Episode 207: The Ides of March
Almost halfway to the end of the session, where does this legislature stand? What are the hot button issues? Who will be the happiest in June - Governor Perry, Speaker Craddick, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst or the voters? (airing week of March 18th)
Panelists:
- Jason Embry, Austin American-Statesman
- Christy Hoppe, Dallas Morning News
- Clay Robison, Houston Chronicle
Jason Embry covers statewide education issues, school finance and state spending for the Austin American-Statesman. He previously wrote about politics and education at the Waco Tribune-Herald. Jason is a graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown.
Christy Hoppe is the Austin Bureau Chief of The Dallas Morning News. She has covered politics and policies in the state Capitol through the terms of four governors. Prior to
Clay Robison has covered numerous governors, legislative sessions and many political conventions. He also traveled extensively across the country helping to cover George W. Bush's first race for president in 2000. Mr. Robison co-authored three college textbooks on state government and politics: Government and Politics in the
Research Links:
On HPV:
- “House rejects mandate on HPV,” by Karen Brooks,
- “Panel votes to block HPV vaccine requirement,” by Janet Elliot,
- “Senators grill human services chief on HPV vaccine mandate,” by Liz Austin Peterson, Austin American-Statesman, February 28, 2007.
- “Perry Orders HPV Vaccine” by Christy Hoppe,
On TYC:
- “Youth Commission overhaul plan approved,” by Mike Ward,
- “TYC sex allegations exceed 750,” by Doug J. Swanson,
- “Report shows sex abuse at youth lockups not unusual,” by Mike Ward,
- “TYC sex assaults ignored,” by Christy Hoppe and Doug J. Swanson,
- “No shortage of blame for TYC’s woes,” by Clay Robison,
On TXU:
- “TXU buyout gets rough reception in Legislature,” by Claudia Grisales, Austin American-Statesman, February 28, 2007.
- “Inside trades alleged in TXU deal,” by Brendan M. Case,
On TTC/transportation:
- “Lawmakers act to freeze toll projects,” by W. Gardner Selby,
- “Toll hearing focused on private turnpike deals,” by Ben Wear, Laylan Copelin, Austin American-Statesman, March 2, 2007.
- “Measures take aim at toll roads,” by Terrence Stutz,
On Jessica’s Law:
- “Two views of predator plan given,” by Christy Hoppe,
- “Jessica’s Law would allow death penalty for some child predators,” by Jim Vertuno, Associated Press, February 15, 2007.
- “Critics say predator law cost estimates too low,” by Emily Ramshaw,
On Spending Cap:
- “House votes to break spending cap,” by Jason Embry, Austin American-Statesman, February 21, 2007.
