Posted @ Monday, February 28, 2011

In this week's Mike's Mic, Mike performs a science experiment to show how the lottery contributes money to education funding, but doesn't actually increase the education funding footprint in Texas.  It's one example of the sneaky way the legislature moves money around to pay for other things.

Posted @ Thursday, February 24, 2011

HB 660 by San Antonio's Mike Villarre­al would let brewpubs that produce fewer than 10,000 barrels per year either sell to a distributor or self-distribute.

Posted @ Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Standard and Poor's has provided us a copy of their recent report, "Texas' Budget Challenge: Structural Changes Are Key To Avoid Persistent Deficits." The report is available here and further information is available at www.standardandpoors.com.

Posted @ Wednesday, February 23, 2011

“This bill is an effort to bring together the interested parties to find a common ground, a win-win solution that gives consumers more opportunities to drink great Texas beers, allows brew pubs to grow their businesses and provides new clients for beer distributors,” Rep. Villarreal says.

Posted @ Wednesday, February 23, 2011

As it is currently worded, HB 660 (by San Antonio Rep. Mike Villarreal) would allow brewpubs to sell to distributors, but with an important catch: If a brewpub’s production does not exceed 10,000 barrels per year (and currently, that would be every brewpub in the state), it may self-distribute.

Posted @ Friday, February 18, 2011

This week, see Mike like you have never seen him before.

Posted @ Thursday, February 17, 2011

Austin - Today State Representative Mike Villarreal announced a new bill, HB 1307, to provide a new direction for the testing of public school students in Texas. Rep. Villarreal will be available in Austin and San Antonio to comment on the legislation.

Posted @ Monday, February 14, 2011

Austin - Today State Representative Mike Villarreal released data he received from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board showing that college tuition could rise by over $1,000 per year if the Republican state budget proposal is passed.

Posted @ Monday, February 14, 2011

Austin - Today Representative Mike Villarreal announced his opposition to proposed cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates for dentists and proposed a bill to improve access to dental care for children.

Posted @ Friday, February 11, 2011

In this week's Mike's Mic, I share my feelings about the State of the State, the structural budget shortfall, and committee assignments. I also read your letters.

Posted @ Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Austin - Today Texas House Speaker Joe Straus named Representative Mike Villarreal to the Appropriations Committee, the Ways and Means Committee, and the Redistricting Committee.

Posted @ Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Last week I published this post about why I filed HB 978.  Here is a diagram that should help you better understand the process.

Posted @ Wednesday, February 09, 2011

 “Governor Perry missed an opportunity to take responsibility for the financial crisis he helped create or outline a way to continue our state’s investment in education and basic services,” Villarreal said.

Posted @ Tuesday, February 08, 2011

I thought you would like to see the Governor's budget as you watch the State of the State. 

Posted @ Tuesday, February 08, 2011

"Governor Perry missed an opportunity to take responsibility for the financial crisis he helped create or outline a way to continue our state's investment in education and basic services."