Special session off to slow start

[NoPasaran]

State lawmakers descended on the Capitol on Tuesday for the first day of a special session to overhaul the state's school finance system, milled around for a bit and then went home until next week.

The day's biggest excitement came when Gov. Rick Perry pitched his school finance proposal to the House committee that will get the first shot at drafting a bill. He released statistics on how his plan would affect each Texas school district -- numbers that conflicted with those of Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, who predicts the plan will run up a huge budget deficit.

-snip-

The lack of consensus was evident on the House floor Tuesday, although many members said they want to keep an open mind about the governor's plan and try to find a solution both parties can live with.

Austin Democratic Reps. Eddie Rodriguez and Elliott Naishtat don't like Perry's proposal to raise money for public education by adding a $1-per-pack tax on cigarettes and relying on revenue from video lottery terminals.

-more- http://www.statesman.com/metrostate/content/auto/epaper/editions/wednesday/metro_state_0468d146b15c427610a2.html

Any guesses as to how many special sessions this school finance issue will take to be resolved? It's shaping up as a real battle between Perry and Strayhorn. I have a feeling I'm going to love it.

[efhmc]

1. No, but did you see Strayhorn's comments in the Austin paper

yesterday?

[NoPasaran]

2. I sure did

And posted the story.

[efhmc]

3. Sorry, I missed it here. I read it at the beauty shop. Those were

some reasonable statements. Do you think the repuke have been grooming perry for something national? He is at least half as arrogant as baby bush.

[NoPasaran]

4. I don't think Perry is going national

especially not with The Rumor still festering.

I think that the 2006 Repug primary is going to be mucho entertaining with Strayhorn and maybe Kay Bailey gunning for Goodhair.

[sonias]

5. I love Ms. Piggy's play today

The idea of nixing the alcohol in strip clubs, trying to associate Gov Goodhair with porn. Said she was embarrassed to have her grandchildren raised in a state that financed its schools with porn. Great move Ms. Piggy.

He He He

Sonia




Strayhorn: Shut down the topless bars
Another day, another squabble as Perry-Strayhorn fight continues.
http://www.statesman.com/metrostate/content/auto/epaper/editions/thursday/metro_state_0478e66fa4435079000d.html
"I don't want my five granddaughters growing up in a state where the governor says partnering with sexually oriented nightclubs is an acceptable way to finance their education," she said.

[NoPasaran]

6. Hee Hee

So Goodhair is:
Pro-sleaze
Pro-drinking
Pro-gambling

Interesting set of "family values" isn't it?

[GOPisEvil]

7. ...and he might just be one o' them...uh, homasexools...

Man, the "one tough Gramma" is hitting him hard isn't she?

I love Republicans when they're eating their own. Makes me want to pop some popcorn and watch the fireworks.

[sonias]

8. You know if any of us had some good Flash skills

We could be making some funny movies on the state of affairs in Texas. Another good slogan besides the Chronicle's excellent one "Tits for Tots" was John Kelso's "TAKS and Tassels, no place but Texas". It was an old column from last week and I can't find the link, but it was hilarious. You would have kids coming to your door selling blow up adult pleasure dolls for fundraising. Hey they sell better than gift wrap and cookies. Family values indeed!

Sonia