mjsamuelson's blog

Is Jim Dunnam breaking residency rules?

Submitted by mjsamuelson on Thu, 08/26/2010 - 8:29pm.

Unlike in the US House of Representatives, the Texas House of Representatives requires its members to live within the district they represent, and candidates for such office to have established residency in the district. Read More»

The Liberal "Stealth" Influence in the 81st Lege

Submitted by mjsamuelson on Wed, 08/25/2010 - 1:40pm.

This should not come as a surprise to anyone who actually paid attention last session, but a new analysis from Rice University suggests that despite their minority status, Texas liberals in the Legislature actually had far more influence on the agenda than "public perception" might have it. Read More»

Austin ISD and the quest to raise your taxes

Submitted by mjsamuelson on Thu, 08/19/2010 - 5:09pm.

KLBJ reported this afternoon that Austin ISD has a public meeting tonight to discuss a possible $.05 property tax increase, ostensibly to pay for teacher pay raises Read More»

Taxpayers on the hook for $2.4 trillion - in local gov't debt

Submitted by mjsamuelson on Tue, 08/17/2010 - 9:28pm.

It's much "sexier" for bloggers and the MSM to talk about the trillion-dollar national deficit and even Texas' projected budget shortfall than about local government debt.  But I like talking about pesky local government, mostly because I believe that the government closest to us also does the most damage. Read More»

Taxpayer Beware! Local government budget season has arrived

Submitted by mjsamuelson on Wed, 07/28/2010 - 7:25pm.

Brace yourselves, folks.  Just yesterday, the Statesman's Laylin Copelin reported that Travis County property appraisals had fallen 3.5% this year.  Which means every taxing entity in the county that collects property taxes will lose revenue. Read More»

Bipartisan claims have no substance

Submitted by mjsamuelson on Mon, 07/12/2010 - 7:46pm.

It seems that State Rep. Mark Strama (D-50) has been getting credit for things he did not do. Read More»

Obama....Strama....2010

Submitted by mjsamuelson on Fri, 06/18/2010 - 11:05pm.

Doesn't that thought just make you....gag? Read More»

Local government tomfoolery from Austin to D.C.

Submitted by mjsamuelson on Fri, 06/04/2010 - 11:55am.

Okay, ladies and germs.  Let's have a little civics lesson, shall we? Read More»

Waco ISD: Vegas-bound, on your dime

Submitted by mjsamuelson on Thu, 05/27/2010 - 1:33pm.

Here is some fresh insanity to cap off the school year for you.  The Waco Independent School District is set to spend $84,000 to send staff members to a seminar.  In Las Vegas. Read More»

What's so wrong with Patrick Rose

Submitted by mjsamuelson on Wed, 05/19/2010 - 9:28am.

Despite recent claims to the contrary, HD 45 erstwhile Democratic representative is no friend to Texas taxpayers or Texas business. Read More»