New cast of lawmakers to fight over usual agenda

[Draggingtree]

Houston Chronicle:

New cast of lawmakers to fight over usual agenda

 

By CHRIS TOMLINSON, Associated Press | January 6, 2013 | Updated: January 6, 2013 10:09am

 

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A new cast of lawmakers will gather in Austin this week for the 83rd Texas Legislature, but they bring with them a familiar agenda that includes taxes, education, health care, abortion and even groping.

 

Republicans retain control of the House, the Senate and the governor's mansion, so they will set the agenda. Democrats, as in years past, will try persuasive arguments, fiery debates and parliamentary maneuvers to try and shape the bills that end up on Gov. Rick Perry's desk.

 

state Sen. Dan Patrick, a Houston Republican who chairs the Senate Education Committee, appears more interested in expanding charter schools and allowing parents to send their kids to private schools using vouchers.