By William Lutz on
8/29/2009 2:23 PM
The Lone Star Report's William Lutz will appear on WFAA's Inside Texas Politics with Brad Watson Sunday (that's tomorrow). The program airs at 9 a.m. on Channel 8 in North Texas. Lutz will be blasting the liberal Democrats and RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) who are attacking the good conservatives on the elected State Board of Education. The program is also archived at wfaa.com.
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By William Lutz on
8/28/2009 3:10 PM
In this week's Lone Star Report, Managing Editor William Murchison wrote the opinion piece discussing how his alma matter, the University of Texas, has abandoned teaching in Western Civilization. We post it below for your reading pleasure:
You know, don’t you, what kind of university trembles at the idea of affirming Truth? Right – a state university; which is one reason state universities are unlikely, in the broad, liberal sense, to amount to much in the 21st century.
Yeah, sure, they perform valuable scientific research. They can furnish a patina of basic knowledge. They can press diplomas into outstretched young hands. Their sports teams can rack up championships.
Which brings us to the idiots at the University of Texas, who quietly demonstrate what a state university can’t or won’t do, because, stupid, it’s a state university: a political construct, mindful of political currents and tides; unable to give offense; unable – here’s the point – to sort out life’s great questions, which questions it leaves to more intrepid, and better protected, private institutions.
The University of Texas, in its present incarnation, would no more sort out great questions than it would abolish football scholarships. The University of Texas is a gentle joke when it comes to the quest for Truth. It trembles, it quakes at the idea of offending constituents, save, perhaps, the kind who would have benefited from exposure to the Western tradition as Prof. Robert Koons hoped the Program in Western Civilization and American Institutions would provide.
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By William Lutz on
8/28/2009 11:22 AM
Gov. Rick Perry announced the appointment of Thomas Suehs as executive commissioner of health and human services. This is, by far, one of the most powerful appointed positions in state government. The executive commissioner oversees the vast majority of state health and human services programs for the poor and disabled and has extensive rulemaking authority. Efficient management of the state’s health care agencies is also of critical importance to the state’s fiscal health.
Suehs succeeds Albert Hawkins, who retired. Hawkins is one of the most knowledgeable people on the Texas budget, having worked for the Legislative Budget Board, as budget director for Gov. George W. Bush, and as executive commissioner. He was respected by Republicans and Democrats alike.
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By William Lutz on
8/28/2009 11:10 AM
This Monday, the San Antonio Water System announced it is suing the Lower Colorado River Authority over a proposed water deal that went bust, accusing the state agency of breaching a contract with the water system. How to provide for San Antonio’s growing water needs is one of the stickiest – and most controversial – questions in Texas natural resources policy.
LCRA denies wrongdoing, and several leaders from rural Texas have already expressed concerns about this lawsuit.
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By William Lutz on
8/26/2009 5:25 PM
A three-judge federal court Monday denied a Texas Democratic Party motion to throw out a lawsuit challenging its allocation plan for delegates to the Democratic National Convention The court ruled that Section 5 of the federal Voting Rights Act applies to the delegate selection formula for a state party’s political convention (including the “Texas Two-Step,” where both caucus and primary results are used to allocate Delegates to presidential candidates at the Democratic National Convention). That means the Texas Democratic Party would likely have to pre-clear its delegate allocation formula either with the U.S. Department of Justice or a three-judge federal court in Washington DC. In 2008, the formula resulted in President Barack Obama getting a majority of Texas delegates, despite Hillary Clinton winning the statewide primary.
The court stopped short, for technical reasons, of ordering pre-clearance but left no doubt about how it would rule. “Today, we continue to give force to those accomplishments [of the Voting Rights Act] by following clear Supreme Court precedent and ruling that Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1973c, applies to a political party’s delegate allocation formula for its nominating convention,” wrote Circuit Judge Edward Prado for the panel. “…Indeed, political expediency and the TDP’s stated support for Section 5 might counsel it now to seek preclearance of its delegate allocation rules instead of proceeding further in this litigation.”
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By William Lutz on
8/26/2009 12:15 PM
Last week, Kay Bailey Hutchison was roundly criticized in the Texas press for lacking a coherent, unified message in her announcement for governor. She was accused of merely attacking Gov. Rick Perry without offering alternatives of her own. Excuse the shameless self-promotion here, but Kay -- we warned you.
LSR Managing Editor William Lutz gave a commentary on WFAA television Aug. 2 warning that -- so far -- Hutchison has mainly attacked Rick Perry and not offered solutions of her own. Lutz called on Hutchison to lay out the kind of governor she would be. If only Kay had listened ...
You can listen to Lutz's commentary here.
This week, Lutz is getting ready to tape another commentary for WFAA's Inside Texas Politics, which airs every Sunday at 9 am on Channel 8 in North Texas.
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By William Lutz on
8/26/2009 11:48 AM
The San Antonio Express-News published a very interesting article this morning quoting House Speaker Joe Straus worried about the effect the Texas Governor's primary could have on next year's elections for the Texas House of Representatives. “I think that the governor and the senator need to be mindful that the party needs to grow,” he said after delivering a lunchtime speech to the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. “That race needs to be inviting, to get more people to vote Republican. I am concerned that the governor's race not get off track” and result in turning off GOP voters in down-ballot races. This article is well worth reading.
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By William Lutz on
8/20/2009 9:32 AM
 According to today's Denton Record-Chronicle, the Denton City Council is going to renew its push for the local option tax increase bill. And here's the kicker -- the city council looks like its going to help pay to create some sort of fake grass-roots group to make it appear like there are real people who support this. Here's my question: if this initiative really had support from the masses, than why do they have to spend tax dollars hiring lobbyists to push it?
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By William Lutz on
8/18/2009 4:49 PM
One of our readers just wrote and asked what questions would I have asked U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison if she had taken questions at yesterday's announcement of her candidacy for governor?
I would have asked two questions:
1. Senator Hutchison, where do you stand on tuition deregulation?
For anyone who knows me, that I would ask such a question is predictable. But it’s also fair game. In her announcement speech, one of Hutchison’s attacks on Perry is that tuition has skyrocketed during his term of office. So it’s only fair that she clarify her position on the policy that allowed it to skyrocket.
2. Senator Hutchison, you correctly mentioned that property taxes are some of the highest in the nation. Do you support requiring cities and counties to obtain voter approval before raising property taxes faster than inflation?
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By William Lutz on
8/18/2009 12:50 PM
Normally in Austin, reporters interpret as a sign of insecurity politicians who hold press events but don’t take questions. It’s like saying “I’m not confident enough to withstand a little kicking of the proverbial tires.”
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By William Lutz on
8/18/2009 9:58 AM
Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison announced her candidacy for Governor of Texas, running against incumbent Gov. Rick Perry in a GOP primary. As expected, Hutchison unleashed a broadside of attacks on Perry (including calling the Texas Department of Transportation "the most arrogant, unaccountable state agency in the history of Texas") and outlined the policy themes of her campaign. We post the speech below, taken from her website:
“It is with pride and humility for history that I announce today that I am a candidate for Governor of Texas.
“Texas is like no other place on earth. It started on March 2, 1836 when our forefathers declared an end to tyranny with the Texas Declaration of Independence. Among the signers was my great, great grandfather, Charles S. Taylor. The great men who signed that document put their lives on the line, and their fate in the hands of God. Why did they do it? Because they yearned for freedom and they believed in Texas. Today, 173 years later, I’m running for Governor because I believe in Texas. And I know we can do better.
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By William Lutz on
8/18/2009 9:55 AM
Mark Miner, spokesman for Texans for Rick Perry, has unveiled www.washingtonkay.com, a website devoted to attacking U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, and issued the following response to Kay Bailey Hutchison's announcement of her candidacy for governor:
“Sen. Hutchison appeared in La Marque in 1993 to launch her first Senate campaign, pledging to control spending and reduce government influence. In the 16 years since, she has violated, ignored and flip-flopped on virtually every promise she made to voters, giving Texans little reason to believe her rhetoric today will result in anything different.
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By William Lutz on
7/15/2009 4:01 PM
The elected members of the State Board of Education today had choice words for House Bill 4294 – the electronic computerized textbook bill pushed by laptop manufacturers. No elected board member even tried to defend the bill. They questioned both the premise of the bill and how would be interpreted. Here are a few of the major flash-points from today’s board meeting:
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By William Lutz on
7/15/2009 1:52 PM
LSR Managing Editor William Lutz was a guest on WFAA's Inside Texas Politics with Brad Watson July 15. Lutz discussed the recently concluded special session, and questioned its limited agenda. Lutz noted that the agenda did not allow the Legislature to complete the unfinished business of the recently-concluded special session.
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By William Lutz on
7/10/2009 10:32 AM
LSR Managing Editor William Lutz will appear this sunday on Inside Texas Politics with Brad Watson. For our North Texas readers this airs Sunday at 9 am on Channel 8 -- WFAA. Lutz will be giving a commentary questioning the narrow agenda and missed opportunities of the recently concluded special session.
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By William Lutz on
7/10/2009 10:16 AM
 Gov. Rick Perry has named Gail Lowe (R-Lampasas) as the new chairman of the State Board of Education. Lowe is a newspaper publisher who has served on the board since 2003.
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By William Lutz on
7/9/2009 12:12 PM
 Uncle Sam is passing out gifts, including some that could come to Texas. Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples wants to make sure that Texas is prepared to take advantage of federal plans to improve broadband telecommunications service to rural Texas. Staples announced yesterday the creation of the Texas Broadband Task Force, which will meet and report back to Staples and the Public Utility Commission. The task force has membership from all parts of the telecommunications industry as well as representation from effected governmental units such as the commission and the Texas Municipal League as well as from the governor’s office and Legislature.
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By William Lutz on
7/8/2009 2:30 PM
It looks like the upper administration of the University of Texas at Austin is even more hostile to Western civilization and American values than it was when I was a student there. Thanks to Elizabeth Young with the Texas Public Policy Foundation for passing along this gem of an article from Minding the Campus. The article details how Rob Koons, professor of philosophy at the University, helped build a program to study Western civilization and then got knifed by the administration at every turn.
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By William Lutz on
7/7/2009 4:03 PM
Congratulations, Rick Perry for signing the centerpiece of the Tony Sanchez’s education platform into law. Too bad Perry didn’t invite Sanchez to a signing ceremony.
Remember the Tony Sanchez campaign?
Ok. It was a long time ago (2002), and Sanchez’s election day performance was certainly forgettable.
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By William Lutz on
7/2/2009 11:23 AM
The Texas House of Representatives has finally passed SB 2 -- the sunset scheduling bill -- with little debate and no amenmdents. The bill continues five agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Insurnace, whose sunset bills did not pass. It also moves most of the energy and environmental agencies for sunset review in 2011 and the health and human services agencies in 2013. Once the printing and signing formalities are complete, the bill heads to the governor's desk.
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By William Lutz on
7/2/2009 11:15 AM
The Texas House of Representatives passed on second and third readings HB 1. The bill provides legislative authorization to issue $2 billion in bonds authorized by the Texas Constitution to build roads. The House made major changes to the bill that left committee.
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By William Lutz on
7/1/2009 3:19 PM
Since our last post, the Legislature has taken several additional actions. Here are the major ones:
* The Texas Senate Finance Committee passed SB 2 (the sunset scheduling bill that extends the life of five agencies set to expire).
* The full Senate passed SB 2 this afternoon.
* HB 3 (Comprehensive Development Agreements) was left pending before the House Transportation Committee.
* The House set a calendar for tomorrow containing House Bill 1 (Proposition 12 road bonds) and House Bill 2 (Sunset Safety Net Bill).
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By William Lutz on
7/1/2009 12:49 PM
As of 1:45 pm today, we have three major bills on the call. Two of them progressed today but one is running into problems. Here's where we stand:
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By William Lutz on
6/19/2009 8:45 PM
It's difficult -- after seeing the list for a couple of hours -- to differentiate which vetoes are the "most" significant. After all, every bill is important to someone.
That said, here are a few notes and initial impressions I have about the governor's vetoes. We'll supplement this throughout the week as new information becomes available.
First, the governor issued several signing statements and veto messages, which are posted on his website and can be viewed here.
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By William Lutz on
6/19/2009 8:20 PM
Since the governor announced his list of vetoed bills, we have received statements from groups praising one or more of his vetoes. We post a selection below:
Brooke Terry, Texas Public Policy Foundation praising veto of pre-K bill, HB 130:
Gov. Perry was correct to veto HB 130, which created an additional and unnecessary government full-day pre-k program. This legislation wrongly focused on inputs rather than results, and did not include the private sector as a full partner in providing early childhood education.
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By William Lutz on
6/19/2009 7:47 PM
Hate Crimes. HPV. And now HB 4294. These are all bills or actions where Gov. Rick Perry took his socially conservative base for granted.
That said, this time, he is at least trying to look like he cares about the concerns of social conservatives, even though the bill -- which he signed -- benefits primarily computer hardware manufacturers.
His executive order -- which can be changed or revoked at anytime and is not a TEA rule or law -- requires the commissioner to let the elected State Board of Education (SBOE) participate in the adoption process set up for electronic textbooks under HB 4294. The entire order can be read here.
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By William Lutz on
6/19/2009 6:17 PM
Gov. Rick Perry has announced the veto of more than 30 bills and three concurrent resolutions. The entire list can be found at this link:
http://tinyurl.com/kvh8qk
We'll post more information on some of the key vetos, signings and whatnot later today and in the coming days.
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By William Lutz on
6/19/2009 4:46 PM
Gov. Rick Perry signed the state budget today. He also released his list of line-item vetos. From first glance, no bombshells like last session's Community College veto. The item vetos can be viewed here.
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By William Lutz on
6/19/2009 4:07 PM
Earlier this week, I wrote a column on House Bill 4294, an electronic textbook bill supported by computer hardware manufacturers and opposed by the conservatives on the State Board of Education. It allows state textbook money to be spent on computer hardware and it takes approval of electronic content away from the elected State Board of Education and hands it to the appointed staff of the Texas Education Agency. It also makes it more likely that school districts will adopt products that cover less than 100 percent of the state curriculum approved by the board.
Here’s a catch. It could set the Legislature and the board on a collision course with the Texas Constitution.
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By William Lutz on
6/19/2009 2:50 PM
Gov. Rick Perry has named Ray Sullivan his chief of staff. Prior to joining the governor's staff, Sullivan was a public relations and communications consultant here in Austin.
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By William Lutz on
6/17/2009 8:39 PM
The Austin American-Statesman's Web site, statesman.com, has published LSR Managing Editor William Lutz's commentary on computerized textbooks. Lutz discusses the role the State Board of Education plays ensuring quality books for all students in the current system.
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By William Lutz on
6/17/2009 8:18 PM
Sunday, LSR Managing Editor gave a commentary on WFAA's Inside Texas Politics with Brad Watson. Lutz discussed the recently concluded legislative session and provided ideas of what should be considered in a special. Lutz's commentary starts at about the 8:30 mark of the program.
You can check out the program here. Inside Texas Politics airs every Sunday on Channel 8 in North Texas every Sunday at 9 a.m.
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By William Lutz on
6/15/2009 11:53 AM
Texas A&M University President Elsa Murano tendered her resignation yesterday. Murano had been given a negative performance evaluation -- which she disputed in a letter to the Texas A&M University Board of Regents -- by Chancellor Mike McKinney. The A&M Board of Regents met today to discuss the situation. The resignation will likely further a significant debate occurring about higher education reform at Texas A&M.
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By William Lutz on
6/13/2009 3:09 PM
For our North Texas readers, Lone Star Report Managing Editor William Lutz will appear on Inside Texas Politics with Brad Watson tomorrow (Sunday June 14) at 9 a.m. on Channel 8. Lutz will be discussing the recently concluded legislative session.
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By William Lutz on
6/10/2009 9:11 AM
Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones just got an endorsement from the first post-reconstruction Texas Republican governor, Bill Clements. Also offering her endorsement is Clements' wife Rita, who served as a member of the University of Texas System Board of Regents.
“I am honored to have Governor and Mrs. Clements support and leadership for my campaign,” Jones said. “He provided strong leadership that built the Republican Party to the majority party in Texas; I plan to follow his lead to keep it that way.”
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By William Lutz on
6/10/2009 9:02 AM
Speaker Joe Straus announced he has received several additional pledges in the last few days, bringing his total to 111 out of 150 House members. The recent additions to our previously posted pledge list are
Rep Charles "Doc" Anderson, Rep. Betty Brown, Rep. Susan King, Rep Debbie Riddle, and Rep. Diana Maldonado.
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By William Lutz on
6/8/2009 4:46 PM
Milton Rister, a long-time Capitol staffer who most recently was executive director of the Texas Legislative Council, has announced the formation of an exploratory committee for a possible bid for state representative in District 20. That House seat is currently held by Rep. Dan Gattis (R-Georgetown), but Gattis is widely rumored to be considering a bid for the Texas Senate, should incumbent Sen. Steve Ogden (R-College Station) decide to retire. A Rister spokesperson confirmed that Rister is only considering a bid in the event that the seat becomes open.
We reprint the release below:
Milton Rister, today, announced he will form a committee to explore the opportunity to run for state representative for House District 20. He filed his paperwork and is beginning the process of meeting with people to discuss his goals for the district.
“Williamson County is one of the fastest growing areas in the state and concerns about taxes, transportation and voter fraud are all issues at the forefront of people’s minds here,” Rister said.
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By William Lutz on
6/8/2009 3:47 PM
 Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) has announced that he has collected 106 pledges for his re-election campaign.
"I am humbled and honored to have received this overwhelming support," Straus said. "This is a clear indication that members of both parties can set aside their differences to work together to find solutions to critical issues facing our state. I look forward to building on this foundation and working with all of the members during the legislative interim."
We post the pledges below:
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By William Lutz on
6/5/2009 4:14 PM
Another Democrat has announced for the Texas House of Representatives seat currently held by Rep. Terri Hodge (D-Dallas). Eric "EJ " Johnson announced for the seat today. Hodge is currently under federal indictment relating to bribery and is slated to go to trial soon.
I was, frankly, surprised that Hodge avoided an opponent in both the primary and general elections. Indictment usually guarantees opposition. But politics in some parts of Dallas are played by a unique set of rules.
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By William Lutz on
6/5/2009 12:05 PM
Texas Monthly magazine announced its biennial Ten Best and Ten Worst Legislators list. Some might wonder why I am posting about this list. For one thing, it has become as much a part of the culture of a legislative session as the governor’s State of the State address. For another, I’ve had GOP political consultants tell me that being named to the worst list makes it more difficult for an incumbent to get re-elected and requires spending more money than is usual for an incumbent.
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By William Lutz on
6/1/2009 9:26 PM
Here is our final status report during the 81st Legislature. Both the TWIA and school finance bills passed. But the Sunset safety net bill has failed. During the next few days we'll know more about the results of this session and how the governor will react to it.
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By William Lutz on
6/1/2009 9:25 PM
Four Democratic Senators – caucus chair Leticia Van de Putte (San Antonio), Eliot Shapleigh (El Paso), Judith Zaffirini (Laredo), and Mario Gallegos (Galena Park) – held a news conference after adjournment to blast their Republican colleagues .
“We have had a complete and total failure of leadership,” said Van de Putte, noting inaction on insurance and the environment.
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By William Lutz on
6/1/2009 6:50 PM
In political discussions, how come so-called leaders are always the ones raising taxes and spending money. Leadership isn’t about spending other people’s money; it’s about how to provide good value to the taxpayers. Raising taxes isn’t leadership. It’s a cop-out.
Want to see leadership? Look at the 2003 session of the Texas Legislature. $10 billion shortfall and no tax increase. A great welfare reform bill. And no, the sky didn’t fall. In fact, Texas prospered.
The last few days the word “leadership” has been thrown around a lot. Supporters of the local option tax increase have alleged that a lack of leadership killed their plan. Again, leadership – in the eyes of some – means pandering to the whims of taxpayer funded lobbyists who desire higher taxes and new government programs.
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By William Lutz on
6/1/2009 8:22 AM
Here's where we stand on key bills at 9 am just before both houses convene on the regular session's last day.
TWIA (Windstorm bill that was the subject of a special session threat) – a conference report to HB 4409 has been adopted in the House. Awaits action in Senate.
Key Sunset bills:
Safety net bill: HB 1959. Conference report adopted in the Senate. Whether report comes up in the House depends on suspension of rules vote this morning. (Could force special session if vote fails).
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By William Lutz on
5/31/2009 5:23 PM
We now have six hours to go for the House to take up conference reports. The good news is the budget has already been approved in both chambers. Here’s where we stand on the key bills as of 6 p.m. Sunday:
TWIA(Windstorm bill that was the subject of a special session threat) – a conference report to HB 4409 has been filed in both Houses. It is eligible in the House at 11:59 pm today. (The senate has suspended deadlines).
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By William Lutz on
5/31/2009 3:10 PM
The Sunset Safety Net bill will keep lawmakers very, very, very busy in 2011. The conference report to HB 1959 is posted and available online. The biggest change is that a full review of the Texas Education Agency is now scheduled for 2011. The Texas Department of Insurance goes back to 2011. The Texas Department of Transportation is included in the bill and will be reviewed in 2013 (not 2011) if no sunset bill passes. The Texas Railroad Commission and the Texas Council on Environmental Quality are both up for review in 2011. The Department of Public Safety is also included, if its sunset conference report doesn’t make it.
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By William Lutz on
5/31/2009 2:28 PM
 Sen. John Carona (R-Dallas) has stated he will filibuster HB 300, the Texas Department of Transportation sunset bill over the conference committee’s decision not to include the local option tax increase provision. The local option allows local governments to request voter permission to raise taxes to build rail and other transportation improvements. The death of HB 300 will not necessarily kill TxDOT, because Sen. Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) has included TxDOT in HB 1959 – the so-called sunset “safety net” bill. Carona would have to talk until midnight Monday to kill the bill because the Senate has already voted to suspend the rule that conference reports must be adopted by midnight today.
We reprint Carona’s statement below:
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By William Lutz on
5/30/2009 2:10 PM
Last night on the House floor, Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Houston) succeeded in stopping HB 1243 by Rep. Pete Gallego (D-Alpine) from going to the governor or conference. As filed, the bill is a simple net metering bill that allows customers to deduct from their electric bill any electricity generated on site. It is sought by solar power advocates who want to encourage more homeowners to install solar panels on their homes.
But several key electric bills died as a result of the filibuster that occurred on the House floor last week. Therefore, in the Senate, HB 1243 became a Christmas tree for several energy-related bills, most notably SB 921 by Sen. Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) and Rep. Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs).
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By William Lutz on
5/29/2009 10:22 PM
Despite a fair amount of debate, the House voted to go to conference on the sunset safety net bill (HB 1959) ... Leibowitz then made a motion to instruct the conferees not to add TDI to the safety net bill.
After Leibowitz made his motion, Rep. John Otto (R-Dayton) gave Leibowitz a lesson in how to debate bills on the House floor.
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By William Lutz on
5/27/2009 11:26 PM
Sen. Mike Jackson (R-LaPorte) told Senate colleagues avoiding a special session over the state’s windstorm insurance cooperative, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association is a “long-shot.”
TWIA is out of money because of Hurricane Ike and a 2009 hurricane would likely result in assessments to insurance carriers – offset by tax credits. In other words, a 2009 hurricane would blow a hole in the state budget without a TWIA fix.
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