Posted in [Recent Posts]

The State Senate received its marching orders today. As we discussed when the Speaker released House interim charges, they will guide the Senate's efforts to study policy issues through this year and prepare for the 2011 legislative session. The interim charges, and the hearings the Senate committees hold to study them, present a great opportunity for advocates and others to share their perspective with legislators.

There's something here for everyone, but there were a few in particular that caught my eye. Education issues on the list include charter schools, middle school, teacher compensation, teacher retirement, the TAKS and accountability system, dual language classes, facilitating transfers from community colleges to four-year institutions, improving financial aid, the new streamlined FAFSA application process, the JET job training program my legislation created, and more. There will be will a review of services to address a broad range of social challenges, from child abuse to unplanned pregnancy and others. A review of economic development and small business support efforts might give us a chance to renew our call to fund the Capital Access Program. Appraisal reform remains on the agenda. Transportation funding proposals from the last session, and transportation strategies to reduce air pollution, made the cut.

That's just a sample of what's included. Which ones caught your eye?