Proposal would put contracts under increased scrutiny

AUSTIN — Signaling his intent to promote transparency and accountability in the 84th Texas Legislature, Speaker Joe Straus on Jan. 9 announced that in the coming weeks the House would release a budget proposal designed to strengthen oversight of state agency contracts. The Legislature convenes Jan. 13.

New mix of lawmakers, officials heading for Austin

AUSTIN — When the 84th Texas Legislature convenes on Jan. 13 and oaths of office are administered, the political party split will be 21 Republicans to 10 Democrats in the 31-member Senate, and 98 Republicans to 52 Democrats in the 150-member House. 

Texas notches big year for job creation

AUSTIN — 2014 has been a banner year for job creation in Texas, according to government assessments.

Drawing on figures calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas Workforce Commission on Dec. 19 reported employers added 34,800 seasonally adjusted total non-farm jobs in November, for a total of 441,200 jobs added since last year. 

State contract with tech firm prompts calls for probe

AUSTIN — State Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, on Dec. 18 requested that the special prosecution unit of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office “begin a formal and thorough investigation” into transactions between the State of Texas and 21CT, a software intelligence firm with offices here and in Vienna, Virginia.

Information about the transactions came to light via an ongoing investigation and stories published by the Austin American-Statesman. 

Panel sets $7 billion minimum for Rainy Day Fund

AUSTIN — On Dec. 11, a Senate-House joint committee empaneled to adopt a sufficient balance for the state’s “rainy day fund” approved $7 billion as the floor for it.

Perry directs state agencies to screen employees

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry on Dec. 3 ordered state agencies to check the employment eligibility of current and prospective employees by using E-Verify, an Internet-based system that allows employers to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. 

Suspected shooter dies in confrontation with police officer

AUSTIN — Police responded to reports of gunfire in the capital city’s downtown area around 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 28. 

More than 200 rounds were fired in about 10 minutes, hitting buildings including the Mexican consulate, police headquarters and the federal court building. No pedestrians, motorists or building occupants were reported injured in the incident.

Perry, Abbott react to Obama’s announcement on immigration

Spigot is on: Lawmakers begin to file bills, resolutions

AUSTIN — On Nov. 10, dozens among Texas’ 31 state senators and 150 state representatives, including a few members-elect who won’t be sworn for nearly two months, jumped right in and filed legislative bills in advance of the 84th regular session of the Texas Legislature, which convenes on Tuesday, Jan. 13. 

Abbott, Patrick win top posts as Republicans dominate

AUSTIN — Winners in the Nov. 4 general election on the whole proved that incumbency and/or Republican party membership continue to be assets when Texas voters hit the polls.