U.K.-Texas ties remain strong after Brexit vote
The United Kingdom’s relationship with Texas is one of the longest-standing elements of our historical connection to the United States.
More Columns
Congress must treat Zika as a women's health issue
It is in the best interest of all Texas women, infants and families that we press our legislators for swift action to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.
Timing is right for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Texas leaders need to take a stand – support the Trans-Pacific Partnership and support more jobs in Texas.
Donna Lake community must unite to end toxic fish crisis
Long-term solutions to the problem of toxic fish in the Donna Reservoir and Canal System could take years, but there are ways to keep people safe right now.
The looming fiscal cliff for Texas hospitals
The consequences of not increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates and reducing the number of uninsured are not theoretical. The good news is the Legislature knows ahead of time what it needs to do, and it can act to avoid the looming fiscal cliff.
Why Texas shouldn't run public schools like businesses
It's time for school funding in Texas to reflect the reality of how fast our state is growing.
Emergency leave policies warrant legislative attention
Public employees are paid with hard-earned tax dollars, and we should expect those dollars to lead to actual work while an employee is on the public clock.
Preventive health care for women key to Zika defense
With the threat of Zika looming in Texas, preventive health care for women has never been more important. Fortunately, there are concrete steps the state can take to get in front of Zika and limit its impact.
Don't blame oil prices for budget woes
A 4 percent budget cut may not seem like much to the casual observer, but for a state that already underinvests in critical public services like education and health care, it represents potentially significant cuts to services that help Texans compete and succeed in life.
The Problem with the Declaration of Independence
Immigrants like me continue to see opportunity in the inspiring words of the Declaration of Independence. But those same words can also represent a big obstacle toward making the United States a welcoming country.
Texas needs a conservative spending limit
For Texas families to continue flourishing under a responsible model of no personal income tax and relatively low taxes overall, government spending must be restrained. The Texas Legislature can do this next session by passing a conservative spending limit.
"Flesh-eating" bacteria scares shouldn't keep you off Texas beaches
While the news stories and photos of people inflicted with Vibrio vulnificus are certainly chilling, the chance of infection is extraordinarily low. In fact, with a few commonsense precautions, the risk is almost nonexistent.
Texas needs better protection for at-risk kids
It is better for Texas to protect high-risk children and adolescents before they enter institutionalized systems.
Supreme Court's abortion decision is a win for Texas women
The Supreme Court's decision to strike down key provisions of House Bill 2 doesn't eliminate the burdens women carry in trying to access legal abortion in Texas, but it does considerably lighten the load.
How the Brexit broke this Texan's heart
I made England my home for some of the most important years of my life. I did my best to leave a positive mark. I feel like I achieved that. But I don't feel like I would be welcomed back
Step therapy puts patients' health in jeopardy
Doctors should have the final say in the medicine a patient receives, but a practice known as step therapy too often puts that decision in the hands of insurance companies.
Texans deserve more integrated health care
Physical health and mental health are inextricably bound together. But we can easily lose sight of how poorly and infrequently this basic truth is reflected in the systems we’ve developed to care for ourselves and one another.
For the Texas Supreme Court, the right ruling for the wrong law
A recent Texas Supreme Court decision held that owners of property illegally seized by authorities are not subject to constitutional protections. Even worse, this ruling was entirely correct.
My GED story
My formal education ended with a master’s degree, but it started by passing the GED.
Trump vs. Clinton? Try Claytie vs. Ann Richards
Stop me if you've heard this one: A gaffe-prone multimillionaire runs a vitriolic, divisive campaign against a veteran female politician. Trump for president in 2016? Try Claytie for Texas governor in 1990.