With Gov. Rick Perry still threatening to reject $555 million in federal unemployment insurance assistance, Democrats took the opportunity on Thursday to highlight some long-overdue reforms to the UI system, especially when it come to benefits for women. The presser, scheduled for 2pm, was slightly delayed: between long-running sessions, late-starting committees, and a plethora of press conferences, members are finding their time is getting seriously stretched.

House Democratic caucus chair Jessica Farrar, D-Houston, was accompanied by Reps. Carol Kent of Dallas, Scott Hochberg of Houston, and Austin’s own Valinda Bolton: Even Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, dropped by between votes.

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This article appears in April 3 • 2009.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.