Voucher bill has backing of House majority

Body AUSTIN— A slim majority of Texas House members have indicated they will back House Bill 3, which creates education savings accounts that allow families to use taxpayer money for private school education.

The muscle of compassion

Body Compassion is not a switch we can turn off and on when it is convenient. Feeling something deep in our gut when we encounter hurting people is not as simple as deciding that this time we will care. Compassion is a muscle, and this muscle grows by being exercised.

House unveils its voucher version

Body AUSTIN— Texas House members filed a bevy of education bills last week, including a proposed $8 billion investment in public educationandavoucherbill that ties the amount of money spent for private schooling to the dollar amount provided to public schools.

Senate sends bail reform package to the house

Body The Senate passed a number of bills this week intended to keep dangerous criminals behind bars instead of free on bail.

Patrick releases 25 legislative priorities

Body AUSTIN— Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has released his top 25 legislative priorities as the legislative session gets underway, The Texas Tribune reported.

Windbreak trees available

Body Soil and Water Conservation District isnowtakingordersforhardwood and evergreen tree seedlings. These trees are great for windbreak, homesite and wildlife. The trees sold are specific to this region. They are grown by the Texas Forest Service.

S-C-R-A-B-B-L-E

Body On Fridays, my two small classes forgo literature and deep dive into a board game that first appeared in the 1930s. Depression-era unemployed architect Alfred M. Butts gave the world Scrabble.

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Body Shed a Little Light SUE JANE SULLIVANChances are you have watched a Holocaust movie. “Schindler’s List,” “The Pianist,” “The Zookeeper’s Wife,” “Escape from Sobibor,” or “The Book Thief” come to mind as some of the most memorable.

The 501

Body HANABA MUNN WELCHDon’t hold ’er, Newt“How’s every little thing, Myrt?” My last week’s column (no, I don’t remember the topic either) ended with a promise to quote the three famous quotations from the classic radio show “Fibber McGee and Molly.” You were supposed to guess them.

Taking care of garden tools

Body Winter months before spring chores resume is the perfect time to clean up and sharpen tools that are regularly used in the garden.Clean.