80th Session Of Legislature Finally Ends

The 140 days are over and the Texas Legislature has finally ended one of its more acrimonious sessions. They did some good things and some silly things, but I've seen worse sessions with the Republicans in charge (the redistricting session for one).

Among the silly bills passed were the doubling of the marriage license fee, putting a Bible class in public schools (at least it's optional), and insuring that students can preach their religion at school.

They also gave the governor a $35,000 dollar raise (which is more than most other state employees make in a year). State troopers, game wardens, and alcohol-enforcement officers get a 5-10% raise. Teachers get a $450 dollar raise and other state employees get a 2% raise (including TYC and TDCJ workers) which amounts to $600 or less . Doesn't seem fair, but Republicans are not big on fairness.

There were a few good things accomplished. The Children's Health Insurance Program got its funding back, and they made the application process a little easier. State parks got a lot more funding, at least for this two-year period (up 32.5%). TYC got a much-needed overhaul (but the improved pay for corrections officers did not happen). Public and higher education got a 7% boost, and the top 10% rule was kept on college admissions.

Democrats were also able to kill the odious Republican-sponsored Voter ID bill. Texans owe a debt of thanks to these Democrats, especially Sen. Mario Gallegos who risked his own health to make sure the Democrats had enough votes.

Perhaps most interesting was the effort in the closing days to dump House Speaker Craddick. In order to save his job, Craddick declared himself Dictator and refused to recognize any of his opponents. This sets up an interesting battle for the start of the next legislative session. We could actually see a new speaker elected.

There was a new toll-road moratorium passed but it was a very weak one, and did not include many toll-roads already proposed. The general public is going to have to continue this battle and get a lot louder with their opposition.

But take heart fellow Texans. We won't have to put up with these nuts again for nearly two whole years. Maybe by then, we can put a lot more Democrats in the legislature.