Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Wednesday, May 31, 2023:
Abbott calls special session to advance more Republican priorities
Gov. Greg Abbott called a special legislative session just hours after the Legislature adjourned on Monday. The reason for this lawmaking overtime? Most Republican priorities outlined earlier this year failed, despite Republicans being the majority party. The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán reports.
How much does a special session and the impeachment trial cost Texas taxpayers?
Things are moving quickly at the statehouse. The House has already adjourned, and the bulk of leadership at the Texas Attorney General’s office is taking leave to defend their embattled, impeached boss. How much will the extra activity at the Capitol cost? Rice University political science professor Mark Jones joins us with the latest.
Texas Education Agency takeover of Houston ISD nears
The Texas Education Agency is expected to take over the Houston Independent School District on Thursday, when the superintendent and elected school board will be replaced by state-appointed managers. Dominic Anthony Walsh reports on the challenges they face.
What Texas’ new economic development program looks like
Texas lawmakers have reached a compromise on a new economic incentive program to attract businesses. The program offers smaller tax breaks and stricter eligibility criteria compared to the previous one. UT-Austin government professor Nathan Jensen joins us with some insights on incentives and economic development.
The Uvalde mariachi team’s win was a bright spot in a year of darkness
The tragedy that happened in Uvalde has left immeasurable scars and divided the city. But for a moment, one tireless teacher and a group of young musicians gave Uvalde something to cheer about together. Julyssa Lopez, senior music editor for Rolling Stone, wrote about it in the latest issue and joins us today.
How did Texas healthcare fare at the Legislature this session?
The Texas Legislature may have already kicked off a special session, but there’s still plenty to process from the regular session that wrapped Monday. The Texas Newsroom’s Aurora Berry, the Standard’s Alexandra Hart, KUT’s Olivia Aldridge and KERA’s Elena Rivera report on how health and healthcare fared at the Capitol this year.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
