San Antonio Express-News & Houston Chronicle AUSTIN — Hours after University of Texas crews removed red spray paint reading “Black Lives Matter” from a Jefferson Davis monument, the school's president commissioned a task force to make recommendations about whether to remove the controversial statue. The prominently displayed monument of the Confederate president has been under renewed … Continue reading Jefferson Davis statue vandalized at UT
Mentions: nicolecobler
Foster care deaths prompt legislative changes
San Antonio Express-News & Houston Chronicle AUSTIN — An alarming number of deaths of children in foster care last year sparked legislative change this session, but watchdogs argue that those measures didn’t go far enough. There are 17,000 children in foster care in the state. An interim House committee met this year over the cases of … Continue reading Foster care deaths prompt legislative changes
Kids experience the art of legislating up close
San Antonio Express-News AUSTIN — Jacob Hale, 14, thought replacing Confederate Heroes Day with a broader remembrance of the Civil War was just common sense. But when he brought his idea to the Legislature, he found himself branded a “liberal communist” on social media. “At first I was like, ‘That’s kind of strange that people … Continue reading Kids experience the art of legislating up close
San Antonio’s newest lawmaker hits the ground running
San Antonio Express-News AUSTIN — San Antonio’s newest representative took her seat in the House at the end of April — well after the deadline for filing bills and leaving her colleagues little time to grasp the pronunciation of her Spanish surname. “Min-ha-rez,” Rep. Ina Minjarez, D-San Antonio, reminds her colleagues on the floor. “It’s … Continue reading San Antonio’s newest lawmaker hits the ground running
Growing number of women vets prompts need for state program
AUSTIN — A state program to provide a permanent means for women military veterans living in Texas to receive health and parental benefits is advancing in the House and Senate. If the legislation is eventually approved and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, the measure would be the first such program geared strictly to … Continue reading Growing number of women vets prompts need for state program
Ethics questions prompts an agency retreat on boxing tickets for lawmakers
San Antonio Express-News & Houston Chronicle AUSTIN — When the cornerman for boxer Carlos Molina famously jumped into the ring a bit too early for the referee’s liking during a 2012 fight at Reliant Arena, prompting the winning Molina’s disqualification and thunderous boos from the packed crowd — few spectators had a better view than a … Continue reading Ethics questions prompts an agency retreat on boxing tickets for lawmakers
Doves proving problematic for military pilots
San Antonio Express-News A booming dove population coupled with rapid community expansion is creating significant risk around military aircraft training facilities in San Antonio, according to commanders. As many as 10,000 white-winged doves fly across the south end of the runway at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph every day during the summer, said Air Force Col. … Continue reading Doves proving problematic for military pilots
A cool greyhound could be the House’s libation of choice
San Antonio Express-News & Houston Chronicle AUSTIN - As lawmakers ponder serious issues that impact Texans, at least one elected leader has taken the time to file a resolution that would designate an alcoholic beverage as the official drink of the 84th Legislature. Rep. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, filed HCR 101, which would designate Texas vodka … Continue reading A cool greyhound could be the House’s libation of choice
Lawmakers respond to an increase of veterans in the state
San Antonio Express-News & Houston Chronicle AUSTIN — Legislators on both sides of the aisle agree there’s an increasing need to boost health and workforce benefits for Texas veterans this session. About 31,600 additional veterans are expected to be in the state next year, an impact of troops coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Texas … Continue reading Lawmakers respond to an increase of veterans in the state
Lawmakers eye requiring schools to stock allergic-reaction drug
San Antonio Express-News & Houston Chronicle AUSTIN - San Antonio’s largest school districts, Northside and North East ISD, are a step ahead of lawmakers filing bills that would require public and charter schools to stock medicine that can counteract allergic reactions. Despite a federal law that provides financial incentives to stock the drug, many Texas schools … Continue reading Lawmakers eye requiring schools to stock allergic-reaction drug
Nicole Cobler 