State Representatives Share Insights with Political Science Class

December 3, 2009

Press Release

This fall, five key state legislators had the opportunity to teach a public policy class as part of the UT Dallas Center for the Study of Texas Politics.

December 4, 2009

Ross Ramsey

If you're checking off the boxes for gubernatorial candidates, Thursday belonged to Gov. Rick Perry, who filed for reelection before noon on the first day he was allowed to do so.

December 19, 2009

Melissa Ludwig


“Life gets in the way.”Those five words sum up a range of reasons why fewer than 60 percent of college students in the United States graduate from the same institution within six years, a statistic that's caused growing consternation among lawmakers and parents shelling out for hefty tuition bills.

December 23, 2009

Editorial

The most consequential ideas often reflect a simple elegance.

So it is with a concept that blossomed this year for university-building in Texas. The idea quietly made its way into the corridors of the state Capitol, then into hearing rooms, then into the House and Senate, and then – finally – into state law and the Texas Constitution.

December 24, 2009

Rodger Jones

Jump over to WFAA's website to see Texan of the Year nomination videos from:

John McCaa -- Nomination is USAirways hero pilot Chesley Sullenberger, who crash-landed his crippled jetliner into the Hudson River, saving all passengers aboard.

December 27, 2009

Opinion

Education front


State Rep. Dan Branch's efforts to bring more Tier One universities to Texas can only be described as masterful. His work to put together a

SPEAKER JOE STRAUS ANNOUNCES HOUSE APPOINTMENTS TO THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

AUSTIN, Texas—Today, Speaker Joe Straus (San Antonio) announced reappointments to the Legislative Budget Board. Representatives Dan Branch (Dallas) and Sylvester Turner (Houston) have been reappointed to continue their important work. Representatives Rene Oliveira, Chairman of Ways and Means (Brownsville) and Jim Pitts, Chairman of Appropriations (Waxahachie) will serve on the Board ex officio in their capacity as Chairmen.

"I am pleased to reappoint Representatives Branch and Turner to serve on the Legislative Budget Board along with Representatives Oliveira and Pitts as ex officio members," said Speaker Straus. "The sound guidance and good counsel of all the members will help Texas face many fiscal challenges ahead. In preparation for the 2011 legislative session, it’s crucial to review and analyze our budget to determine ways to improve efficiency and save taxpayer dollars."

The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) is a permanent joint committee of the Texas Legislature that develops budget and policy recommendations for legislative appropriations for all agencies of state government, as well as completes fiscal analyses for proposed legislation. The LBB also conducts evaluations and reviews for the purpose of identifying and recommending changes that improve the efficiency and performance of state and local operations and finances. Legislation creating the LBB requires all state agencies to submit their budget requests to The Board for review and recommendations.

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Rep. Branch delivered the commencement address at the University of the Incarnate Word's December graduation ceremonies. Approximately 2,500 audience members and graduates listened to Branch's remarks, which highlighted the key tenets of the university: truth, innovation, service, education and faith.