Education funding

The Capitol saw its share of tense exchanges Monday, one of which played out on the House floor not long after the gaveling in. Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer took to the back mic to ask Republican Rep. Jim Pitts, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, whether he thought the state of education funding counted as an "emergency" issue.

"You've never been on Appropriations," Rep. Pitts replied, "but 27 members of Appropriations are going to discuss public education in the full committee."

"So it is emergent?" Martinez Fischer asked.

Pitts' one-word reply: "Yes."

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In Monday's episode, we examined that exchange and spoke to Rep. Martinez Fischer about his plan to hold Republican lawmakers accountable for 2011 cuts to education.

Cargill's confirmation

The "creationism" versus "evolution" debate resurfaced at the State Capitol Monday. Barbara Cargill is looking to keep her governor-appointed seat as chair of the Texas State Board of Education. But some aren't convinced that the self-proclaimed conservative Christian will be able to separate her personal views from her job of overseeing education standards for the state's children.

Sen. Kirk Watson, the only Democrat on the committee, had no shortage of questions for Cargill about her thoughts on evolutionary science. Advocates on both sides of the issue made sure to have their voices heard.

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Rep. Larry Gonzales

Education, transportation and a longstanding fine for Texas drivers are all issues Rep. Larry Gonzales is looking at this session. Click the video below to hear our full interview with Rep. Gonzales, plus a fact-check stemming from Gov. Perry's trip to California.

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