This multi-part series in The Dallas Morning News examines how Texas determines whom it protects and whom it excludes – and how special interests and their lobbyists strongly influence the writing of laws and the workings of state government.

Texas has long been hard on the weak and vulnerable. It fares badly in national surveys of child poverty, food assistance and care for the mentally ill and disabled.

But it isn't only the poor and afflicted who need help; everyone relies on state government for some protection. Not everyone receives it.

Business interests and lobbyists exert strong influence on the writing of laws and the workings of state government. Who benefits from that? Frequently, not ordinary Texans.

[HOT will soon propose Residential Construction as a 5th story line, adding to (1) State programs for the poor, disabled and elderly, (2) Health-care, (3) Heavy Industry, and (4) Home Insurance.]

The Dallas Morning News -- a Multi-part Series
Starts 01/07/2009

Source: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2009/state_of_neglect/

 ↑ Back to Top