Senator Eliot Shapleigh - El Paso, Texas

“We’re mad as hell, and we’re not going to take this any more.”

Senator Shapleigh's notes and observations from the Capitol will keep you updated on what is happening behind the scenes in Austin as the Special Sessions of the 79th Legislature continue to be called.

The sales tax holiday this weekend should be a hit.

Many refer to state demographer, Dr. Steve Murdock, as a prophet. Using Census data and projection models, Dr. Murdock predicts that the Texas population of tomorrow will be larger, older and increasingly diverse.

Just in Time Manufacturing El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, sister cities, form the production-sharing capital of North America.

School districts that spend more on their students received higher statewide accountability rankings.

Superintendents gave Shapleigh a standing ovation after he pitched a plan that would put an additional $11.5 billion into public education and cut property taxes by 90 percent.

Sen. Shapleigh to present to over 100 educators on how to invest in education and provide property tax relief

Perhaps there is a new chairman for the Carole Keeton Strayhorn Booster Club: Rick Perry.

Dewhurst said he feared 'poison pill' amendment.

Senator Shapleigh's notes and observations from the Capitol will keep you updated on what is happening behind the scenes in Austin as the Special Sessions of the 79th Legislature continue to be called.

When Governor Rick Perry convened lawmakers on July 21st for the Second Special Session of the 79th Legislature, it marked the fourth legislative session devoted to school finance and tax reform.

While the state's appropriations to public education have increased over time, most of the increases in public education spending have come from local tax revenue.

How can we best promote our potential as a great port?

Over recent weeks, earmarks promoted by New Mexico's U.S. Senate delegation would move El Paso rail and railyards from the center of El Paso to Santa Teresa.

Fast-growing El Paso ISD is hoping that Sen. Frank Madla will follow the lead of other border lawmakers in opposing House Bill 2.

If Texas lawmakers were serious about reducing property taxes and adequately funding public schools, they would ask voters to approve a state income tax.

It was a classic back-hall moment that underscored the bruising battle to change the state's education and tax policy.

State leaders have found it hard to completely agree among themselves about bills even some supporters say are, at best, a first step.

If Texas lawmakers were serious about reducing property taxes and adequately funding public schools, they would ask voters to approve a state income tax.