In the News
Budget: Process of financing state business requires more transparency
Friday, January 14, 2011
by Editorial Board
Austin American-Statesman
Even legislators who arrive in Austin with the best of intentions come to accept the confusing and secretive way the state's two-year budget is put together.
"We've always done it…
Watson pushes for 1 week review of state budget
Friday, January 14, 2011
by Karina King
Your News Now
Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, is urging lawmakers to let themselves and the public have one week to review the final version of the state budget before the bill goes up…
Financing state business requires more transparency and a less hurried flurry of votes
Sunday, January 09, 2011
by Editorial Board
Austin American-Statesman
Even legislators who arrive in Austin with the best of intentions come to accept the confusing and secretive way the state's two-year budget is put together.
"We've always done it…
Count to Five Before Voting
Friday, January 07, 2011
by Lee Nichols
Austin Chronicle
The refrain of “greater transparency” is a constant among government-watchers. Austin Sen. Kirk Watson has an idea for how to make this happen at the 82nd Legislature: Force the Senate to stop, take a…
Watson’s proposed budget rule draws praise from right and left
Friday, January 07, 2011
by Jason Embry
Austin American-Statesman
Groups like plan to let budget lay out, panel continues look at Willingham case today and the Washington Post says pale blue is the new red.
(Happy birthday Saturday to…
Texas lawmakers discuss renewable energy at Abilene conference
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
by Jaime Adame
Abilene Reporter-News
Opposition to the construction of high-voltage transmission lines in Texas could result in a smaller-scale project than originally envisioned by state officials, State Sen. Kirk Watson told a crowd of…
Watson talks budget reforms
Monday, November 29, 2010
by Kate Alexander
Austin American-Statesman
State Sen. Kirk Watson has set out to inject a little sunshine into Texas' often opaque budgeting process.
The Austin Democrat, fresh off re-election to a second term, recently laid…
State senator makes sense in dealing with budget woes
Thursday, November 25, 2010
by Dave McNeely
San Angelo Standard Times
Every so often someone makes real sense.
Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, calls for those in control in Texas to provide leadership out of the budget swamp into which Texans have…
Watson amps up call for budget reform
Monday, November 15, 2010
by Mike Ward
Austin American-Statesman
Criticizing state leaders for looming budget problems that could drastically reduce state services and force layoffs, Austin state Sen. Kirk Watson today amped up his call for sweeping reforms with…
Penalty change proposed for ‘sexting’ by kids
Monday, November 08, 2010
by Mike Ward
Austin American-Statesman
Moving to curb the growing scourge of ‘sexting’ among teenagers — kids texting nude photos of themselves and others — two top state officials announced plans today to change current…
Sexting legislation introduced by Texas senator, attorney general
Monday, November 08, 2010
by Quita Culpepper
KVUE TV News
To watch KVUE's video report, click here.
A state lawmaker and the attorney general hope to pass new laws for teens and sexting during the next legislative session.
Sexting -- a crime not just for adults?
Monday, November 08, 2010
by Catenya McHenry
KXAN TV News
To watch KXAN's video report, click here.
AUSTIN (KXAN) - It happens every day and throughout the day. A survey from the Cyberbullying Research Center says one in…
Proposal calls for teen "Sexting" to be misdemeanor offense
Monday, November 08, 2010
KEYE TV News
To see KEYE's video report, click here.
A new "Sexting" proposal aims to make the offense a misdemeanor for teens instead of a life-altering child pornography charge.
Read More…
Proposed Law Targets Teen Sexting
Monday, November 08, 2010
Fox 7 News
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and State Senator Kirk Watson announced that they want to change the laws regarding teen sexting.
Right now, it is a felony for anyone to…
Report: State business tax falling short of expectations
Thursday, November 04, 2010
by Mike Ward
Austin American-Statesman
On the day after the general election, and after months of official reluctance to talk publicly about the issue of taxes, a task force on Wednesday aired its report on…

