John Savage
By John Savage:
New Report Challenges Claims Charters Do More With Less
A new report from one of the state's leading school finance experts shows that many charters — particularly the state’s largest charter networks — get more state funding, not less, than traditional schools. Read More
The Waiting Game
With no place to go, many Texans with intellectual disabilities end up on the streets.
As many as 73,000 Texans with intellectual disabilities are on a waiting list to receive home- and community-based services, such as employment assistance, behavioral counseling, dental care and placement in small group homes with around-the-clock caregivers. In contrast, at least 17 other states have waitlists with fewer than 1,000 people. Read More
Fight Over LGBT-Themed Children’s Books Heats Up Hood County
During a standing-room-only Hood County Commissioners' Court meeting on Tuesday, residents voiced objections to the presence of two LGBT-themed children's books in the county library. The commissioners supported the decision of the library's advisory board, which voted to keep the books. Read More
Lawmaker Pushes for ‘Liberty Cities’
Collectively referred to as "liberty cities," Texas conservatives have come up with a way to defend local control while denying municipalities the freedom to enact regulations preferred by local officials. Read More
How Texas Became a New Front in Marijuana Legalization Fight
With strong right-wing bonafides, state Rep. David Simpson and lawmakers like him are leading a liberty-based charge to legalize marijuana in Texas. Read More
Defying Senate, House Votes to Preserve Institution for Intellectually Disabled
Defying the Senate, House members voted to preserve a state-run supported living center that had been slated for closure, reflecting a larger rift over care for intellectually disabled Texans. Read More
It’s Crunch Time for Education Reform Bills
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made education reform his mission this legislative session, but the success of his agenda is in doubt now that only one measure has a clear path to becoming law. Read More
Quixotic Plan to Amend U.S. Constitution Passes Texas House
While many economist and critics decry the idea, the Texas House passed a resolution requesting that Congress convene a convention of states to consider amending the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced budget. Read More
Senate Votes to Increase Funding for ‘Godless,’ ‘Socialistic’ Pre-K
After about an hour of debate, the Senate passed legislation Thursday that would modestly increase funding for pre-K programs. House Bill 4, a priority of Gov. Greg Abbott, passed on a 25-6 vote, with a handful of GOP senators voting no. Read More