CBS Dallas / Fort Worth » Politics

Fort Worth Opens Pools Closed By Budget Cuts

KTVTPhil — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:27:30 +0000

Budget cuts forced Fort Worth to close city pools in need of repairs, but those pools are set to open again. Fort Worth city councilman Joel Burns talked about the opening.

DFW Exhibit Shows Last Art Seen By JFK

KTVTPhil — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:37:53 +0000

DALLAS (AP) - Artist Jack Zajac says that learning earlier this year that his bronze sculpture was among the last works of art seen by President John F. Kennedy left him feeling “reverential.”

Zajac’s small sculpture of a goat was displayed among works by Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh in the Fort Worth hotel suite of the president and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

A group of Fort Worth’s citizens had organized the private exhibit to honor the president’s overnight stay.

Almost all of those works have been reunited for an exhibit opening Sunday at the Dallas Museum of Art.

The exhibit runs in Dallas through Sept. 15. It will then open Oct. 12 at the Fort Worth’s Amon Carter Museum of American Art.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Severe Weather Aftermath – May 16
PHOTOS: Dallas Comic Con 2013

President Obama To Visit Tornado-Ravaged Moore, Oklahoma

ktvtdeborah — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:53:35 +0000

People walk in their tornado-devastated neighborhood on May 22, 2013 in Moore, Oklahoma. (credit: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — President Barack Obama will travel to tornado-ravaged Moore, Oklahoma, on Sunday.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says the president will view the tornado damage first-hand. He also plans to meet with victims and first responders.

The monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburb Monday afternoon, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of rubble. State authorities say two infants and eight children were among the 24 people who perished in the twister.

The town of Moore is a community of 41,000 people located about 10 miles south of Oklahoma City. On Wednesday redients of Moore continued to return to their homes to access the damage retrieve what property they could.

(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Severe Weather Aftermath – May 16
PHOTOS: Dallas Comic Con 2013

Bill Would Require Warrant For Police Cell Phone Tracking

ktvtdeborah — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:05:43 +0000

Two women compare cell phones. (credit: Getty Images/Emmanuel Dunand/AFP)

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Tracking your location through your cell phone will be a bit more complicated for police if Governor Perry signs one bill at the state capitol.

As it stands, it’s fairly easy for police to track your moves. Texas law allows service providers to release your personal location information to government agencies with no questions asked.

American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (ACLU) policy strategist Matt Simpson said just like anything else personal, there should be a process to collecting information. “Just like ya know, going to your house and going through your mail, or going through your car. Law enforcement should follow Fourth Amendment standards and kind of the spirit of the Fourth Amendment when these searches are conducted.”

The Fourth Amendment extends protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

House Bill 1608 would require police officers and prosecutors to prove probable cause and be granted a warrant from a judge before having access to records.

The bill has passed through the Legislature and is waiting for Governor Perry’s signature.

Simpson insists the bill would help with prosecutions. “This process doesn’t create really a hurdle, it just ensures that when this location information is used in criminal investigations it will be constitutionally sought and it won’t be suppressed at trial for being wrongfully collected.”

Currently authorities don’t need a warrant for access to email, and even email drafts, that are more than 180 days old.

But everyone doesn’t support the bill; some police officers and prosecutors are arguing that the higher standard of proof would make it harder to catch criminals in long-term investigations.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

State House Set For Major Budget Vote

KTVTPhil — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:59:49 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst says he is taking House leaders at their word, and that delicate pieces of a complicated Texas budget deal will be passed.

A big test comes today. That is when the House is expected to finally take up a new state water plan that is crucial to a spending compromise.

It comes a day after the House blew off a midnight vote deadline amid signs of distrust and frustration. House Democrats want assurance that a separate spending bill in the Senate’s hands will include an extra $200 million for public schools.

Another major part of the budget if tax relief. Dewhurst says $1.5 billion in tax cuts and refunds were approved yesterday by the Senate, which must now negotiate final numbers with the House.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Perry To Address Business Forum In Austin

KTVTPhil — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:54:13 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - Gov. Rick Perry is delivering the keynote address at the Governor’s Small Business Forum’s 2013 Texas Global Business Summit.

Wednesday’s event in Austin comes as the state Legislature enters its final, frantic days before the end of the session Monday.

Perry has the option of summoning lawmakers back to work for a special session later this summer.

He has said that if lawmakers want to avoid that, they should send him a state budget with at least $1.8 billion in tax cuts, as well as $2 billion in funding for roads and water infrastructure.

The governor, in office since 2000, plans to announce whether he’ll seek a fourth full term after the legislative session. He also hasn’t ruled out another run for president in 2016, despite his unsuccessful 2012 bid.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

State Bill Modifies Concealed Handgun Licenses

KTVTPhil — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:50:28 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - Concealed handgun license holders in Texas would be allowed to carry a revolver or semi-automatic pistol, regardless of what they trained with on the shooting range under a bill advancing in the Texas Legislature.

Current law certifies license holders to carry only the type of gun they used to get their license. The bill by Sen. Craig Estes, a Wichita Falls Republican, would allow them to carry either model.

The bill passed the Senate on Tuesday night and still needs a House vote to send it to Gov. Rick Perry. Texas has more than 500,000 concealed handgun license holders.

The bill also would prevent cities from banning possession of an air gun.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Sex Offender List Closer To Pulling Job Details

KTVTPhil — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:44:39 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - An online registry of convicted sex offenders in Texas would no longer include employer information under a bill inching closer to Gov. Rick Perry’s desk.

The House on Monday night gave tentative approval to what advocates say would mark a minor but extraordinary softening of the state’s sex offender laws.

More than 72,000 convicted sex offenders are registered in Texas. Supporters of the bill say keeping employer details on the public database intimidates companies from hiring offenders, thereby impeding their rehabilitation into society.

Businesses group leaders were among those backing the measure. They told lawmakers their bottom line suffers when the public discovers who’s on the payroll.

The bill needs to clear a final, procedural House vote before being sent to Perry.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Texas Radioactive Waste Bill Killed For Error

KTVTPhil — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:42:10 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - A bill that would have dramatically changed the rules for a radioactive waste dump died in the Legislature because of a parliamentary error.

Fort Worth Democrat Lon Burnam called the point of order Monday night, derailing it.

The measure would have allowed a West Texas nuclear waste facility to import materials with greater radioactivity from other states, while encouraging Texas companies to export lower-level materials. The facility in Anderson County was originally intended to only accept materials from Texas and Vermont.

Waste Control Specialists manages the facility and says it needs the changes to make the site profitable. The company’s owner Harold Simmons is one of the state’s largest political donors to Republican politicians. It was not clear if the bill could be attached to other legislation.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Failing Schools Could Get Special Districts

KTVTPhil — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:36:57 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - The Texas House is considering a proposal that would create special districts operated by turnaround experts to improve struggling schools.

The bill by Dallas Democratic Sen. Royce West cleared the Senate May 1.

The House will likely vote on it on Tuesday — but has proposed enough changes to send its version to conference committee to be reconciled with what the Senate passed.

The measure would allow the state education commissioner to transfer a school into a new statewide “achievement district” for rigorous overhaul after two consecutive years of low student test scores.

Also up for House consideration is a proposal modifying how teachers are evaluated statewide. As originally filed, the bill tied evaluations to student test scores, drawing criticism.

But the latest version of the bill drops that provision.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Texas Senate Votes To Extend Lottery

jeffburkett — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:22:28 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) – The Texas Senate has voted to extend the life of the state lottery in a vote that was much less contentious than in the House, where some lawmakers tried to kill it off.

In a unanimous vote with little discussion, the Senate voted Friday to continue the Texas Lottery for another 12 years. Last month, conservatives in the House led a charge to kill the lottery as an immoral tax on the poor.

House members ultimately defeated that effort, but will get another crack at the bill next week. The Senate changed the bill to require an audit of charitable bingo halls to make sure they are giving money to charity. That means the bill still needs House approval.

State lawmakers use about $2 billion from the lottery for education.

Also Check Out:

Source: Texas Lawmakers Reach Deal On State Budget

ktvtdeborah — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:58:34 +0000

AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — Texas lawmakers reached a deal Friday on a two-year spending plan that would restore $3.93 billion to public schools and clear the way for taking $2 billion from the state’s rainy day fund for water projects, according to a state official close the negotiations.

Republicans needed Democratic votes to set up the State Water Infrastructure Fund, but the minority party wanted to boost spending on public education by $4 billion. The Republican-controlled Legislature cut $5.4 billion from schools in 2011. Last year advocates for social services were calling on state lawmakers to reverse 2011 budget cuts since the state was showing signs of an early recovery from the recession.

In the deal, the state would add $3.4 billion to public education spending and put $530 million toward schools’ contribution to the Teacher Retirement System. All of the money would be in the Foundation School Program, and therefore exempt from a line item veto by Governor Rick Perry, according to the official. The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the official did not want to speak publicly until lawmakers have been briefed on the deal.

The deal is similar to one announced by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst late Thursday night. Conservative Republicans have complained the deal spends too much on schools, while Democrats wanted more.

Both chambers must still vote on the measure.

This is the biggest giveback to schools on the bargaining table at any point during this 140-day session, where time and money are running out. Lawmakers only have one full week remaining at the Capitol to make this deal and numbers work.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Democrats Say They’ll Counter Texas Budget Offer

ascrouch — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:29:54 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) — A final deal on a new Texas budget remains elusive despite Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst saying that both sides had settled the key issues.

Democratic state Rep. Craig Eiland said Friday his party would submit a counterproposal to the latest offer on the table. Senate negotiators claim their new framework restores $4 billion of public school funding that was cut two years ago.

Shortly before midnight, Senate leaders were spotted walking to Eiland’s office. Dewhurst predicted a deal would be struck by Friday afternoon.

Eiland said Friday that differences remain. One issue Democrats have with the Senate offer is $630 million that would be removed from a fund created to help low-income families pay utilities bills.

The Senate wants to refund that money and count it as tax relief.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Perry To Visit Granbury Tornado Damage

KTVTPhil — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:08:29 +0000

GRANBURY (AP) - Gov. Rick Perry will head to a North Texas city devastated by a tornado that left at least six people dead.

Perry on Friday afternoon plans to visit Granbury and survey the destruction. Wednesday night’s tornado destroyed much of the Rancho Brazos Estates subdivision of Granbury, about 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth.

Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds says the storm killed two women and four men. Several people remain unaccounted amid the recovery effort. County officials say nearly 100 homes in Granbury were damaged or destroyed.

Donations can be made through the Red Cross.

Full Coverage Of The Tornado

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Dewhurst Says State Budget Nearly Done

KTVTPhil — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:59:39 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - A day of escalating tensions over stuck Texas budget talks ended late Thursday with the House and Senate on the apparent brink of a deal that would restore more than $4 billion to public schools gutted by historic spending cuts two years ago.

Dewhurst told The Associated Press late Thursday that the major points of a new two-year spending plan had been resolved following a week of uncertainty and rising political rhetoric in this final sprint of the 140-day session. The Legislature adjourns May 27, but failure to reach a deal would keep lawmakers at the bargaining table into June.

Dewhurst said he expected the House and Senate to finalize the compromise by Friday afternoon.

“We’ve written a good budget, and this makes it better,” said Republican state Sen. Tommy Williams, the Senate budget chief.

Dewhurst and Senate negotiators announced the breakthrough shortly after emerging from closed-door talks and walking to the office of Democratic state Rep. Craig Eiland. House Democrats had begun the day fuming at Republicans, accusing them of reneging on an earlier deal and pulling money set aside from education at the last minute.

By the end of night, a three-pronged proposal Senate negotiators laid out would restore more money to Texas classrooms than had been put on the bargaining table at any point over the past five months.

It calls for putting an additional $200 million to education, which Dewhurst and Williams said would raise the total of restored cuts to $4.07 billion. Two years ago, the Legislature slashed public school funding by $5.4 billion to close a massive budget shortfall.

The proposal also spells out at least $1 billion in tax relief and $100 million in proposed cuts to the overall state budget. Negotiators did not say what agencies or programs would absorb those cuts.

“It’s a package deal,” Dewhurst said.

Republicans would also score a political victory in the compromise: Williams said the deal would not bust the state spending cap, which House negotiators were willing to consider but the Senate deemed forbidden.

House budget-writers were scheduled to regroup early Friday.

Dewhurst and Senate negotiators left the Capitol shortly before midnight following a day of faint signs that a deal was in reach. Budget leaders canceled meetings while House Democrats blasted the GOP and Gov. Rick Perry over allegations of sinking a deal behind the scenes and lobbing political threats.

Rep. Sylvester Turner, emerging from a caucus of House Democrats, had blamed Republicans for reneging on a deal that had called for putting an extra $3.9 billion back into public schools, which absorbed historic spending cuts two years ago.

“For anyone to represent that Democrats have changed their position or asked for more is absolutely not true,” Turner said. He went on to accuse Perry of swooping in late and telling Republicans not to vote for an agreed-upon plan because too much was being spent on reversing public school cuts.

Perry wants $1.8 billion in tax cuts and a new $2 billion water fund, but money is running tight and time running out. One $500 million bump the House already approved for classrooms, Turner said, was now being targeted to pay for highway projects instead.

Perry responded by saying he was “not going to participate” with those he described as trying to create conflict in the waning days of what has been — until now — a largely and unexpectedly harmonious session. Aides to Perry also denied that he told GOP members not to vote on an earlier budget proposal.

“I’m sure that there are folks that would like to blow up the session just to see the pieces of the machinery blow up through the air,” Perry said.

Democrats have 55 votes in the 150-person chamber. Without their support, the House cannot reach the two-thirds threshold necessary to draw $2 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund in order to jump-start an aggressive, bipartisan plan for new water projects across the state.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Suhm Stepping Down As Dallas City Manager

KTVTPhil — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:04:15 +0000

Mary Suhm (credit: KTVT/KTXA)

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Mary Suhm has decided to call it a career. In a note to the Dallas City Council on Thursday, the Dallas City Manager reported that she is stepping down from her position later this year.

Suhm has worked for the City of Dallas for 35 years, with the past eight of them being in the City Manager position. Just two years ago, she told CBS 11 News, “I know it’s a tough job, but I love this job and I am so lucky to be able to do it.”

Suhm said that she will step down as soon as the upcoming budget preparations are over.

The outgoing City Manager has played a significant role in expanding the downtown Dallas area, the creation of the new convention center hotel, an increase in public safety and progress along the Trinity River corridor. Suhm also worked to find assistance and housing for thousands of Hurricane Katrina evacuees as they retreated to Dallas after the storm.

Although she occasionally got into arguments with city council members, Mayor Mike Rawlings said that one Suhm’s greatest accomplishments was building a winning team and working as a team player. “We’ve got great city employees,” Rawlings said on Thursday, “very good culture, and I think people are really saddened and hurt about seeing her go.”

Rawlings said that Suhm came to this decision on her own, and will stay with the city in an untitled position through the end of the year to help with ongoing projects. Assistant City Manager A.C. Gonzalez will temporarily replace Suhm until a permanent appointment is made.

Suhm said, “My city service has been a privilege and a joy.”

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Jail Possible For Mentally Ill Suspects

KTVTPhil — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:31:12 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - Criminal suspects suffering from mental illness could stay in jail until they are competent to stand trial under a proposal in the Texas Legislature.

In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, the Texas House Committee on Corrections approved a jail-based pilot program for restoring a person’s ability to strand trial. The proposal has already cleared the Senate.

Lubbock Republican Sen. Robert Duncan’s program is based on a similar experiment in California. He said the program “allows these defendants to quickly receive treatment in a county jail from a team of highly qualified mental health professionals without waiting several weeks to be transported” to a hospital.

But advocates for the mentally ill oppose the proposals. They say jails lack the training, resources and will to provide proper care.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

State Senate Passes Marriage ID Bill

KTVTPhil — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:39:26 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - Texans applying for a marriage license would have to present photo identification under a bill being advanced in the Legislature.

The Senate on Tuesday approved the photo identification bill and sent it to the House for consideration.

Texas law allows more than a dozen forms of identification when applying for a marriage license. Bill sponsor, Sen. Donna Campbell, a New Braunfels Republican, says county clerks have asked for the photo identification requirement and the state should join 29 other states with similar requirements.

The bill passed the Senate 29-2.

Two Democrats, Sens. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth and Jose Rodriguez of El Paso, said the change would be a roadblock to marriage for people who don’t have or can’t afford to get photo identification.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Fort Worth Mulls Fewer Lanes On Busy Road

KTVTPhil — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:54:24 +0000

FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - A controversial construction project will be front and center at the Fort Worth City Council on Tuesday. The so-called road-diet for Forest Park Boulevard could make the busy artery safer for cyclists. But not everyone is on board with the plan.

The proposal would reduce the number of lanes along Forest Park Boulevard. There are currently four lanes of traffic along the roadway, two in each direction. The idea being discussed would drop that number down to one lane in each direction, with a center turn lane and bike lanes along the two edges.

This new lane strategy has already been applied to other roads in Fort Worth.

Rebecca Raiden, a grandmother who crosses the busy road as she walks her grandkids to school, is in favor of the idea. “I think that the diet plan, while I know it will inconvenience people moving from south to north and north to south, it will certainly make it safer for the children and the pedestrians in this neighborhood. And since it is in this neighborhood that makes it priority.”

Opponents of the plan are concerned that such changes would only increase traffic congestion in the area. The proposal will be discussed further on Tuesday at the city council meeting.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

McKinney City Council Election Results

anniepotasznik — Sun, 12 May 2013 02:46:52 +0000

(credit: Darren Hauck/Getty Images)

McKINNEY (CBSDFW.COM) - McKinney residents turned out to cast their ballots in the general election to vote for the mayor and city council representatives for District 1, District 3 and one at-large seat. A candidate must receive a majority of votes in the general election, or more than 50 percent of the total vote to be elected to city council.

Brian Loughmiller has won the mayor seat, earning another four-year term on McKinney City Council, according to the unofficial election results from the Collin County Election Administrator. Loughmiller earned 2497 votes or 89.95 percent of the total, defeating Derrick E. Johnson, who earned 279 votes or 10.05 percent of the total.

Randall P. Pogue has won the At Large seat, according to the unofficial election results from the Collin County Election Administrator. Pogue earned 1799 votes or 63.82 percent of the total. He defeated Jeremiah J. Hammer, who earned 385 votes or 13.66 percent of the total, and J. Martin Sanchez, who earned 635 votes or 22.53 percent of the total.

Don Day ran unopposed for the District 1 Council seat and collected 227 votes. Travis Ussery ran unopposed for the District 3 Council seat and collected 668 votes.

The City Council will canvas the election on Monday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m. The mayor, council member District 1, council member District 3 and council member at-large will be sworn in.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

———————————————

Campaign 2013 Election Results

anniepotasznik — Sun, 12 May 2013 01:18:54 +0000

A voter places a sticker indicating that he has cast his ballot. (credit: Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Images)

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - On Saturday, North Texans voted in more than 300 local races including mayoral campaigns, school trustees, local propositions and more.

Polls closed at 7 p.m. sharp.

Click on the following counties for the latest results:

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

———————————————

Thousands Vote Early In Local Elections

anniepotasznik — Sat, 11 May 2013 22:57:57 +0000

Early voting sign (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

DFW (CBSDFW.COM) – Early voting numbers are in after more than 5,000 people mailed in their ballots.

Nearly 44,000 people turned out to vote before election day in Dallas.

Close to 38,000 people voted early in Tarrant County.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

———————————————

Harry LaRosiliere Wins Historic Election In Plano

anniepotasznik — Sat, 11 May 2013 19:44:50 +0000

(credit: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) – Votersin in Plano made history last night by electing the city’s first black mayor. Former City Council member Harry LaRosiliere won the election. He claimed victory over Collin County Republican Party Chair Fred Moses, garnering more than 58 percent of the vote.

LaRosiliere told CBS 11 he’s focused on three things: economic development, revitalizing neighborhoods and maintaining high quality of service for residents.

LaRosiliere’s campaign facebook page says his “vision for Plano is to be the premier city to live, work and play.”

“Harry has demonstrated his dedication to the citizens of Plano by his many years of community service.,” according to current mayor of Plano, Phil Dyer. “His invaluable experience as a city council member has prepared him to do an outstanding job as Mayor of the City of Plano.”

Both candidates had reported high early turnout before Saturday’s elections.

To see who won watch CBS 11 News at 10 or watch for updates right here on CBSDFW.COM.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

———————————————

Bill Allowing Guns On Texas College Campuses Awaits Gov. Perry’s Signature

angelamartincbs — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:44:35 +0000

DALLAS (CBS 11 NEWS) - – Guns are banned on most public and private college campuses in Texas right now. But one signature from the governor could change that.

State lawmakers approved a bill clearing the way for people with gun permits to bring their weapons to campus. Senate Bill 1907 calls for allowing anyone with a handgun license to bring those weapons on campus, but they must keep that gun in a locked vehicle. The bill also blocks schools from adopting rules that could ban campus handgun access.

On the Richland College campus in Dallas, where there are 25-thousand students at any given time, the potential changes to the law are getting a mixed reaction.

“I think they should be allowed to do what they want,” said student Freddie Salas. “Everyone has a right to protect yourself. You never know in the world that we live in today there’s so much crime and stuff.”

“It’s kinda to the extreme, like, to bring a gun to the campus. Cause you know, anything could happen, somebody could go crazy, somebody could make somebody mad, and then they just pull out a gun and then just be a big riot,” said student Monica Rushing.

“If people are under trained, and they’re carrying concealed handguns to the campus. Like, I feel uneasy,” said Jason Samuel.

“It makes sense, but if you arm everyone, then it’s free game,” added Olivia Asenime.

College and university leaders have been fighting against a number of handgun bills, including some that allowed permit holders to carry concealed weapons on campus.

They will likely win that fight, but lose this one.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Texas Senate Sends Bill Reducing CHL Training Requirement

anniepotasznik — Fri, 10 May 2013 03:14:04 +0000

TEXAS (CBS 11) - Getting a concealed handgun license in Texas may soon get much easier. A bill on its way to Governor Perry would reduce the amount of training required for a license.

Current law requires applicants attend at least a ten hour course. The new bill, passed by the state legislature, would allow classes to be as short as four hours and require they be no longer than six.

State representative Dan Flynn of Van Zandt County proposed the change.

“I’ve had just about any number of phone calls thanking me for doing this, because it’s difficult to take a whole day to go get your license,” said Rep. Flynn.

A second bill introduced by Flynn, still pending before the Senate, would make renewing a CHL easier, too.

Gun owners would be allowed to renew online every five years and would no longer have to take a four hour refresher class.

“I think it’ll streamline the process,” said Rep. Flynn.

CBS11 sought out the opinion of CHL instructors in the Metroplex.

Out of dozen interviewed for this story, not a single one supported the idea of reducing class time.

“Doing a six hour course on what we’re trained to teach now would be very, very difficult,” said Tom Mannewitz, at Target Master in Garland.

Mannewitz teaches the state mandated certification course, focused on gun laws, safety and responsibility.

He already finds himself trying to squeeze in all the information.

“It’s kind of tough to get it all taught in 10 hours — and do it right,” he said.

Even in a refresher class, he said he finds students unprepared.

“Maybe 2 or 3 who have not fired their gun in 5 years,” he said.

Representative Flynn told CBS11, at public hearings, no CHL instructors spoke against the proposal.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

———————————————

President Obama Touts Austin-Area High School

anniepotasznik — Fri, 10 May 2013 01:27:41 +0000

AUSTIN (CBS 11) - President Barack Obama kicked-off his “Middle-Class Jobs and Opportunity Tour” by touting Austin as a role model for the rest of the nation.

While in Central Texas, he showcased an area high school that’s transformed its curriculum, and a business that’s helps make smart phones and TV’s work.

The President’s first stop was Manor New Technology High School in Manor, which focuses on the sciences and engineering.

Students showed him robots they made.

The President wants to spend $300 million dollars to replicate this school nationwide.

He told the audience, “We’ve got to reward schools like this one that focus on the fields of the future, schools that focus on the fields of the future, use technology effectively to help students learn, and are also developing partnerships with local colleges and businesses so that a diploma here leads directly to a good job. You’re doing things a little differently around here than other high schools and it’s working.”‬

After his visit, the President had lunch at Stubb’s BBQ in downtown Austin. He ate with a nurse, a teacher and a small business owner.

After meeting with high tech entrepreneurs just starting out, the President toured a company called Applied Materials. The Austin firm is the world’s largest maker of semi-conducting manufacturing equipment. Workers showed the President a disassembled i-Pad and i-Phone, explaining that their technology is used to make them work.

The President is showcasing the plant here to urge Congress to pass his $1 billion dollar plan to start 15 manufacturing innovation hubs nationwide.

He says that will help create jobs in economically depressed areas.

During his speech to 1,000 employees and other invited guests, the President said while the private sector drives the economy, the government has a role to play too. “We can’t afford to fall behind in basic research, so there’s some key things that we can do. That shouldn’t be idealogical. They’re not Democratic ideas or Republican ideas or Independent ideas. They’re just good ideas that allow the government to help create the foundation, the platform, the environment in which companies like Applied Materials can thrive.”

When the President first arrived in Austin shortly after noon, Governor Perry greeted him.

The Governor says the key reason behind the booming Texas economy is not money from the federal government, but the state’s low taxes and regulations.

Both Governor Perry and the President of the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank, Richard Fisher have said Texas has far outpaced the rest of the nation in creating both low and high-paying jobs.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

———————————————

President Obama Presses Middle Class Jobs Agenda In Austin

angelamartincbs — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:54:02 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) — Offering a more upbeat view of the economy, President Barack Obama resurrected his jobs proposals Thursday, advancing modest initiatives as he pushed for action on more ambitious efforts that face resistance from congressional Republicans. “We’re poised for progress,” he declared.

The president chose the bustling Texas capital as a backdrop to refocus on higher wages, education and a manufacturing-driven agenda that had been eclipsed by his struggles over gun control and spending cuts and his push for an overhaul of immigration laws.

“You might not know this, because if you listen to all the doom and gloom in Washington and politics, and watching cable TV sometimes you might get kind of thinking nothing is going right,” Obama told students at a technology high school. “The truth is there’s a lot of reasons for us to feel optimistic about where we’re headed as a country.”

“Thanks to grit and determination of the American people, we cleared away the rubble of the worst economic crisis in our lifetime,” he continued.

Still, Obama said that while housing markets are improving, corporate profits are skyrocketing and the energy and auto industries are thriving, there remains a need to boost the middle class.

The president’s visit to Austin is the first in a series of field trips aimed at giving a high profile to the economy and jobs, issues still clearly at the forefront of the public’s concerns.

In addition to his appearance at Manor New Technology High School, Obama scheduled a tour of an Applied Materials Inc. plant. The company provides equipment, services and software to the semiconductor, flat panel display and solar power industries.

By traveling to Texas to begin this renewed attention to his jobs initiatives Obama chose a state represented by two of the most conservative Republican members of the Senate — John Cornyn and tea party hero Ted Cruz. Texas also has the second-highest Hispanic population in the country, an attractive demographic group for Democrats and a key audience for Obama as he also pushes for an overhaul of immigration laws.

The emphasis on jobs and on the needs of the middle class comes amid signs that the economy is continuing to recover, that the private sector is hiring, though not at an optimal rate, and that the stock market is maintaining a record setting pace. But Obama is not necessarily benefitting from those trends, and hidden behind the positive numbers are stagnant wages, reduced working hours and low-wage hiring. What’s more, with a 7.5 percent unemployment rate, nearly 12 million Americans are out of work.

An Associate Press-GfK poll last month showed that the percentage of the public that believes the country is headed in the wrong direction has been rising as has the percentage of people who disapprove of Obama’s handling of the economy.

“We’ve got to make sure that middle-class wages and incomes are also going up, because most families haven’t seen their take-home pay rise for years now,” he said.

He said many families still need help refinancing their mortgages to take advantage of low rates.

Addressing persistent fiscal issues, including broad based budget cuts that the government is now confronting, he said: “Our deficits are falling at the fastest rate in years, but now we’ve got to budget in a smarter way so it doesn’t hurt middle-class families or prevent us from making the critical investments that we need for your future.”

Obama reiterated his push for college affordability measures and expanded preschool, points he made during his State of the Union speech in February.

The White House also used the trip as an opportunity to launch administrative initiatives to demonstrate continued action even as his bigger proposals find opposition in Congress.

Among the initiatives is a competition to create three new Manufacturing Innovation Institutes, partnerships among businesses, universities and government to help U.S.-based manufacturers and workers create good jobs. Five federal agencies — the Defense, Energy and Commerce departments, NASA and the National Science Foundation — are putting $200 million toward the effort.

“We believe that manufacturing is worthy of that priority because it punches above its weight economically,” said Gene Sperling, director of Obama’s National Economic Council.

Before his remarks, Obama toured a classroom at the technology high school, marveling at solar powered model cars. After his remarks he rolled up his sleeves and joined a nurse, a teacher, a drywall contractor and a small business owner for lunch at Stubb’s, a local barbecue restaurant.

He also stopped by a technology start-up working space in downtown Austin, where he met with entrepreneurs, several of whom were demonstrating their companies’ work. Praising their innovations, he warned that China could possibly leap ahead of the United States on research.

“So we’ve got to get our act together,” Obama told them.

It was Obama’s second trip to Texas in two weeks. He was greeted at the foot of Air Force One by Republican Gov. Rick Perry, a critic of the president’s policies. The two men chatted as they walked across the tarmac.

The attention to jobs comes amid questions about whether the second-term president has enough sway to get his agenda through a divided Congress before attention turns to the November 2014 midterm elections. Since his second inauguration, Obama has lost a bid to expand background checks for gun buyers and was similarly unsuccessful at getting lawmakers to undo the spending cuts.

His jobs proposals also have stalled in Congress, with Republicans showing no interest in job-creation plans based on new federal spending. They also argue that Obama’s regulatory regime and new health care law — the president’s signature domestic policy achievement to date — are hindering more robust job growth.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday ridiculed Obama’s trip as mere image-building.

“If you’re someone who’s all about the visual, then of course putting on a pair of goggles or showing up at a factory is a great way to at least look like you’re doing something about job creation,” he said.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Perry Greets Obama At Austin Airport

ascrouch — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:19:13 +0000

US President Barack Obama shakes hands with Texas Governor Rick Perry (L) after arriving on Air Force One at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas, May 9, 2013. Obama will speak on the economy and job creation. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — Texas Gov. Rick Perry greeted President Barack Obama at the Austin airport with a handshake on Thursday.

Perry was waiting at the bottom of the stairs from Air Force One when it landed on Thursday for a presidential visit to Texas.

#dfwnews Arriving in #Austin, Pres Obama clapped Gov Perry on the shoulder & spoke briefly. Pres said "it's good to be back in Austin!"—
Jack Fink (@cbs11jack) May 09, 2013

Obama is scheduled to stop at a high school, a high-tech incubator and a major semi-conductor firm to tout technology jobs and education. The goal of the trip is to show that creating well-paying middle-class jobs is still a priority.

According to a White House official, Obama will announce a competition to create three Manufacturing Innovation Institutes.

Perry said he told the president that he could learn from his Republican policies in Texas that has made the state a leader in employment growth. Perry is a staunch critic of the president and made a bid for the Republican nomination for the presidency in 2012.

Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell also greeted Obama, who was accompanied by Austin Congressman Lloyd Doggett.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Obama To Open Jobs Tour In Austin

KTVTPhil — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:05:28 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama wants to show that creating well-paying middle-class jobs is still a priority.

On Thursday, Obama was using bustling Austin, Texas, as the backdrop to talk about attracting jobs, teaching skills and ensuring workers can earn a decent living.

A White House official says Obama will announce a competition to create three Manufacturing Innovation Institutes. They are partnerships among businesses, universities and community colleges, and government to help U.S.-based manufacturers and workers create jobs. He’ll ask Congress for $1 billion to create a network of 15 such institutes.

The official says Obama also will require the government to make its data easily available to businesspeople, researchers and others.

The official spoke anonymously because the official was not allowed to be quoted by name before Obama’s announcement.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Texas House OK’s ‘Merry Christmas’ Bill

jeffburkett — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:35:50 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) – On the brink of summer, defending Christmas is on the wish list of the Texas Legislature.

The House on Wednesday approved a bipartisan bill that aims to remove legal risks of saying “Merry Christmas” in Texas public schools. Traditional holiday symbols, such as a menorah or nativity scene, would also win a nod of state support so long as more than one religion and a secular symbol are also reflected.

State Rep. Dwayne Bohac says the bill seeks to protect schools from “ridiculous” lawsuits. Says the Houston Republican: “Teachers are fearful of calling a Christmas tree a Christmas tree.”

Several Santa Claus impersonators were in the House gallery when the bill came up. They rang sleigh bells upon passage.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Charter School Rally Planned In Austin

KTVTPhil — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:33:04 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - Parents and activists are set to rally at the state Capitol for high-profile proposed legislation to expand charter schools in Texas.

Organizers expect at least 400 demonstrators for Wednesday’s event sponsored by the Texas Charter School Association.

Senate Education Committee Chairman Dan Patrick is sponsoring a bill that would gradually lift the current cap of 215 charters issued statewide, allowing 305 by September 2019.

He originally wanted an unlimited number of charters, but had to scale that back to win Senate approval.

The House has yet to consider the measure.

For now, Texas has 209 charters. Because operators can use a single charter to run multiple campuses, though, the state has 506 total charter schools educating 154,278 children, or around 3 percent of its 5 million-plus public school students.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Reid “Bully” Remark Of Ted Cruz Draws Call For Apology

jeffburkett — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:02:41 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s comment likening a Republican lawmaker to a schoolyard bully is drawing a rebuttal from his target – and a suggestion from another senator that he apologize.

Reid made the remark about Sen. Ted Cruz on Monday after the Texan objected when Democrats sought formal negotiations with the House on a budget compromise.

In a next-day rebuttal that was part tongue-in-cheek, Cruz thanked Reid for his candor — in not disputing that Democrats want to use the negotiations to raise taxes.

Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said if Reid simply slipped when he spoke, Cruz would accept an apology. If not, he said the remarks deserve closer scrutiny because they violate Senate rules.

Reid’s spokesman had no immediate comment.

Also Check Out:

UIL Concussion Insurance Pilot Program Approved By Texas House

jeffburkett — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:36:10 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - The Texas House has approved a public school pilot program allowing parents to purchase supplemental concussion insurance for boys who play football and girls who play soccer.

Students participating in sports already have insurance through their school districts. But the proposal by Brownsville Democratic Rep. Eddie Lucio III gives parents the option of buying extra insurance for “around $5.”

Lucio said concussion-related symptoms sometimes don’t appear until after students graduate and lose their district insurance.

The bill passed Tuesday must clear a final, procedural hurdle before heading to the Senate.

Private companies would underwrite the policies administered by the University Interscholastic League and the Texas Education Agency.

Both entities would decide which districts participate in the pilot program. But Lucio said he hopes it’s a cross-section from around the state.

Also Check Out:

Some Cigarette Prices Would Climb Under Texas House Bill

jeffburkett — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:12:49 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) – The Texas House has narrowly approved and sent to the Senate a bill cutting taxes on chewing tobacco by more than 30 percent but raising the price of some smaller brands of cigarettes.

Passed Tuesday 74-66, it mandates that cigarette brands not included in a 1998 settlement among big tobacco companies charge an extra 55 cent per pack, like major competitors. Taxes on chewing tobacco, meanwhile, would fall from $1.22 to 80 cents.

Republican Rep. John Otto said the bill is about fairness, and 48 states have adopted similar measures.

But the normally routine final approval instead sparked heavy debate from conservatives. They claim the state is taxing tobacco companies it never sued.

Currently, though, firms that weren’t around for the settlement can charge less, and have increased market share.

Also Check Out:

$400 Million Tax Bill Heads To State House Floor

KTVTPhil — Tue, 07 May 2013 10:47:37 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) - A major tax bill headed for the Texas House floor could create a major showdown over legislation pivotal to Gov. Rick Perry’s demand for tax relief.

The House on Tuesday is to consider nearly $400 million in business tax breaks through proposed reforms to the state’s maligned franchise tax. Businesses complain the tax is applied unevenly, while Democrats grouse about how the tax underperforms.

Perry has called for the Legislature to deliver $1.6 million in tax cuts before the session ends this month. He also vowed not to sign a new state budget unless lawmakers pass what he considers “significant” tax relief.

The price tag on the business tax reform bill could still rise. Among the proposals is a three-year exemption to companies that relocate to Texas.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Texas House Shifts Focus To Tax Breaks

ascrouch — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:48:49 +0000

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas House will begin slowly and selectively whittling down the state business tax this week, as Republicans work to make good on a promise to cut taxes.

The House got warmed up on Friday, passing House Bill 3390, which allows school districts and counties to continue to grant property tax breaks to attract local investment. In the coming week, the House will consider at least $410 million in credits and exemptions to the state franchise tax, one of the most maligned sources of state revenue.

Liberals hate the franchise tax, also called the margins tax, because it consistently delivers $4 billion less per budget cycle than promised when the Legislature created it in 2006. Conservatives hate it because it’s complicated and demands taxes from businesses that lose money. Businesses hate it because it adds on to the sales and property taxes they are already paying.

Many Republicans want to do away with it completely, but that would leave a $5.6 billion hole in state revenue. It is the third largest state revenue source after the sales tax, which is 64 percent of revenue, and the motor vehicle sales tax and rental tax, which is 9 percent. The Texas Constitution prohibits an income tax on either individuals or businesses.

While the House Ways and Means Committee considers bills to phase out the tax by either 2016 or 2018, other lawmakers have more viable proposals to take it apart piecemeal. On Monday, the House will vote on a bill to provide a credit for companies that perform research and development with Texas universities, cutting $10.3 million.

The big cuts, though, come before the House on Tuesday with House Bill 500, which would cut $396 million from the franchise tax. The complicated nine-page measure changes how the tax is applied to specific industries, including rental, auto repair, transportation, real estate and medical businesses. All of these industries have complained of unfair treatment.

Lawmakers are expected to file dozens of amendments to add even more exemptions and new credits when the bill comes up for debate. The bill’s author, Ways and Means Chairman Harvey Hilderbran, R-Kerrville, has promised to limit how much the House cuts in franchises taxes, but on Friday he refused to provide a number.

Whatever amount the House authorizes, it will add to $37.7 billion in existing exemptions in Texas’ sales, franchise, gasoline and motor vehicle sales taxes, according to the state comptroller.

Democrats have long complained about the myriad tax code that provides tax exemptions that range from franchise tax credits for oil and natural gas hydraulic fracturing to property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, has long called for a systematic review of all exemptions and credits.

“We scrub the budget every two years to determine which programs to continue funding instead of committing expenditures in perpetuity,” Villarreal said. “We need to scrub our tax code and put an expiration date on our tax expenditures.”

The Republican-controlled Legislature, though, has little appetite for repealing tax breaks, and conservatives have called for more. Gov. Rick Perry wants $1.6 billion in tax relief, but has left how to reach that number to lawmakers.

The rightwing Texas Public Policy Foundation complained that House Bill 500 could be more aggressive.

“Rather than tweak the Texas business franchise tax in such a way as to be unnoticed by most Texans, we recommend putting the tax on a path toward extinction,” Chuck DeVore, the foundation’s vice president for policy, said.

On one of the last days to hear bills, the House Ways and Means Committee considered bills Saturday to limit any increase in real estate appraisals for property tax purposes to 5 percent a year. Those measures could result in tax cuts ranging from $976 million to $1.9 billion for property owners between 2014 and 2018, if those bills make it to the House floor for a vote.

In the Senate, Finance Committee Chairman Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, has a bill to give $730 million in rebates to 80 percent of electricity customers. The money would come from a fund established to help poor people pay their utility bills, but the money was never appropriated by the Legislature because it was needed to balance the budget.

These tax cuts still have a long way to go before becoming law, needing to pass the House and the Senate before making it to the governor for his signature. But there is little doubt at least some people will see lower taxes in the years ahead.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Texas House Approves 12 Bills To Ease Gun Laws

anniepotasznik — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:00:20 +0000

AUSTIN (AP/CBSDFW.COM) - Updated: 9:15 p.m. On the same weekend that the National Rifle Association gathered in Houston for their annual convention, Texas lawmakers passed a series of bills that would make it easier and cheaper to own and carry a gun in Texas.

The gun laws softened by the approved batch of bills were already among the country’s most firearms-friendly, allowing college students to carry handguns in class, putting potentially armed marshals in public schools and exempting the state from any future federal bans on assault rifles, high-capacity magazines or universal background checks. The hours required to obtain a concealed handgun license would also be cut in half.

Gun enthusiasts in Fort Worth agreed with many of the proposals.

“I think it has more to do with the quality of the education and not necessarily the length of time,” said Daniel Elliot.

The 12 approved gun bills must all clear final, procedural votes before heading to the state Senate. Still, they advanced with only minimal delay, cruising past Democrat-led efforts to block or stall them. Nearly all were approved by simple voice votes.

A Democratic parliamentary point of order managed to shoot down just one, a bill by Rep. Van Taylor, R-Plano, that would have allowed the use of a concealed handgun license as valid proof of personal identification — even though obtaining such licenses requires a background check that’s not necessary to get driver licenses and many other forms of ID.

The fiercest debate in the Republican-controlled chamber came over the plan to allow students over 21 who already hold concealed weapons permits to take their handguns into college classrooms. It was a measure that failed in the last legislative session but received the green light this time.

The measure would allow colleges and universities to opt out of the new rules annually — which has softened opposition to it among some top higher education leaders. Current law already allows universities to opt in, and the Texas A&M University System is among those that have done so.

“I think it’s a very good idea because for the people who want to legally carry, giving them an increased ability to do so especially in a vulnerable environment like that I think it’s mutually beneficial for everybody,” said James Bonar in support of the measure.

Pro-Second Amendment lawmakers have revived it, however. Sponsor Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Tomball, reminded lawmakers: “College campuses are not crime-free zones.”

Meanwhile, the Texas Senate has already approved a separate measure allowing college students to keep guns in their cars on campus. But the prospects for the campus carry bill passed by the House on Saturday appear far bleaker. Top Republicans have even suggested the issue will be a non-starter in the upper chamber.

The House also overwhelmingly approved a bill that attracted national attention when it was introduced by first-term, tea party Republican Rep. Steve Toth of The Woodlands. It would nullify within state borders any federal laws banning assault weapons or high-capacity magazines, or expansion of background checks for firearms owners, even though doing so would almost certainly violate the U.S. Constitution.

“There are 27 amendments in the Constitution but only one says `shall not be infringed,”‘ Toth said. “The Second Amendment is the amendment that keeps the people free.”

Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, raised a string of parliamentary objections to many of the gun bills, but they all failed. He asked Toth, “Is your bill political posturing?”

“We just passed by voice vote a slew of pro-gun legislation,” Walle said. “So what is this? Why do we need it?”

Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat, went further on Twitter, saying, “In case your head is too thick to understand: State law will not trump federal law.”

Conroe Republican Rep. Brandon Creighton, and several co-authors, sponsored a bill to punish by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine police officers or government officials who try to enforce federal firearms limits in Texas.

Also passing was the school marshal measure, sponsored by Dallas Republican Rep. Jason Villalba. The marshals would be employees who already hold concealed weapons permits and are chosen by their public school district or charter schools to receive firearms training. They would keep guns locked away on campus, but have access to them in an emergency — though their identities would not be divulged to the public.

Causing fewer fireworks when it passed was a measure reducing penalties for permit holders who accidentally show a concealed handgun.

Three other successful bills reduced the number of hours of training needed to obtain a concealed handgun license and tweaked the rules for renewing or being fingerprinted for one. A separate measure that passed 136-0 reduced the concealed handgun license fee for police officers, military veterans, national and state Guard members and even some Criminal Justice Department employees, despite costing the state up to $2 million in lost revenues.

Another measure that was approved was one by Democratic Rep. Ryan Guillen of Rio Grande City that’s meant to prohibit agencies from posting “no carry” signs in cases where carrying a gun isn’t illegal and imposing fines for violators. A bill by fellow Democrat Sergio Munoz of Palmview to expand school districts’ ability to alert hunters of the location of campuses also passed.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

Bill Passed To Ban Shark Fin Trading

anniepotasznik — Sun, 05 May 2013 21:18:35 +0000

(credit: Getty Images)

AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM) - Texas could become the first Gulf Coast state to enact a ban, which protects shark species. Tens of millions of sharks are killed each year to supply the wasteful demand for shark fin soup. Shark populations can’t sustain current slaughter rates, according to The Humane Society of the United States.

The Texas House of Representatives passed H.B.852 to prohibit the sale, trade, purchase and transportation of shark fins in Texas. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-District 38, passed the House with a 87-42 vote.

“We are truly grateful for the outstanding leadership and dedication from the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Eddie Lucio,” said Katie Jarl, Texas state director for The Humane Society of the United States. “The members of the Texas Senate will hopefully agree with their counterparts that Texans should no longer contribute to the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning and swiftly pass this bill.”

If passed, Texas would become the first state in the Gulf Coast to crack down on the shark fin trade and the seventh state to pass similar laws protecting sharks. Legislation has been enacted in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon, Washington and Maryland as well as in the U.S. Pacific territories of Guam, American Samoa and the Marianna Islands.

Federal and state laws that prohibit shark finning are insufficient to address the U.S. market for shark fins, which is why state laws prohibiting sales are so crucial.

The majority of shark fin imports into the U.S. come from Hong Kong, which receives its supply of fins from at least 80 countries, most of which have lax and ineffective shark finning bans.

Shark finning involves cutting off the fins of sharks then throwing the shark back into the ocean, often while still alive, only to drown, starve or die a slow death due to predation from other animals. Some species of shark are on the brink of extinction due to the shark fin industry. Sharks are apex predators whose survival affects all other marine species and our oceans’ ecosystems. Unlike other fish species, sharks produce few pups, and thus, many species are endangered and/or threatened due to the fin trade.

Fins sold in Texas can come from sharks from unsustainable foreign fisheries or finned sharks.

In 2011, President Obama signed the Shark Conservation Act, which closed critical loopholes in the federal law to improve enforcement. The law requires boats to land sharks with their fins still attached.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

———————————————

Republicans Sound Off At NRA Convention

anniepotasznik — Sat, 04 May 2013 02:12:45 +0000

HOUSTON (AP/CBSDFW.COM) – The National Rifle Association held their annual meeting in Houston today. This year’s theme is “Stand and Fight,” and some politicians in attendance had plenty to say about it.

Several top republicans took the stage at the convention, including Sarah Palin who said politicians are using emotion to manipulate.

The former Republican vice presidential nominee said recent mass shootings have prompted leaders in Washington, D.C., to exploit tragedy in order to limit the freedoms of law-abiding people.

She asked those at the convention to “keep the faith” and “stand up and fight for our freedoms.”

No less passionate about the issue was Rick Santorum who called NRA members “warriors.”

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz invited Vice President Biden to debate on crime. He said recently failed gun control legislation had the wrong target.

“Their proposal didn’t have one penny felons or fugitives or for prosecuting gun crime. the target of their legislation is not violent criminals, the target of their legislation is law abiding citizens. that doesn’t make any sense,” said Cruz, who claimed recently failed gun control legislation had the wrong target.

Governor Rick Perry touted Texas as “a place that loves freedom in America.”

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I

———————————————

Texas Gov. Perry Urges Fight Against Gun Control

ascrouch — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:47:17 +0000

HOUSTON (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — Texas Gov. Rick Perry says passing new gun control laws won’t stop criminals and would only make law-abiding citizens easy targets by depriving them of weapons to defend themselves.

Perry spoke Friday at the National Rifle Association convention’s political rally.

Perry said issues such as tighter background checks on guns sales would only hurt non-criminals who want to buy them. Perry says there are “no easy fixes” to gun violence, but that limiting gun ownership is not the answer.

In January, Perry lashed out at President Barack Obama’s plan on the heels of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting to curb gun violence, saying that the Second Amendment trumps Barack Obama or any other president.

WATCH: GOVERNOR PERRY NRA INTRODUCTION VIDEO

“The piling on by the political left, and their cohorts in the media, to use the massacre of little children to advance a pre-existing political agenda that would not have saved those children, disgusts me, personally,” Perry said in a statement. “The Second Amendment to the Constitution is a basic right of free people and cannot be nor will it be abridged by the executive power of this or any other president.”

Perry has also supported allowing permit holders to carry concealed weapons in any public place — including teachers in schools. Democrat Jim Himes — a Congressman in a district to Newtown, Connecticut — lit into Perry over the comments.

Perry, who is a concealed handgun license holder himself, also said he will continue courting gun and ammunition manufacturers to relocate to Texas, one of the most gun-friendly states in the country.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
PHOTOS: Pope Francis I