Senator Eliot Shapleigh - El Paso, Texas

Senator Shapleigh's notes and observations will keep you updated on what is happening behind the scenes in Austin and El Paso.

The archaeological record suggests that, at its zenith, Paquime’s population – which resembled historic Puebloan populations in physical appearance and dress – developed and honed perhaps the most diverse mix of cultural traits.

Farmers Branch officials will have 15 days to verify whether a group gathered enough signatures to force the City Council to repeal an ordinance banning apartment managers from leasing to illegal immigrants or to call a special election on the issue.

On December 14, Senator Shapleigh filed with Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D-Corpus Christi) important bills on border security and immigration. The Senators are co-sponsoring three bills.

Senator Shapleigh's notes and observations will keep you updated on what is happening behind the scenes in Austin and El Paso.

A recent study found that about 40 percent of El Pasoans in 2005 said they had no health insurance, an increase from 32 percent in 1996. Nearly 29 percent in the state and about 15 percent in the nation lack health coverage.

As I rummage through smoke detectors, the words of those burning children sear. And I wonder: Might the cheapest battery powered alarm in stock have saved even one life?

Diabetics on the border are twice as likely as other diabetic Texans to have to resort to amputation, according to a recently released study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study is based on 2003 data.

It's encouraging that the incoming Congress doesn't want to stop there and will push for paper verification. And measures have been introduced for consideration by the 2007 Texas Legislature; they would require the state to use paper trails.

The trouble with new prisons is that the construction cost is only the start; there follows the never-ending bills for paying guards and staff, feeding prisoners and providing them with medical care.

Experts say it's common for elementary school teachers to struggle in math. Trained as generalists, elementary education majors typically take one or two core math classes in college and one on how to teach math.

At the federal level, Perry eclipsed billionaire financier George Soros to become the top individual donor, with $9.3 million, mostly to conservative committees not limited in the money they can accept.

A dozen legislators from various states wrote that public higher education is suffering from neglect and dressed down themselves and fellow lawmakers for allowing problems to take root.

Some want to limit the increase to 5 percent while Senate Education Chairwoman Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, wants to guarantee entering freshmen tuition rates that won't change for four years.

The use of standardized testing as a key means to improve public school performance has been a fact of life in Texas since 1993. A lesser-known fact: More kindergarten students have been held back each year during that period.

With increased standards and accountability beginning at the state level and solidified with President Bush's sweeping public school overhaul -- No Child Left Behind -- play must have a purpose, recess is endangered and naptime is almost unheard of.

We need to talk about our kids and sex. Better yet, first we need to talk to our kids about sex -- at least by the time they reach the age at which they're tempted to try it.

Among the many U.S. dignitaries who came to see the transition of power were Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Dallas Mayor Laura Miller and former President George Bush. Their presence underscored the importance of the relationship between the two countries.

In 2006, an estimated 34,606 students who qualify for the TEXAS Grant will not receive an award due to lack of state funding. State lawmakers expect that an estimated 36,712 students who qualify will not receive awards in the upcoming year.

Senator Shapleigh's notes and observations will keep you updated on what is happening behind the scenes in Austin and El Paso.