Lawmakers face hot button issues

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The State Capitol was buzzing last week as lawmakers explored many controversial topics. Among the most disputed topics, lawmakers were compelled to consider the economic state of Texas. President Obama’s stimulus package has provided Texas the demanding task of distributing millions of dollars to the areas that need it most. Particularly, the unemployment section of the stimulus package was intensely debated on the floor. As unemployment is on the rise, more Austinites are finding themselves out of work.

The range of subjects reviewed this week provided an interesting atmosphere. Pro-life supporters rallied at the Capitol last week to urge lawmakers to consider their ideas. Pro-lifers are pushing for a law that would require a Doctor to show the mother an ultrasound prior to performing an abortion. Another hot topic was illegal immigrants. Legislation passed this week that would create harsher punishments for illegal immigrants in Texas. Meanwhile, students marched the Capitol to demand a tuition freeze. Some students are concerned that this will affect their future in college.

An emergency item by Governor Perry made headway as two lawmakers filed bills that would overhaul the troubled schools for the mentally disabled. The bills are looking to give clients the choice to leave state schools. A recent investigation revealed rampant abuse in the schools across Texas for the mentally ill. In the second segment of the Session ’09 will focus more on the state school discussion.