By KERA News & Wire Services
Dallas, TX – Attorney General Greg Abbott says Texas will join other states in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of new federal health care legislation. Abbott says the challenge will be pursued as soon as President Barack Obama signs the bill.
Abott says the goal is to protect the constitutional rights of all Texans and defend the state from what he calls "further infringement by the federal government."
Most Americans would have to buy insurance or face penalties. There would be subsidies to help families with incomes of up to $88,000 a year pay their premiums.
Prominent Texas Republicans, including Abbott and Gov. Rick Perry, have been outspoken against the Democratic-backed health care measure.
No Republican joined House Democrats in voting for the bill. One Texas Democratic congressman -- Chet Edwards of Waco -- voted against it
Hispanics in Texas less likely to graduate college
Texas follows the national trend with Hispanics less likely to graduate from public and private universities compared to whites.
The study by the nonprofit American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research used data from six-year graduation rates from the National Center for Education Statistics.
The study found that 51 percent of Hispanics who started college earned a bachelor's degree within six years, compared to 59 percent of whites.
The Texas figures indicate 40 percent of Hispanics graduated within six years, compared with 45 percent for whites. The report found that many Hispanics dropped out because of financial challenges, such as students less likely aware of loan and scholarship assistance.
The study recommends that institutions focus on improved retention and completion efforts for all students, plus offering better financial information.
Sikh soldier to graduate from Army basic training
A dentist will become the first adherent of the Sikh faith to graduate from U.S. Army basic training in more than two decades.
Capt. Tejdeep Singh Rattan was to go through a graduation ceremony Monday at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. Rattan had to get special permission from the Army to keep the beard and turban that his faith requires.
He's the first Sikh in more than 20 years to be allowed to maintain the beard and turban. Army policy generally requires soldiers to be clean-shaven and to keep their hair short.
Rattan fought to be allowed to go on active duty. He said he wanted an opportunity to serve his country.