Veto will increase tuition, decrease global competitiveness

Governor Perry vetoed and will most likely force an increase in tuition in many community colleges across the state, including Austin Community College. 

I cannot believe that the governor just did this! 

This is a time in which every government agency, at all levels possible (Federal, State, or Local) must invest in the education of their citizens. In a world in which there is increased competition from abroad, and many countries are investing heavily on education, the only way to compete is to make sure that our citizens remain the creme of the crop.

It is only through education that we will be able to compete in the future, and vetoing a bill would have funded health benefits for employees is like shooting ourselves on the foot.

The benefits would attract, or help retain quality employees in the colleges, which are so necessary for a quality education.

Read the full link here, and feel free to comment what you think!

On the right lane to reduce congestion and smog

Managed lanes might soon become a reality on MoPac. The situation is being studied and would add managed lanes on some sections of MoPac (loop 1) in Austin.
Many oppose these lanes, sometimes calling them "Lexus Lanes". It is necessary to note that the existing lanes would continue to exist throughout MoPac. The project itself is like adding an extra lane and requiring people riding alone in their cars to pay for using that lane. It is expected that the speed on that lane will be quicker than on other lanes, especially during rush hour. In addition, this lane can be used by Public Transportation and would encourage more people to use it.
I think this is a great idea, it will reduce smog-creating congestion, it will encourage people to carpool or to ride the bus, and capacity will not be decreased.
Safety issues include the access points of this lane as well as the narrowing of the other lanes. Having taken a Highway Engineering class, I learned that the reduction in width will lower the capacity of the lanes by only a small percentage and will not significantly decrease the safety.
Read the full link here