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Week in Review, October 6

Oct 6

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.

  • Explore data visualizations on population and demographics. (U.S. Census Bureau, accessed October 5, 2016)
  • Read about word count limits on legal briefs. (The New York Times, October 3, 2016)
  • Examine the political aspects of climate issues. (Pew Research Center, October 4, 2016)
  • See which Texas university makes the list of the top 25 public colleges of 2016. (Forbes, 2016)

This entry was posted on October 6, 2016 at 3:15 PM and has received 473 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings - Week of October 10, 2016

Oct 3

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 84th Session

Interim Hearings - Week of October 10

Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

 

Week of October 10 

October 12

House Committee on General Investigating & Ethics 

Charge 4: State agencies' use of emergency leave and settlement payments

 

House Committee on Insurance 

Charge 4: Texas credit for reinsurance statutes and effect on market capacity, cost of regulatory compliance, and prospect of federal preemption, and alternative credit for reinsurance statutes in other jurisdictions

 

Charge 5: Implementation of SB 900, 84th Legislature, R.S., including rulemaking by Texas Department of Insurance and adoption of updated plan of operation by Texas Windstorm Insurance Association

 

Joint Legislative Committee on Aging

Topic: Geriatric training and continuing education among physical and mental health professionals 

 

Topic: Collaborative and innovative aging services across the state 

October 13

House Committee on Natural Resources

Charge 3: Freshwater loss 

 

Charge 1: Regional and state water planning processes, with emphasis on integration of HB 4, 83rd Legislature, R.S., regional planning groups, groundwater management, drought of record, and related issues 

 

Charge 9: Legislative oversight and monitoring, including review of the surface water permitting process in Texas 

Joint Legislative Committee on Aging 

Topic: Influenza and bacterial pneumonia disease in long term care facilities

 

Topic: Elderly financial abuse

House Committees on Agriculture & Livestock and Natural Resources (Joint Hearing)

Charge: Sources of water used by Texans in the production of food and fiber; water delivery methods, water conservation goals, and water-usage management practices in agriculture

This entry was posted on October 3, 2016 at 4:36 PM and has received 1347 views. Print this entry.

Frank Calhoun Reflects on a Half-Century Under the Dome

Oct 3

posted by TexasLRL in Members of the Legislature, Texas Treasures

This is the second installment in our new series, "Texas Treasures," highlighting some of the men and women who have served in the Texas Legislature. In our first post, we featured Sen. A.R. "Babe" Schwartz.

 

Frank Calhoun comically attributes much of his success in life to the fact that he "keeps showing up." 

 

Frank Calhoun Rep. Frank Calhoun, 61st Legislature (1969).

And show up he has. Frank represented Taylor County in the House of Representatives from 1967-1975, and he has been a reliable presence in the Capitol ever since. Frank announced his retirement early this year after being active in Texas politics for over 50 years.

 

Frank was a law student at the University of Texas when he landed his first job in the Capitol in 1957. As an Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms, he was responsible for distributing messages to House offices and performing other clerical tasks. But mostly he sat on a stool in a dark elevator with a law book in hand, an experience he shares with other former lawmakers. 

 

"It was simple. People would get on the elevator, and I would punch the button." It wasn't glamorous, but being able to study while he worked was a great benefit. "It never occurred to me that one day I might be elected to the Legislature. I just wanted to get through school and become a lawyer."

 

After Frank passed the bar exam he went home to Abilene and became a lawyer. His interest and involvement in his community naturally extended to Democratic politics.

 

In 1966, when redistricting created an opportunity for someone from Abilene to be elected to the House of Representatives, Frank was recruited. "Four men called me to a meeting over a bottle of single malt and told me I was going to run. They agreed to take care of raising all the money. All I had to do was get elected."

 

During the last of Frank's four terms in the House, he was selected as a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention, which attempted to redraft a new constitution for Texas. The Constitution, he explained, "should reflect the contract between the people and their government." Instead it was a "statutory tangle." Regrettably, the Con-Con's revision failed by three votes. "That was the culmination of my legislative service and one of the most significant experiences."

 

Frank's involvement in politics continued after he left the Legislature and joined the Houston law firm of Liddell, Sapp, Zivley, Hill & LaBoon where he specialized in legislative and administrative matters.

 

Frank remembers his time in the Legislature as a very satisfying and interesting experience. Serious moments were frequently interspersed with humor and fun. "I got to know people from all over the state . . . Relationships develop. Periods of great stress forge friendships that never fade."

 

Several of the friendships Frank forged during those years are celebrated annually at Hilary Doran's ranch near Del Rio. Hilary extended the first invitation in 1967, and his friends have been showing up every November since. Frank expects this year's meeting of "The Extinguished" to be the last in a treasured tradition.

 

Frank has only missed one Doran Ranch meeting in 48 years. Most members of the group have been former legislators or legislative staff, several of whom have died in recent years.

 
The first invitation included wives, but it quickly became a "men's deal." "There was hunting, drinking, and carrying on . . . not a lot there for a woman to enjoy." Now the activities are pretty much limited to cigar smoking and dominos. "The guys stopped bringing their guns several years ago," Frank reminisced. "We are no longer angry at the deer."

 

Del Rio group Back row, left to right: Rayford Price, L.E. "Lee" Arnold, Dick Callahan, Walter Fisher, Glenn Biggs, Frank Calhoun, Guy Floyd
Front row, left to right: Charlie Schnabel, Hilary Doran, Neil Caldwell, Bill Finck

 

Frank Calhoun Frank Calhoun and Hilary Doran at Doran Ranch, November 2005.

 

 Deceased members include: Bob Johnson, Don Cavness, Ed Howard, Jim Wardle, Jim Kaster, and Randy Pendleton. Not pictured are: Glenn Biggs, Dick Cory, David Crews, and Grant Jones. Bottom photo: The lodge at Doran Ranch.

 

This entry was posted on October 3, 2016 at 8:15 AM and has received 3446 views. Print this entry.

Week in Review, September 29

Sep 29

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.
  • Review upcoming cases for the U. S. Supreme Court's next term.
  • Read about driverless car regulations. (Governing, September 27, 2016)
  • Examine how bullying affects the educational environment. (American Educational Research Journal, September 14, 2016)
  • Track recent flu activity. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, updated September 28, 2016)
  • Find places to enjoy fall foliage and stargazing in Texas parks. (mySA, September 15, 2016)

This entry was posted on September 29, 2016 at 3:15 PM and has received 308 views. Print this entry.

New & Noteworthy List for September 2016

Sep 28

posted by TexasLRL in New & Noteworthy

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the six titles from our September 2016 New & Noteworthy list.

 

Check out and delivery of New & Noteworthy titles is available to legislative staff in Capitol and District offices. To arrange check out of any of these items, you can submit an online request through the New & Noteworthy page on our website, or contact the library at 512-463-1252.

 

1. Cartooning Texas: One Hundred Years of Cartoon Art in the Lone Star State By Maury B. Forman
Chronicles Texas history through the lively art form of political cartooning from 1890 to 1990, providing context and explanations for each cartoon. Highlights the exploits of numerous colorful and unforgettable politicians and the dominating issues of their time. Notes many of the issues, including election fraud, voting rights, race relations, civil rights, education, taxes, and the economy, still resonate decades later.
Texas A&M University Press, 1993. 193 pages.
320.9764 C249


 

 

2. Don't Throw Feathers at Chickens: A Collection of Texas Political Humor By Charles Herring, Jr. and Walter Richter
Offers a sampling of political humor, wit, and wisdom by or about Texas politicians and officeholders. Provides source notes and a name index to help locate favorite speakers. Includes an introduction by former Texas governor Ann Richards and contributions by political cartoonist Ben Sargent and political commentator Sam Kinch, Jr.
Wordware Publishing, Inc., 1992. 191 pages.
808.87 H435D 1992


 

 

3. A Browser's Book of Texas Quotations By Steven A. Jent
Compiles 700 noteworthy quotations on themes related to Texas, including politicians, the Lege, oil, race relations, criminal justice, country life, livestock, weather, and the "Texas mystique." Includes famous last words, epitaphs, and quotes from Texas governors, such as Governor Joseph D. Sayers (1898-1902): "A Texas Governor only has two happy days: the day he is inaugurated and the day he retires."
Republic of Texas Press, 2001. 265 pages.
808.8 B825 2001


 

 

4. America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations By William J. Federer
Provides over 2,100 quotations from 700 sources on topics such as character, virtue, law, religious freedom, faith, courage, liberty, Providence, God, and government. Features quotations from founding fathers, presidents, statesmen, court decisions, constitutions, military heroes, African-American leaders, women leaders, business leaders, scientists, and more. Presents entries in alphabetical order, fully footnoted and often illustrated, with entry and topical indexes.
Fame Publishing, 1996. 845 pages.
808.8 AM35 1996


 

 

5. Great Quotations on Religious Freedom By Albert J. Menendez and Edd Doerr
Presents an easy-to-use compilation of quotations by philosophers, church leaders, journalists, writers, American presidents, and many others. Provides a variety of viewpoints and covers an assortment of topics, including abortion rights, school prayer, creationism, constitutions, separation of church and state, and religious tolerance. Compiles quotations from several sources including inaugural addresses, congressional testimony, newspaper editorials, magazine articles, and religious materials. Includes a special section containing judicial quotes on religious liberty going back to 1872, mainly from U.S. Supreme Court cases.
Prometheus Books, 2002. 250 pages.
808.8 G798R


 

 

6. Can You Say a Few Words?: How to Prepare and Deliver a Speech for Any Special Occasion By Joan Detz
Presents practical advice, examples, and tips for handling a variety of special occasion speaking situations. Organizes information alphabetically by occasion, including a section on impromptu speeches that offers advice and guidelines for avoiding an "off-the-cuff disaster." Highlights information in a brief, easy-to-browse format that will help the speaker honor special moments with words that make a difference.
St. Martin's Griffin, 2006. 175 pages.
808.5 D486C 2006


 

 

7. Speaker's Treasury of Political Stories, Anecdotes, and Humor By Gerald Tomlinson
Presents a trove of stories, anecdotes, and "one-liners" that focus on the political arena and are ideal for energizing and strengthening speeches. Highlights the thought-provoking and insightful to the humorous and inane. Lists entries by subject matter and in chronological order. Points out that one should be able to find a "politically related story for almost every kind of speech or speaking occasion."
Prentice Hall, 1990. 349 pages.
808.8 T597

 

 

This entry was posted on September 28, 2016 at 3:05 PM and has received 1499 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings - Week of October 3, 2016

Sep 23

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 84th Session

Interim Hearings - Week of October 3

Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

October 3

Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform & Relief (Plano) 

Charges: Property tax process and Tax burden

 

October 4

Charge 1: Texas Department of Transportation's role in responding to natural disasters

 

Charge 7: Oversize or overweight corridors

Senate Committee on Criminal Justice

Charge 1: Law enforcement - community engagement, dangers to law enforcement officers, threat assessment data, reducing number of injuries and deaths to or by law enforcement officers

October 5

Senate Committee on Business & Commerce

Charge: Occupational licensing

Charge: Lawsuits related to property claims from hail storms and weather events

Charge: Implementation of legislation addressed by the committee during the 84th Legislature, specifically:  changes made to the operation of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, and regulation of public insurance adjusters

Senate Committee on State Affairs

Charge: Current ethics laws governing public officials and employees, public officials' reporting requirements to Texas Ethics Commission, categorization of ethics reporting violations

Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System

Topic: Desirability and feasibility of constructing a coastal barrier system

 

 

This entry was posted on September 23, 2016 at 8:36 AM and has received 1591 views. Print this entry.

Week in Review, September 22

Sep 22

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.

  • Examine the direct appeals process in Texas death penalty cases. (Texas Defender Service, September 20, 2016)
  • Consider the economic and political strengths of North America. (Texas Border Coalition, September 19, 2016)
  • Read about smaller student loan payments for borrowers. (Urban Institute, September 2016)
  • Explore whether wearable fitness trackers help to get a person in shape. (Journal of the American Medical Association, September 20, 2016)

 

This entry was posted on September 22, 2016 at 3:15 PM and has received 556 views. Print this entry.

#TxLege Trivia: When Was the Senate's Official Seal Adopted?

Sep 21

posted by TexasLRL in TxLege Trivia

One of the fun things about the Legislature is the history behind even the smallest details. In this post, we explore the history of the Texas Senate seal, which was adopted in 1977.
 
Official seals lend authenticity and are used in letterheads, publications, and a variety of other official documents. In the Texas Legislature, both the House and the Senate have their own seals, as do many state offices, departments, and political subdivisions. Often, these seals are slight variations of the State of Texas seal.  
 
Prior to 1977, many Senate documents used a version of the State of Texas seal that included nine dots arranged in three groups of three (shown below left). This version of the state seal was commonly used in Senate Journals, appearing as late as 1983 and as early as 1931. It also appeared on many Senate interim committee reports.  Other versions of the state seal were also used by the Senate; one version had three dots spaced equally across the bottom (below center), and another version had an ornamental border centered on a cross pattée (below right).
 
 
The Senate seal in use today was adopted in 1977 by SR 262, 65th RS by Senator Betty Andujar. The seal was to consist of "a star of five points above a gavel, both encircled by olive and live oak branches, and a border bearing the words 'The Senate of Texas'."  Little information is available about how the design was developed, but, like many other agency seals, the Senate seal represents a slightly modified version of the State of Texas seal.  A drawing of the seal from SR 262 is below, next to the Senate seal you see used today. 
 
 
Did you know? Section 17.08 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code requires that a person must obtain a license to use the Texas State Seal for a commercial purpose. See the Secretary of State's website for more details. 
 

This entry was posted on September 21, 2016 at 10:53 AM and has received 3448 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings - Week of September 26, 2016

Sep 19

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 84th Session

Interim Hearings - Week of September 26

Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

September 26 Top

House Committee on Ways & Means

Charge 1: Aspects of the property tax system that contribute to rising property tax levies and taxpayer dissatisfaction

Charge 2: Impact of franchise tax repeal

Charge 3: Impact of ongoing tax litigation, including American Multi-Cinema, Inc. v. Hegar, on revenue stability

Charge 4: State Auditor's review of Chapter 313 agreements

Charge 6: Competitiveness of Texas' tax structure for marine goods and services compared to other states

Charge 8: Implementation of increased residence homestead exemption as approved by the voters in Proposition 1 (SJR 1, 84th Legislature, R.S.)

 

September 28 Top

House Committees on Appropriations and Public Education (Joint Hearing) 

Charges related to school finance including, but not limited to, Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction (ASATR), recapture, and the Cost of Education Index (CEI)

Topic: Border security and operations, including efforts of local law enforcement

Topic: Legislative oversight and monitoring of agencies

 

Charge 1: Texas Department of Transportation's role in responding to natural disasters

Charge 7: Oversize or overweight corridors

Topic: Transportation funding mechanisms, including Texas Emissions Reduction Plan funds, reduction and rededication of Motor Fuels Tax Collection timely payment deduction including Comptrollers administrative and enforcement allowance associated with motor fuels tax collection

Topic:  Transportation reinvestment zones for use by municipalities and counties transportation funding

Topic:  Short or long term funding options that could enhance transportation construction, design, planning, or maintenance

Charge 1: Implementation of federal regulations

House and Senate Select Committees on State Real Property Data Collection, Reporting, & Assessment (Joint Hearing) 

Topics: Update from agencies on the status of the report on the statewide strategy, required by HB 3750, 84th R.S., that will ensure all real property owned by the state is adequately insured;  potential benefits of maintaining a comprehensive database of all real property owned by the state

September 29 Top

House Committees on Appropriations and Public Education (Joint Hearing) 

Charges related to school finance including, but not limited to school facilities

House Committee on Pensions

Charge 5: Investment performance benchmarks utilized by the state's pension funds and impact of portfolio diversification and short-and long-term market assumptions

Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform & Relief  (Houston) 

Charges: Property tax process and Tax burden

 

This entry was posted on September 19, 2016 at 8:15 AM and has received 1743 views. Print this entry.

Week in Review, September 15

Sep 15

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.

  • Try the online eminent domain database. (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, September 6, 2016)
  • Consider the role of family caregivers. (Health Affairs Blog, September 8, 2016)
  • Track pollinators in this year's BioBlitz. (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, accessed September 14, 2016)
  • Explore changes in rates of health insurance coverage in the U.S. between 2014 and 2015. (U.S. Census Bureau, September 13, 2016)

 

This entry was posted on September 15, 2016 at 3:15 PM and has received 587 views. Print this entry.

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