that triggered a nasty Senate fight last month over a rules … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | 8 Comments

All DNA, all the time

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Greg Wythe

How often should we collect DNA from someone who’s been arrested? Some people think the answer should be a lot more often than we do now. Texas is one of several states that draw DNA samples from anyone convicted of … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment, That's our Lege | 1 Comment

All DNA, all the time

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

How often should we collect DNA from someone who’s been arrested? Some people think the answer should be a lot more often than we do now. Texas is one of several states that draw DNA samples from anyone convicted of … Continue reading →

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More on the safe passing bill

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Greg Wythe

Bike activist and frequent commenter Peter Wang gets some press. Bicyclist Peter Wang considers Houston traffic a tameable wilderness. He’s dodged his share of open car doors, but over the years, he’s learned how to maneuver around unaccommodating drivers. “You … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | 1 Comment

More on the safe passing bill

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Bike activist and frequent commenter Peter Wang gets some press. Bicyclist Peter Wang considers Houston traffic a tameable wilderness. He’s dodged his share of open car doors, but over the years, he’s learned how to maneuver around unaccommodating drivers. “You … Continue reading →

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Another step forward for a statewide smoking ban

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Greg Wythe

The statewide smoking ban proposals picked up the endorsement of the state restaurant association. On Monday, the Texas Restaurant Association voted to support the measure – one they say would “level the playing field” for establishments across Texas. “With 28 … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | 2 Comments

Another step forward for a statewide smoking ban

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The statewide smoking ban proposals picked up the endorsement of the state restaurant association. On Monday, the Texas Restaurant Association voted to support the measure – one they say would “level the playing field” for establishments across Texas. “With 28 … Continue reading →

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TSTA poll on public education

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The Texas State Teachers Association released the results of its annual poll on attitudes towards public education in Texas last week. From the poll memo (PDF): Despite a declining national and state economy, a majority of Texas voters still maintain … Continue reading →

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TSTA poll on public education

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Greg Wythe

The Texas State Teachers Association released the results of its annual poll on attitudes towards public education in Texas last week. From the poll memo (PDF): Despite a declining national and state economy, a majority of Texas voters still maintain … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in The great state of Texas | 3 Comments

A tale of two Orlandos

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Greg Wythe

Orlando Sanchez, speaking last week in a Statesman article about the statewide ambitions of Houston Mayor Bill White, who beat him soundly in the 2003 runoff: He doesn’t discount him but suggests White has gotten a free ride in his … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | 8 Comments

A tale of two Orlandos

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Orlando Sanchez, speaking last week in a Statesman article about the statewide ambitions of Houston Mayor Bill White, who beat him soundly in the 2003 runoff: He doesn’t discount him but suggests White has gotten a free ride in his … Continue reading →

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Mardi Gras Galveston

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Let the good times roll, y’all. The annual celebration [kicked] off this weekend, with all the parades, music and fun from past years. Sixteen krewes are marching and some are putting on longer parades and more floats for the event … Continue reading →

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Mardi Gras Galveston

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Greg Wythe

Let the good times roll, y’all. The annual celebration [kicked] off this weekend, with all the parades, music and fun from past years. Sixteen krewes are marching and some are putting on longer parades and more floats for the event … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in The great state of Texas | 1 Comment

Texas blog roundup for the week of February 16

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

It’s time for another economically stimulating edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance’s Weekly Round-Up. No filibusters allowed. Click on for the highlights.

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Texas blog roundup for the week of February 16

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Greg Wythe

It’s time for another economically stimulating edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance’s Weekly Round-Up. No filibusters allowed. Click on for the highlights. Continue reading →

Posted in Blog stuff | Comments Off on Texas blog roundup for the week of February 16

Burnam files resolution to impeach Justice Keller

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

State Rep. Lon Burnam (D, Fort Worth) has dropped a little bomb called HR480, the text of which calls for “House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature [to] adopt the following procedures to consider the impeachment of Judge Sharon … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment, That's our Lege | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Burnam files resolution to impeach Justice Keller

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Greg Wythe

State Rep. Lon Burnam (D, Fort Worth) has dropped a little bomb called HR480, the text of which calls for “House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature [to] adopt the following procedures to consider the impeachment of Judge Sharon … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment, That's our Lege | 1 Comment

Poll Texas

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Public Policy Polling is doing a poll of a different kind – they’ve got an online poll up asking their readers where their next poll should be. One of the three choices is Texas – Senate and Governor – for … Continue reading →

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Poll Texas

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Greg Wythe

Public Policy Polling is doing a poll of a different kind – they’ve got an online poll up asking their readers where their next poll should be. One of the three choices is Texas – Senate and Governor – for … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2010 | Comments Off on Poll Texas

Stardig announces in A

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

We now have a third official candidate in City Council District A, businesswoman Brenda Stardig, who I am told is outgoing Council Member Toni Lawrence’s preferred choice. She joins Alex Wathen and Jeff Downing, who have already filed their Treasurer’s … Continue reading →

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Stardig announces in A

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Greg Wythe

We now have a third official candidate in City Council District A, businesswoman Brenda Stardig, who I am told is outgoing Council Member Toni Lawrence’s preferred choice. She joins Alex Wathen and Jeff Downing, who have already filed their Treasurer’s … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2009 | Comments Off on Stardig announces in A

Some action on the rail construction front

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Finally. After two years of negotiations with two firms, the Metropolitan Transit Authority may be close to reaching a deal with a contractor to build and operate its next four light rail lines. “We’re in final negotiations,” said George Smalley, … Continue reading →

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Some action on the rail construction front

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Greg Wythe

Finally. After two years of negotiations with two firms, the Metropolitan Transit Authority may be close to reaching a deal with a contractor to build and operate its next four light rail lines. “We’re in final negotiations,” said George Smalley, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | Comments Off on Some action on the rail construction front

Tough times for local governments

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Greg Wythe

It’s gonna be a bad year. They’re not feeling the economic storm quite yet, but local governments across the Houston region are hunkering down anyway. Some have frozen hiring, others have stopped filling potholes. Planned purchases of police cars, golf … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Tough times for local governments

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

It’s gonna be a bad year. They’re not feeling the economic storm quite yet, but local governments across the Houston region are hunkering down anyway. Some have frozen hiring, others have stopped filling potholes. Planned purchases of police cars, golf … Continue reading →

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