Don't ignore gains under No Child Left Behind
Yes, the 13-year-old law needs an update. But now is not the time to re-litigate a decade’s worth of real progress.
More Columns
It's time to change Confederate Heroes Day
How can our state call the Confederate flag offensive while honoring the people who fought under it with their own state holiday? Let's make it a holiday for all Texans.
Honor the dignity of the workers who build Texas
The men and women who work the most dangerous jobs in Texas deserve real protections and a true shot at economic opportunity. It's time for lawmakers to take action.
What Walker's surge means for Cruz and Perry
Is the Wisconsin governor’s newfound popularity coming at the two Texans’ expense?
Franchised dealership laws are good for Texas
Texas' motor vehicle franchise laws protect free-market principles. Exceptions for special interests are a threat to consumers.
Reform state purchasing now
Texans must feel confident that their tax dollars are being used wisely and fairly. As the state's chief financial officer, I'm committed to transparency and trustworthiness in the contracting and purchasing process.
Forging an innovative path on health care
We should look to other states to find new health care solutions that can be used to develop a uniquely Texan coverage plan.
After judge's ruling, lives left in limbo
A federal judge's decision to block President Obama's immigration actions has left the lives and dignity of real Texans hanging in the balance. Here are two of their stories.
I'm not done with politics
I may not be running for office again, but the story behind Texas’ success needs to be told. And in the years ahead, I’ll play a role in telling it.
A Texas-style Medicaid solution is still possible
This is the year our state leaders must stand up against uninformed ideological shouting and support a way to extend health coverage to all eligible Texans.
The myth of "conservative" Medicaid expansion
State lawmakers will no doubt hear calls this session for a “Texas way” to expand Medicaid. They should keep in mind the other states that have fallen for that argument.
It's time to end straight-ticket voting in Texas
Straight-ticket voting allows citizens to skip spending the time and energy needed to become educated voters. Let's join 39 other states in the U.S. and get rid of it.
Pregnant women in Texas deserve fairness
Pregnancy discrimination in Texas is not only real but often perfectly legal under state law. It's time to put an end to that.
On health care, Texas can do better
By leveraging the strengths of the private health insurance market, Texas can reduce the number of uninsured citizens while holding on to its conservative values.
Why "drill, baby, drill" was right
President Obama has said we can’t drill our way to lower gas prices. Respectfully, Mr. President, “yes we can.” And yes we did. No one knows that better than Texans.
How conservative is too conservative?
Republicans dominate the Texas Legislature, but is there such a thing as "too far to the right"? An analysis of two conservative groups' scorecards of lawmakers shows that it depends on whom you ask.
How to elevate quality of care for Texas seniors
Texas leads the nation on so many fronts, from a thriving economy to lower taxes. It’s time we work together to make Texas a leader in long-term care.
In "Selma," a missing message of hope
Selma riveted me, but I was sad to see the film depict my father as a reluctant latecomer to the civil rights movement rather than the partner I'd seen in the fight for social justice.
Special exceptions are not how Texas does business
Tesla operates on special rules and handouts. We simply don’t believe that’s how Texas should do business.
When grand jury duty calls
Being on a grand jury is an experience that leaves you either eager to serve again, or eager to never serve again. Either way, it's important work that shouldn't be trivialized.