Lobbyists cost money: So while the legislature is still in the orientation stage, there's a lot of outreach from advocacy groups trying to make sure they don't get ignored during the session. Today was a particularly busy day, especially for kids and the groups trying to get them some attention. The Texas Association of Community Colleges had the biggest presence around the Capitol with its Student Day, which included sending large numbers of well-briefed and well-dressed students to explain to legislators why community colleges are a good investment (considering how much lip-service is paid to using two-year academic institutions as a cost-effective entry to tertiary education, that may get a good reception.) They also had a trick up their sleeve: Free barbecue on the Capitol grounds, which is a great way to get staffers to turn up for your event.

If Texas’ horse tracks could also have casino slot machines – a concept known as “racinos” – the state could reap billions in economic activity and tax revenue, according to a study commissioned by racetrack owners. Texas has casinos coming to three Indian reservations, and it has had legal betting at race tracks since the days of Ann Richards – but the two gambling opportunities must remain separate under Texas law. Change that, says track owner group Texans for Economic Prosperity, and a sizable chunk of the $2.8 billion that Texans currently spend gambling out of state would stay here.

So is the state of Texas out of cash or not? While Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Joe Straus are asking state agencies to slash their budgets, Gov. Rick Perry is already asking the lege for cash under his emergency items request. In a belated fashion (if Hurricane Ike wasn't cause for a special legislative session, what ever can be?), Perry has decided that it's time to implement hurricane reform, requesting supplemental appropriations for the hurricane repairs and legislation to fix the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (the fall-back fund for homeowners when no-one else will insure them.) The question raised is why that had to wait until after the devastating hurricane season of 2008. Possibly something to do with Sen. Mike Jackson, R-La Porte, threatened to fillibuster proposed reforms in 2007. Perry also wants legislation to fix State Schools. So what was the clue, the three Justice Department reports condemning them for rampant abuse problems, or the 53 preventable deaths amongst residents in one year? Civil rights groups will probably also raise an eyebrow at "funds to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the purchase and use of screening and detection devices for contraband and personnel, as well as comprehensive security equipment." See the full press release after the break.

Texas' Dept. of Public Safety troopers have seized nearly 10,000 pounds of pot -- but still have no idea whose it is. That's right, according to a DPS press release, a trooper on routine patrol in Webb Co. spotted a broken down school bus on the side of the road on Saturday morning. The trooper went to investigate and found the bus was filled (literally) with packages of dope: 560 bundles of marijuana were found hidden behind cardboard in a false ceiling. DPS says the pot is worth $3.9 million, and represents the agency's second largest pot seizure since 1997. DPS says the bus might've been abandoned because of an engine problem and agency narcos are now looking for the owner. The agency is asking for anyone with information to call 956/728-2201.

It often sounds like hyperbole, but homes were literally rocked tonight in Hyde Park around 8pm when a house exploded after a gas leak. According to Austin Fire Department, its personnel had been called to the home on Evans Street after reports of a gas leak. After evacuating the residents from the building, firefighters were knocked flat by the sudden explosion which caused buildings to shake as far away as Red River. One firefighter was taken to hospital with a knee injury incurred during the blast.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Joe Straus have asked all state agencies to find cuts from their current budgets so the state can slice 2.5% from General Revenue and General Revenue-Dedicated appropriations. Dewhurst said as much when he addressed the Texas Public Policy Foundation, but this solidifies it: The budget has a hole in it, and as per usual the only solution he offers is further slashing of agency funding. The letter was sent out on Friday, but was only released to the press this afternoon. Dewhurst and Straus do say that they will try to protect "funding for essential programs, including but not limited to the Foundation School Program, acute care Medicaid, CHIP and debt service for previously issued debt." See below the fold for the full text of the letter.

I just finished watching today's brief Texas Senate session on Cable Channel 22. And now I've switched it over to Channel 6 to watch the House. I've taken this for granted for some time now, and didn't realize that residents of other Texas cities don't have this service available to them. Today, 97 House members sent a letter to Texas cable and satellite providers to step up and make this available to their customers. Press release from the House after the jump:

Perhaps you've heard a little something about the recent anti-evolution lunacy on the State Board of Education. Or perhaps you didn't realize we even have an SBOE. Or what it does. Or that it's an elected body. Or who your representative is. Don't feel too embarrassed … you'd hardly be alone in that regard. But you can fix that in a couple of upcoming forums, one of which is coming up tomorrow (Sunday) morning. (And hey, if you're willing to fix your ignorance and evolve, that puts you way ahead of several of the SBOE members.) Details after the jump:

With little fanfare, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst quietly released the list of Senate Committees for the 81st Session. Comparing the list to last session, there's a series of small but potentially significant changes. After languishing as a sub-committee, Higher Education becomes a full-fledged committee under Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, who gives up her Education seat and her vice-chairmanship on Finance. She gets Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, as her vice-chair (observers of the conservative Patrick may note he also becomes vice-chair of education and replaces the more moderate Sen. Robert Deuell, R-Greenville, on Criminal Justice.) Sen. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, gets to chair the new full Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee. There's also very little tweaking on the membership front. With Kim Brimer and Kyle Janek gone, their replacements (Sens. Wendy Davis, D-Dallas, and Joan Huffman, R-Houston) both get a smattering of appointments. As for the Travis County delegation, there's no change. Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, keeps his vice-chairmanship of Transportation & Homeland Security, plus seats on Business & Commerce, Economic Development, Jurisprudence and Nominations. Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, remains chair of Jurisprudence and stays on Administration, Transportation & Homeland Security, and Intergovernmental Relations. See below the fold for the full list of new members and who lost what.