By KERA News Room
Dallas, TX – Voter ID Bill Goes to Governor Perry
The Texas House has sent Gov. Rick Perry a bitterly debated bill that would require Texas voters to show a photo id before casting a ballot. Monday's 98-46 vote sends to Perry's desk a measure he called an "emergency" item for the session. His signature will give Republicans a major victory in a bitter partisan debate that has raged for several years. Republicans say photo identification is needed as a safeguard to prevent voter fraud. Democrats say there was insignificant evidence of fraud, and the law will make it harder for poor and minority Texans to vote and THAT would boost Republicans margins in elections.
Dallas Drivers Face 5 Years Of LBJ Hassles
Drivers can expect a 5 year delay on the LBJ freeway as part of a $2.7 billion interstate highway improvement project known as LBJ Express. Today marks the first day for the road closures, in preparation for upgrades to 17 miles of I-635 and I-35 East. The initial closures involve high-occupancy vehicle lanes, used by drivers accompanied by at least one passenger. Yesterday workers shut down five miles of HOV lanes on 635. It was built more than 40 years ago. ago.
How Will Arlington Trustees Spend $10 Million?
The Arlington school board meets tonight to discuss how the district will use $10 million from the Federal Education Jobs Fund. Its share is part of the $830 million education grant that was tied up in Congress for months. Some districts have already said they'll use the money to save jobs. Arlington cut more than 630 positions as it prepares to receive fewer state dollars in this down economy. Arlington and other school districts won't know how much or how little state money they'll get until lawmakers hammer out a final budget.