A budget that works for all Texans
We all want a Texas budget that reduces wasteful spending. But neither chamber's initial proposal makes sufficient investments to help hard-working Texans or their families.
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Does the Texas Legislature care about kids?
As the head of a foster care program for children in the state's care, I've struggled to find any evidence of true family values in Texas' lawmakers budget proposals this year.
Texting-while-driving ban is long overdue
Local laws in Texas banning texting while driving are good, but this patchwork of ordinances confuses drivers and jeopardizes safety. To save more lives, we must take action at the statewide level.
As measles threat rises, we can keep Texas safe
Falling vaccination rates have made the resurgence of preventable diseases inevitable. But as a measles outbreak grows, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our children.
A plea for decency, not bigotry
The ignorance of a few protesters and one lawmaker will not deter Muslims like me from voicing our opinions or working to foster a better understanding of our faith. It'll only make us work harder.
Texas again playing politics with women's lives
It’s unthinkable that the Texas Legislature would turn back the clock on something as basic as women's access to cancer screenings. Of course, the state is no stranger to these kinds of maneuvers.
Obama's college plan may be Texas' least bad option
President Obama's community college proposal isn't perfect, but the status quo isn't cutting it for students in Texas. It may just be our least bad alternative.
It's time to end the crude oil export ban
As an oil price slump costs our state jobs and revenue, there's something Washington can do to help the U.S. cement its status as a global energy superpower: lift the outdated ban on crude oil exports.
7 takeaways from Iowa
At this weekend's unofficial kickoff of the 2016 GOP presidential race, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker gained the most ground. But a focused and animated Rick Perry also turned some heads.
Why Texas needs more women in STEM
For Texas to remain one of the nation's high-tech leaders, we must actively work to build a science, technology, engineering and math workforce that better reflects our population.
2015: An agenda for criminal justice
It may surprise some, but Texas is widely viewed as a national leader on criminal justice reform. This year, state lawmakers have the ability capitalize on that success.
Inside Patrick's inside game
Think Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s commitments to the GOP’s activist base will hobble him in office? Think again.
How to best serve Texans this legislative session
Focusing on issues affecting citizens age 50 and up will be key to making this a great legislative session for Texas.
Citizens United: 5 years later
Citizens United has unleashed a tide of big money into our election system, threatening to drown out the voices of ordinary Texans. Fortunately, there's something we can do about it.
Don't let good work get lost in the headlines
Texans shouldn't let the debate over contracting in state government overshadow the vital work of companies like 21CT, whose oversight of state programs has served Texas taxpayers well.
2015: An agenda for public education
To build on the education reform successes of last session, Texas lawmakers this year should seek solutions that benefit all students — not divisive, silver-bullet proposals like school vouchers.
Making Texas' new space race sustainable
The future is bright for the commercial space industry in Texas, but we'll need resources to help train Texans to fill jobs in this brand-new field.
2015: An agenda for education reform
Opponents of education reform blocked several important measures in 2013, but they're not likely to have as much luck this year. The education reform coalition in Texas is bigger, more diverse and more galvanized than ever.
A healthy vision for Texas
A strong health care system is critical to all Texans' physical and economic health. That's why the government must make it easier for physicians to care for their patients.
2015: An agenda for transportation
With transportation concerns now finally at the forefront in Texas, it's time for lawmakers to start properly funding our state's infrastructure in the face of competing demands and declining revenues.