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Day 72 of the 82nd Texas Legislature

LINE OF THE DAY
“You’re not giving nothing but rhetoric and double talk!”
Sen. Mario Gallegos lambasts Houston ISD Superintendent Terry Grier during yesterday’s Senate Education hearing.

FLOOR PLAY BY ABBY RAPOPORT
An ongoing feud between Sen. Mario Gallegos and Houston ISD’s Terry Grier sparked some heated exchanges during yesterday Senate Education Committee hearing. Abby Rapoport has the details on the soap-opera-worthy drama that unfolded.  

OBSERVED
“When you’ve got Tom Craddick, consumer groups, the Midland County District Attorney and Bible-quoting Baptists arrayed against you, most likely you’re facing a serious come-to-Jesus moment.” Forrest Wilder describes the strange coalition that came forward to support legislation aimed at reining in Texas’ predatory payday lending industry.  

BEST OF THE REST
Legislators looking to cut costs wherever they can are eyeing a little-known program that provides inmates a chance to earn their college degrees while serving time, reports the Austin American-Statesman. Supporters of the program argue it gives criminals a second chance.  

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
Voter ID is back on the House floor today. Democrats stalled the bill on Monday on a technicality, but they better have more tricks up their coat sleeves if they want to stop the Republican supermajority from passing the bill this time around.