Key players and top issues facing the Texas Legislature

The Big Three

Gov. Rick Perry

The longest-serving Texas governor is about to engage in his 14th legislative session -- six regular sessions and eight special sessions -- since taking office in December 2000. Re-elected to an unprecedented third four-year term, the Republican governor will be inaugurated Jan. 18 on the Capitol grounds in a scaled-backed celebration that reflects the state's tight budget. Perry, who will lay out his priorities in a "state of the state" address to a joint session of the Legislature in February, expects lawmakers to balance the budget without new or increased taxes.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst

The Senate's presiding officer, Dewhurst is also beginning a third four-year term as the longest-serving Republican in the state's No. 2 post. He issued committee assignments months before the session and will be a driving force in shaping the budget. Dewhurst will share the spotlight with Perry at next week's inauguration for the state's top two leaders.

House Speaker Joe Straus

A San Antonio Republican, Straus became speaker in January 2009 after a coalition of Republicans and Democrats ousted Tom Craddick of Midland. He faces two challengers in his re-election bid on the session's opening day, Tuesday, but he has more than enough pledges to secure the 76 votes needed for a second term. Scores of conservative organizations have mounted a telephone and e-mail campaign to try to dislodge him, but Straus says he strongly adheres to the conservative themes espoused by voters in November.

The top 10 issues

The budget: Addressing a multibillion-dollar shortfall is Job One. Some estimates have put the shortfall in excess of $20 billion, and Republican leaders and lawmakers pledge to balance the budget by cutting spending without raising taxes. Democrats, though vastly outnumbered, plan to defiantly resist what they say could be debilitating cuts in social services, education and other programs. Thousands of state employees are bracing for possible layoffs, furloughs and pay cuts.

Redistricting: This is the other 800-pound gorilla confronting the Legislature. Lawmakers must redraw lines for congressional districts, the state House and Senate, and the State Board of Education to conform with population changes reflected in the 2010 Census. Republicans have the power to control the process, but Democrats will insist that the districts adequately reflect growth among Hispanics and African-Americans. Because of a 20.6 percent increase in population, Texas will get four new congressional seats.

Voter ID: A measure requiring voters to show identification before casting ballots died during a parliamentary standoff in 2009, but Republicans now say their strengthened numbers virtually guarantee that it will pass this session. Democrats contend that the requirement will disenfranchise poor, elderly and minority voters, but Republicans say their constituents want the voter ID requirement to protect against fraud.

Immigration: Calls for tougher border security and an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigration have drawn a push-back from civil-rights groups, businesses and religious organizations against what they see as "a xenophobic agenda." Proposed bills include measures that would empower local law officers to enforce federal immigration laws, impose penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants and require employers to screen applicants through a federal electronic verification system.

Gambling: Gambling advocates believe that the budget woes can help them make a strong case for expanding gambling as a way to raise billions of dollars in much-needed revenue. Supporters have organized an aggressive campaign to authorize casinos in major urban areas, including the Metroplex, and permit slot machines at horse tracks, including Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Opponents include religious groups and some civic leaders who warn that expanding gambling may have negative social effects.

Public education: A perennial issue in the Legislature. Budget pressures have raised concerns about adequate funding, and many lawmakers say they want to give school districts more control over financing and more freedom from state spending mandates. Financially struggling school districts are appealing to legislators to avoid funding cuts. Recent student suicides have also prompted efforts to combat bullying in public schools. Some lawmakers are pushing bills to alter or abolish the State Board of Education.

Higher education: Despite the budget crisis, efforts will be made to continue financial incentives aimed at creating more Tier One universities, including three in North Texas. Leaders of state-supported universities hope to ward off severe cuts.

Transportation: The Texas Department of Transportation will be in the cross hairs of many legislators after a three-member review team called for a leadership change to restore public confidence in the agency. With road-building needs far surpassing available funding, some lawmakers may re-engage in demands for an increase in the gasoline tax despite leaders' opposition to new taxes. Tougher drunken-driving laws, a proposed ban on texting while driving and a rollback of red-light cameras could also be on the agenda.

State agencies: A host of agencies -- including the Transportation Department, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Insurance Department, the Public Utility Commission and the energy-regulating Texas Railroad Commission -- will come under heightened scrutiny under the sunset review process, which examines the effectiveness of agencies. Budget cutters are also likely to recommend cutting or consolidating several agencies to help control state spending.

Energy, environment and natural resources: The debate over clean air, water supplies, pollution and the shift to alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power will play out on a multitude of fronts. A showdown between the state and federal government over clean-air permits is likely to stoke much of the discussion.

-- Dave Montgomery

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