Speaker Sunset Appointees.
Speaker Joe Straus made three new appointments to the Sunset Advisory Commission this week. Rep. Larry Gonzales (R-Round Rock) will serve as Chair. Representative Dan Flynn (R-Van) and Representative Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston), and William Meadows (member of the public-Fort Worth) were also appointed. The Sunset Commission reviews and makes recommendations to help make state agencies run more effectively and efficiently. To read more…
Medicaid Negotiations.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has submitted a request to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a 15-month extension of the 1115 Demonstration Waiver set to expire on September 30, 2016. The waiver draws down federal Medicaid funds to help Texas hospitals treat uninsured patients. To read more…
Budget woes.
Speaker Joe Straus sent a letter to House budget writers yesterday laying out some priorities and challenges facing the state. A combination of low oil and gas prices, reduced revenue, and additional resources necessary to address child protective services (CPS) and the school finance law suit could make crafting the budget more difficult this session. To read more…
Only in Austin (or Buda)…
Buda, the Wiener Dog Capital of Texas, is hosting its 19th Annual Buda Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races this weekend, April 23rd and 24th. New this year is the Mixed Breed Wiener Dog racing category. Note: Chi-weenies are considered a mixed breed. Veterinarians will be on site to verify breed characteristics. We’re off to the races! To read more…