Monthly Archives: March 2013

Weekend link dump for March 31

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

And out like a lamb… Geez, now even I’m worried about Gmail. Thanks, Ezra. The Nielsen Family ain’t what it used to be. This five-year-old girl discovered a new species of dinosaur, which is now named for her. What have … Continue reading →

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You have a strange definition of “only”, Bud

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Or maybe it’s your definition of “logical”, I’m not sure. But while first-year manager Bo Porter continues to fire up his players and general manager Jeff Luhnow oversees year one of a complete organizational overhaul, many longtime Astros fans continue … Continue reading →

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Advising the court on redistricting

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Last Friday, all parties to the Texas redistricting lawsuit submitted their advisories to the San Antonio court, in which they told the court what they think it should do once the Supreme Court has rendered a decision on the Voting … Continue reading →

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The HPV vaccine

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

This story about HPV and its vaccine is from a couple of weeks ago, but it needs to be read. The vaccine that blocks a sexually transmitted infection that causes cervical, oral and other cancers was hailed as a home … Continue reading →

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Saturday video break: Mad World

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Song #25 on the Popdose Top 100 Covers list is “Mad World”, originally by Tears For Fears and covered by Gary Jules. Here’s the original: Never heard it before. I’ve listened to rock radio for most of my radio-listening life, … Continue reading →

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Abbott asks for the interim maps

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Very interesting. The recently dormant Texas redistricting issue woke up Thursday with a disagreement between the state’s attorney general and a Latino legislators’ group. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has called on the Legislature to make the current — and … Continue reading →

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Our drought is severe again

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Not good, y’all. The situation continues to worsen across the state, with now more than 87 percent of Texas in a moderate or worse drought. It’s not clear when relief might be coming. After the very cold start to this … Continue reading →

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Rep. Reynolds indicted for barratry again

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Sheesh. Dozens of law enforcement officers simultaneously raided multiple law offices and two chiropractic clinics Monday morning for their alleged involvement in a kickback scheme to sign up clients, according to an I-Team review of court records. In all, arrest … Continue reading →

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Friday random ten: Fifty states of random, part 2

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Following up on last week, our musical tour of the United States continues. 1. Massachusetts – Greg Greenaway 2. There’s A Panther In Michigan – Trout Fishing In America 3. Montana – Frank Zappa 4. Minnesota 1945 – Eddie From … Continue reading →

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Feds bypass the state on Title X funds

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Very interesting. The federal government announced [Monday] that it would no longer award a large slice of federal family-planning funds to the state of Texas. Instead, the feds will award the $6.5 million grant to the Women’s Health and Family … Continue reading →

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More details on the House budget

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Consider this to be written in pencil, because it’s going to change. More than $1.6 billion and disagreements on how much Texas should spend on public education and Medicaid separate the budgets proposed by the House and Senate. The Senate … Continue reading →

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Water infrastructure bill passes

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

This is good. The Texas House on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to create a revolving, low-interest loan program to help finance a new round of reservoirs, pipelines and other water-supply projects for the drought-stricken state. Lawmakers approved House Bill 4 on … Continue reading →

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Are we getting close to a Dome decision?

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Maybe by the end of the year. But don’t rush County Judge Ed Emmett, who has a few things to say about that study that claimed it would be cheaper than originally reported to demolish the Astrodome. Harris County Judge … Continue reading →

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House passes major changes to testing and graduation requirements

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

This is a big deal. Texas public high school students would face far fewer high-stakes exams and gain more freedom in choosing courses under a major education bill approved by the state House on Tuesday. Hours of debate among lawmakers … Continue reading →

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Craft beer bills pass out of the Senate

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

A good day indeed. The Texas Senate voted Monday to give craft brewers and brewpubs new opportunities to sell their beer. “To see that happen was amazing,” said Scott Metzger, a San Antonio brewpub owner who worked with other brewers, … Continue reading →

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Metro’s bus strategy

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

We know that the 2012 Metro referendum was intended to help Metro boost ridership by improving and expanding its bus service. Metro Board member Christof Spieler explains what that means. First, in many cases, transit doesn’t go to the right … Continue reading →

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Texas blog roundup for the week of March 25

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

The Texas Progressive Alliance roots for underdogs regardless of the bracket effect as it brings you this week’s roundup.

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The politics of refusing Medicaid expansion

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Ron Brownstein posits that by his stubborn and increasingly isolated resistance to Medicaid expansion, including via the Arkansas option, Rick Perry is putting Republicans in electoral danger in Texas. Brownstein runs through the economic arguments and touches on the legislative … Continue reading →

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SCOTUS same-sex marriage cases likely won’t affect Texas

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Not yet, anyway. But it’s a matter of time. Charles “Rocky” Rhodes is a professor at South Texas College of Law. He says the case that involves the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is narrowly focused. “The provision of … Continue reading →

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Endorsement watch: Planned Parenthood gets an early start

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

From the inbox on Friday: Today the Board of Directors of the Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast ACTION FUND Inc, (PPGCAF) voted to endorse the following candidates for the November City Election. Each of the endorsed candidates has demonstrated a strong … Continue reading →

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From the “What’s it to you”? department

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Freshman Rep. Drew Springer likes meddling in other people’s business. Austin’s recycling director urged the Legislature on Wednesday night to allow the city’s plastic bag ordinance to continue without state interference. Bob Gedert, director of Austin Resource Recovery, told the … Continue reading →

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Don’t forget about apartments

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

On the subject of how Battleground Texas can achieve its aims, Greg adds a note and some numbers about apartment complexes. I opted to look at one of the most GOP-friendly places in Harris County: HD130 in the northwestern corner … Continue reading →

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Carl Whitmarsh

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

From the inbox: Here’s the donation link. I sent a check, because I’m just old-fashioned. Carl has done a lot for Democrats in Harris County for a long time, and he deserves our support in his time of need. Please … Continue reading →

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Businesses say they want Medicaid expansion, too

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

This really comes down to two things. Chambers of commerce representing companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) and Kimberly-Clark Corp. (KMB) are challenging Texas Governor Rick Perry and lawmakers to expand health care for the poor in the state … Continue reading →

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Why we need flexibility in our parking regulations

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s the story of Coltivare. As many of you know, we are in the process of opening Coltivare, our interpretation of an Italian-inspired, American, neighborhood restaurant, at the corner of White Oak and Arlington Streets. Undoubtedly, one of the most … Continue reading →

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City response on “One Bin For All”

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Last week, I asked several environmental groups for feedback on the city’s One Bin For All proposal. I said I would follow up on that with the city. I have their response here, but before I get to it I … Continue reading →

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Lawsuit against anti-feeding ordinance dropped

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

From last week: The plaintiffs suing the city of Houston over its charitable feeding ordinance have abruptly dropped a suit they filed over the issue, just hours after the judge in the case recused himself. The ordinance, which requires property … Continue reading →

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It’s good to be a payday lender

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Bleah. Earlier this legislative session, a chief of staff for a senator noted that the $4 billion Texas payday and auto-title loan industry would soon grow powerful and lucrative enough that the Texas Legislature would be unable to take it … Continue reading →

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Another reason why bike parking matters

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

This comment of the day on Swamplot points out a salient fact about bike parking. In all honesty, I only ride my bike for fun with the family on the weekends. However, after a couple of very frustrating attempts to … Continue reading →

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Weekend link dump for March 24

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

I understand there may be a basketball game on TV right about now… First and foremost, what Charlie Pierce says. “Can we challenge ourselves to come up with some new or adjunct language for mean girl? How about angry girl? … Continue reading →

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House Appropriations releases its budget outline

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Better news for schools in this version. The House Appropriations Committee voted unanimously Thursday to boost funding for public schools by $2.5 billion in the next two-year budget period. Schools would get an additional $500 million in the current fiscal … Continue reading →

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Why do we give tax breaks to country clubs?

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

As you know, I’ve talked before about sunsetting tax expenditures. Sens. John Carona and Rodney Ellis have filed a bill to require a periodic review of the many exemptions, exceptions, and other special cases in the tax code, with the … Continue reading →

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On managing health care costs

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Fascinating story in the Statesman on one approach they are taking to manage health care costs in Travis County. A new world of health care is unfolding for some chronically ill Austin-area residents like [Marshall] Kettelhut, who was a cook … Continue reading →

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We’re exporting feral hogs

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

You’re welcome, neighboring states. Feral pigs have already taken over Texas and are expanding their numbers in other states, but federal and state land managers think they have a chance to tip the balance in New Mexico. They’re willing to … Continue reading →

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