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Conservatism’s not simply found in policy, but in championing a brighter future

By Adrian Murray

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – In the wake of the recent national election debacle, “Conservatives” today define themselves – and, by projection, politicians – based on their positions on issues.  While that may seem intuitive, it’s a poor way to gauge the conservatism of politicians, since the world is not black and white, but much more nuanced. Rather than defining conservatism in terms of policy issues & principles (since we can’t even agree amongst ourselves,) we should be promoting conservatism for what it actually is, and what it will achieve, which is … Continue Reading.

By Cong. Mac Thornberry

Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – There has been a lot of talk about a “fiscal cliff” that could occur in the next month or so.  The so-called “cliff” is a combination of expiring tax cuts and deep, across-the-board spending cuts that will take place in January 2013. Yet, continued gridlock and stalemate will have serious consequences lasting for many years.

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Increasing infiltrative violation of personal privacy– and why you should be worried. 

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – The Romney & Obama campaigns spent 100′s of 1,000′s of dollars on data & snooping-like technology services to enhance their own voter contact information, craft their online and offline messaging, and masterfully target ads to voters who often had little idea of what the campaigns knew about them. “The Obama Administration and the GOP should confront head-on the privacy issues raised by their far-reaching use of digital profiling & targeting data,” says privacy advocate Jeffrey Chester, founder of the Center for Digital Democracy.   Continue Reading.

Texas Congressman to Chair critical House Committee

Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – “The Science, Space & Technology Committee plays an exciting part in the discoveries of science, the exploration of space, and the development of new technologies. Over 80% of the Committee’s $39 billion budget touches on research & development, and its purpose is to encourage the R&D that leads to new innovations,” said Texas Cong. Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio) after House Republicans elected him to chair a crucial committee with great impact on Texas’ economic future.    Continue Reading.

Perry, Dewhurst & Patrick call for deferral of 15% Rule, support bill to give local districts permanent flexibility

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – “This week we received the excellent news that our state’s graduation rate ties for the nation’s 3rd best. As you know, this accomplishment did not happen by accident, nor did it happen overnight,” said Gov. Rick Perry today, while sending a letter to Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams asking him to defer until the 2013-14 school year the requirement that an End-of-Course Assessment count as 15% of a student’s final course grade.

The governor also applauded Sen. Dan Patrick for filing legislation to give school districts permanent flexibility.

Read Perry’s letter, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst’s comments, and further details of Sen. Patrick’s efforts here.

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There are deals, and there are deals.  

By Clark S. Judge

Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – The day after the election, I found myself in a waiting room for television guests with Howard Dean, the former Democrat presidential candidate. Passing the time, Dean talked and I listened. The topic was the Fiscal Cliff.

Dean was for going over it, and forcing the big increases in marginal tax rates that will go with such a move. “That’s the only way to get a deal,” he said.  “I am a deficit hawk.”   Continue Reading.

“I know that we can create even more jobs.”

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – “Texas’ positive business climate, including the $1 million Franchise Tax Exemption, has helped keep unemployment below the national average and job-creation above it,” said Texas House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Harvey Hilderbran.

“Permanently extending the exemption will help attract new businesses to the state, and encourage growth of those already here.”   Continue Reading.

It’s not how close the score, that counts.

Texas Insider Report: NEW YORK, NY – Congressional infighting over the “Fiscal Cliff” may well continue on into the New Year. Grover Norquist’s no new tax pledge has hit the proverbial reality wall. Note also that almost all the TEA-Party backed candidates lost their bid for election or re-election. Where is the justice in this?!  Continue Reading.