Monthly Archives: March 2015

Lots of newly insured folks in Texas

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Thanks, Obamacare! More than half of 1.2 million Texans who enrolled in private health insurance plans through the federally operated marketplace this year were new customers, according to a government report released Tuesday. The analysis from the U.S. Department of … Continue reading →

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Weekend link dump for March 15

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

The Ides of Texas are upon you. Or something like that. “And, he says, if Oakland—with its bloody, costly history of police brutality—can change, any city can.” How Intuit failed at “know your customer” security. “Whenever possible, make gravity the … Continue reading →

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Bill filing deadline has passed

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Believe it or not, we are almost halfway through the legislative session, and we have now passed the point where new bills can be filed. Racing to beat a deadline for filing bills, state lawmakers on Friday submitted hundreds of … Continue reading →

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Council’s pension meeting

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

It was about what you’d expect. Many City Council members who attended a special meeting Friday to discuss Mayor Annise Parker’s controversial deal with the city’s firefighters pension called the gathering a success, despite two members walking out and breaking … Continue reading →

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You have the right to a phone call

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

But it won’t help you much if you don’t know what number to call. [Harris County Sheriff’s] Deputies on Wednesday outlined a pilot program they hope will help lower the jail population by letting detainees copy five numbers out of … Continue reading →

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Beer vending machines

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Sure, why not? Patrons of bars and businesses with proper alcohol licenses would be able to grab a cocktail or beer from an automatic dispensing machine — much like a soft drink — if the legislature passes legislation offered by … Continue reading →

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Saturday video break: For You

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Some old school Springsteen, done acoustically by a more current version of The Boss: That’s from his debut album, Greetings From Asbury Park, New Jersey!. Did you know that three songs (that I know of and heard at least once … Continue reading →

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Happy Pi Day!

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

How are you celebrating this once in a century event? Chances are that unless you teach math, the last time you thought about the number pi was about the same time you stopped crushing on the hot guy in AP … Continue reading →

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Taxi companies federal lawsuit against Uber and Lyft can proceed

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Part of it, anyway. Taxi companies in Houston and San Antonio that took their turf war with two online companies to federal court by accusing Uber and Lyft of operating illegally and skimming money from cab firms can continue pursuing … Continue reading →

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How to deal with anti-vaxxers

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

It’s a big problem. Certain that they are right, struggling to find ways to get their message across, public health officials are exasperated by their inability to convince more U.S. parents to vaccinate their children. “I think we’re all kind … Continue reading →

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Friday random ten: Parenthetically speaking, part 6

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

We spring forward to more parenthetical songs. 1. I Was Standing By The Bedside Of A Neighbor (If You See My Saviour) – Michele Lanchester & Sweet Honey In The Rock 2. I Won’t Ever Go Drinking Again (?) – … Continue reading →

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Krause re-files Villalba’s anti-gay bill

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Alas. One of the state’s most anti-gay lawmakers is going forward with a “religious freedom” amendment dropped by another representative earlier this week amid opposition from the Texas Association of Business. Rep. Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) announced Monday he would “reconsider … Continue reading →

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Council recommends term limits change

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Meh, I say. A Houston City Council committee Tuesday night recommended changing the term limits of elected officials from three two-year terms to two four-year terms starting in 2019, a charter change that could go to voters in November. The … Continue reading →

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Trying again with online voter registration

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

My State Rep., Carol Alvarado, would like for you to be able to register to vote online. Can I just state the obvious? Why can’t we register to vote online? I manage my banking online, I do my taxes online, … Continue reading →

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Feds file appeal of immigration injunction to Fifth Circuit

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Time to force the issue. The Obama administration Thursday asked a federal appeals court to do what a Texas-based judge didn’t: allow a controversial immigration program to move forward while the issue plays out in the courts. Attorneys with the … Continue reading →

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One anti-gay bill pulled

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

One down, too many to count to go. A House Republican will no longer seek to amend the Texas Constitution to prohibit state and local governments from “in any way” restricting the free exercise of religion, leaving several conservative legislators … Continue reading →

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Reforming property tax appraisal protests

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

From the inbox: Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) releases the following statement regarding Senate Bill 1084, his bill to create a fairer property tax appraisal system in Texas: “Homeowners and local communities across Texas are shouldering an unfair burden when large … Continue reading →

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Immigration lawsuit update

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Another hearing is scheduled. The judge who blocked President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration has ordered the Justice Department to answer allegations that the government misled him about part of the plan. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ordered Monday … Continue reading →

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Texas blog roundup for the week of March 9

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

The Texas Progressive Alliance is all about springing forward as it brings you this week’s roundup.

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Four file for HD124

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Really, truly, hopefully the last special legislative election this year. This session, anyway. Four Democrats officially are in the running for Texas House District 124, the Bexar County seat that opened up with José Menéndez’s promotion last month to the … Continue reading →

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Council meeting called to discuss firefighter pension deal

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Some Council members are determined to discuss the deal Mayor Parker made with the firefighters’ pension fund. Four City Council members have taken advantage of a rarely used provision in city law to call a special meeting Friday to discuss … Continue reading →

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Time to kill Daylight Saving Time?

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

At least one member of the House would like to do so. I got to the office this morning just before 6 a.m. Or, as I called it two days ago, 5 a.m. Enough’s enough. Isn’t that right, state Rep. … Continue reading →

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Why only Wal-Mart?

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Wal-Mart stands to benefit from legislation that would change how retail liquor licenses are granted, but some potential competitors would not. While two state lawmakers recently filed legislation that would allow retail giant Wal-Mart and other public corporations to sell … Continue reading →

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Costello makes his official entry

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

That makes him number five of some as yet unknown number to make that announcement. Houston City Councilman Stephen Costello pitched himself Monday as a no-frills, no-nonsense politician who would address the city’s problems like the engineer he is if … Continue reading →

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Discrimination is bad for business

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Good for TAB. The Texas Association of Business has come out against two religious freedom resolutions that critics say would enshrine a “license to discriminate” against LGBT people in the Texas Constitution. TAB, which is the state’s powerful chamber of … Continue reading →

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Republicans try again to kill Public Integrity Unit

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

They might have the votes this time, though as with some other highly publicized “replacement” efforts, their substitute idea lacks a few key elements to make it successful. Under Senate Bill 10 by Sen. Joan Huffman, the attorney general’s office … Continue reading →

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Sanctuary cities bill hearing rescheduled

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Didn’t know you could do this in the Lege. A controversial immigration proposal scheduled for a public hearing Monday was postponed after a border Democrat argued that Republicans did not give the public sufficient notice about the meeting. The “sanctuary … Continue reading →

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Ellis files bill to protect voting rights

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

From the inbox: Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) releases the following statement regarding tomorrow’s 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” part of the civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama: “‘Bloody Sunday’ played a pivotal role in the long and painful … Continue reading →

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Voodoo economics

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Also known as Dan Patrick’s budgetary contortions. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, joined by the Texas Senate’s lead budget writers, announced “a new bold proposal” Wednesday morning to allow lawmakers to cut property taxes and pay down the state’s debt without … Continue reading →

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Bill to outlaw non-discrimination ordinances filed

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

From The Observer: A Fort Bend County Republican has introduced a bill that would bar cities from adopting or enforcing non-discrimination ordinances that include protected classes not contained in state law. Texas law doesn’t include sexual orientation or gender identity … Continue reading →

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Vehicle registration renewal error notice

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

The following is a public service announcement. From the inbox: 320,000 Texas Drivers Receive Error in Renewal Notice Mike Sullivan wants to ensure Harris County drivers are aware of issue Tax Assessor-Collector Mike Sullivan wants to ensure Harris County drivers … Continue reading →

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Weekend link dump for March 8

Posted on March 8, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

“You’ll be seeing a lot more of the Kardashian family.” So you may as well just surrender now. Be nice to rats, and rats will be nice to you. Dear people 65 and older in America: You are receiving a … Continue reading →

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First call to action: Sanctuary cities

Posted on March 8, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Stace sounds the alarm. Republicans have set a hearing to debate and railroad through committee SB 185, a sanctuary cities bill which will allow local and state law enforcement to participate in immigration duties through the practice of racial profiling … Continue reading →

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SCOTUS to hear same sex marriage appeal in April

Posted on March 8, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Get ready. The Supreme Court will hear arguments over same-sex marriage on April 28 and make audio of the proceedings available later that day. The gay marriage cases mark the only time this term that the court has agreed to … Continue reading →

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