Senate Taking Up Voter ID
Today Texas senators will start debating controversial voter ID legislation that would require voters to show photo ID before casting a ballot at the polls. The legislation is coming up early during this legislative session because Governor Rick Perry declared it an emergency priority item. Democrats blocked similar voter ID legislation during the 2009 session.
AISD Tackles Budget Tonight
The Austin Independent School District’s Boardtonight will address a budget shortfall that could be more than $100 million. Superintendent Meria Carstarphen says positions will be terminated. AISD raised its projected budget deficit after the state announced it could cut public education spending by nearly $10 billion in the 2012 and 2013 state budget cycle.
Austin Police to Test Body Cameras
The Austin Police Department will be one of a dozen city police departments nationwide testing cameras worn on an officer's head or ear when outside of the patrol car. The Austin American-Statesman reports footage from the cameras would be downloaded to a computer after an officer's shift and could be used as evidence. APD does not have the cameras yet.
City to Discuss Bull Creek District Park Tonight
Tonight the City of Austin will hold an information session to discuss the future of Bull Creek District Park with the public. The city has been examining water quality at the park for over a year and last week released a study on its findings. The city says it cannot attribute all of the contamination exclusively to dog feces. For more details on the report visit the City of Austin's website. The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mexican American Cultural Center.