Let parents hold Texas schools accountable
All too often, the public education system slams the door in the faces of parents whose children attend failing schools. It's time for Texas to give parents the ability to force districts to make changes.
More Columns
Why I defended Confederate flag license plates
Friends, family and former associates have demanded to know why I, a protégé of the Supreme Court’s first African-American justice, would go to bat for a cause they consider racist. My answer is simple.
A smart fix for oil and gas regulation in Texas
Texans know from experience that local officials and the oil and gas industry can work together to reach reasonable compromises. A plan up for debate in the Legislature preserves that legacy.
End Texas' Tesla tyranny
I moved to Texas for its freedom and entrepreneurial spirit. So why is the state shackling Tesla with draconian restrictions that limit consumer choice?
What "religious freedom" supporters aren't saying
Supporters of proposed "religious freedom" bills in Texas say the measures only serve to strengthen existing law. But there's a big difference between their proposals and what's on the books right now.
What a tax fight says about Texas' future
How Texas lawmakers will cut taxes has emerged as the defining fight of this year's legislative session, highlighting the tension between the state's political culture and its rapid economic growth.
Texas shouldn't retreat from religious freedom bill
The furor that followed the recent passage of Indiana and Arkansas' religious freedom acts shouldn't deter Texas from moving forward with a measure of its own.
Fixing Medicaid requires state investment
Medicaid isn't perfect. But the cure for what ails it is investment, not neglect.
Battleground Texas' bleak future
The much-hyped group sold a bill of goods the first time around, and as 2016 approaches, Democrats willing to invest in it again deserve to lose their money.
We need a statewide solution for Uber and Lyft
Texas' patchwork of onerous regulations for companies like Uber and Lyft is bad for business and limiting access to much-needed transportation alternatives. It's time for a statewide fix.
Kill voucher proposals once and for all
Despite widespread opposition, efforts to take money from our public schools are up for debate in Texas again. Let's bury these proposals for good.
Finding common ground on budget transparency
We're two grassroots leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum, but on this we can agree: Texas can and must improve its fiscal transparency.
Let more community colleges offer four-year degrees
To address changing workforce needs and ballooning higher education costs, Texas should open up more pathways to a four-year degree.
School choice will help rural Texas, too
School choice proposals are popular in Texas, but opposition among rural lawmakers is only accelerating the decline of their communities.
Why school finance data can be deceiving
A new plan in the Legislature to finally fix the state’s broken school finance system is encouraging. But lawmakers should proceed carefully, because there’s more to the numbers than meets the eye.
Texas' economic segregation crisis
Texas' major metro regions are now among the most economically segregated parts of the country. It will take a new generation of policies to make sure that all Texans have a true shot at success.
What's next for the gay rights movement in Texas
As marriage equality waits in the wings, LGBT Texans still lack basic protections when it comes to employment, housing and public accommodations. That's our next fight — and it's already underway.
Supreme Court must reconsider UT's admissions policy
An explosive new report should give the U.S. Supreme Court yet another reason to again review the use of race in the University of Texas at Austin's admissions policy.
Kids who can't be vaccinated have rights, too
I respect the rights of parents who choose not to vaccinate their children. In return, I simply ask that they respect my right to know the school where my medically fragile child will be safest.
A responsible blueprint for a growing state
There's plenty to like about the Texas House's proposed state budget for the next two years. It's conservative and leaves room for tax relief while recognizing the needs of our rapidly growing state.