Legislature to weigh bills that address tuition, accountability, cafeteria food

Posted on Tuesday, December 30

By Ericka Mellon

Texas lawmakers plan to tackle a range of education issues when they convene next month, from slashing the fat in cafeteria food to overhauling the school accountability system.

While rising college tuition is likely to dominate much of the conversation in the upcoming Legislative session, school districts are lobbying for an overhaul of the K-12 funding system as well. Lawmakers aren't making any promises.

"Are we going to start school finance from the ground up? I don't think so," said Rep. Rob Eissler, R-The Woodlands, who chairs the House Public Education Committee. "But we'll certainly look for a way to be more effective."

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Emily Ramshaw

AUSTIN – A high-profile California developer has big plans for the east bank of the Trinity River, a waterfront project that could include a bowling alley, a movie theater – even a sky-scraping Ferris wheel. One thing stands in his way: the 2,200-inmate Dawson State Jail.

Dallas city officials say moving the state jail, which sits at the gateway to the massive Trinity parks project, should be simple enough, though it requires legislative approval.

Representative Dan Branch delivered calendars to the teachers and administrators of Uptown Dallas' Ben Milam Elementary School.

Rep. Branch paid a visit to East Dallas' James. B. Bonham Elementary in mid-December.  Along with help in leading the pledges of allegiance, Rep. Branch joined the students of Bonham in welcoming the Orchestra of New Spain to Dallas.  Branch also delivered some "Bonham Pride" yard signs to the parents, teachers and students to display in their yards and around the school to help show their pride in their exemplary rated school.

Representative Branch spoke to members of TPERF and TASA at the Austin Hyatt about the upcoming legislative session. Rep. Branch was joined on the dais by Speaker Craddick, Reps. Scott Hochberg, Rob Eissler, Geanie Morrison, and Diane Patrick.

Representative Branch spoke to members of TASA/TASB at the Austin Hilton about the upcoming legislative session. Rep. Branch was joined on the dais by Senator Shapiro and Representative Eissler.