It’s really called a Special Session, but to most of us, it feels more like overtime. We just completed the 140-day regular session and on the very next day, we started our Special Session. There is no firm end date but if you read last week’s column, you know that it cannot be more than…

With our May 30th end of session fast approaching, there is growing talk of a Special Session. I have not experienced one of these so I have been reading our rules and talking with my colleagues to 1) see how likely it might be and 2) better understand how these work. The big issue, as…

Lobbyists have a public image about equal to that of used car salesmen — or perhaps as low as politicians! Like most images, there is some basis for it but it really paints with a broad brush a group of people who can be very valuable to us in the legislative process. I think their…

Last week we addressed the committee process and this week we look at what happens at the next step, when we convene in the House floor. Anybody observing the House members when we convene on the floor will see lots of movement. Representatives don’t simply sit at their desk and vote. We’re working and this…

People are often surprised when I tell them that I hear from about 1% of my constituents. It seems that the prevailing attitude is one of leaving it up to somebody else. While that sometimes presents a challenge for me to know what our neighbors think, it is a real plus for you as it…

The Internet has transformed the way we get information. There is so much available and this is especially true for the world of politics. The mainstream media does not give much coverage to the State Legislature so if you want to learn more, it has probably never been easier. It is easy to get overwhelmed…

Last week, the Texas House of Representatives passed legislation that addresses the state’s current and future fiscal situation. These bills, which I authored, close the state’s current budget shortfall of $4.3 billion and reflect that the state will have less money to spend over the next two years. The current shortfall exists because our state…

Making changes to bills happens throughout the legislative process. Once the bill is drafted or introduced, these become formalized and follow specific structures. They vary in type and timing and in their impact on the proposed bill. Some are helpful and others, be design, can be devastating. The committee substitute stage provides a the greatest…