By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com

Austin, TX – The political clock is ticking on the 78th Texas Legislature and with less than a month before the June 2 sine die date, "The calendar, not politics, will derail most of the legislation," says Austin political consultant Tony Proffitt.

As of Monday morning, there had been 2,775 Senate and 4,972 House bills filed, totaling 4,747 bills alone (not including joint, concurrent and simple resolutions). Also as of this morning, only 62 bills have been passed by the House and Senate.

By Maxine Shapiro, KERA 90.1 business commentator

Dallas, TX – It's Friday, so "It's Only Money," a review of the big and not-so-big stories of the week. I'm Maxine Shapiro with KERA Marketplace Midday.

By Maxine Shapiro, KERA 90.1 business commentator

Dallas, TX – Some historians question just how useful it is to divide and label people born in a certain time period. I believe the advertising industry has a whole encylopedia of answers to that question. But the current "Millennial" Generation seems to be puzzling marketers. I'm Maxine Shapiro with KERA Marketplace Midday.

By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com

Austin, TX – Senate State Affairs Chair Sen. Bill Ratliff (R-Mount Pleasant) today laid out his substitute for HB 4, which would provide for sweeping tort reform in Texas. The bill was merely laid out today and Ratliff indicated that testimony on the bill will begin Monday at an 8 a.m. State Affairs hearing. Testimony will be random and not article-by-article. He said the philosophy has already been discussed and he is hopeful the testimony Monday will be merely on language and wording.

By Suzanne Sprague, KERA 90.1 reporter

Dallas, TX – Suzanne Sprague, Reporter: For all the public outrage over building a $160 million hotel and rolling out new garbage carts, the crowd at a recent candidate forum on Fort Worth's North Side was decidedly focused on other priorities.

Voter #1: I am particularly interested in the gang prevention because I think they're trying to do away with that.

Voter #2: My concerns are the new toll road that is being considered.

By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com

Austin, TX – "It is what it is," said Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Houston), of House rules that came under scrutiny Wednesday during discussion of a bill posted for Thursday's calendar in the House.

But to some members what it is ain't what it was.

As the House moved through its calendar Wednesday evening, Turner (who had been tabbed to wield the Speaker's gavel) announced to members a 10 p.m. deadline for pre-filing amendments to HB 1606, an ethics bill by Rep. Steve Wolens (D-Dallas).

By Kim Malcolm, KERA 90.1 reporter

Dallas, TX – Kim Malcolm, KERA 90.1 reporter: Dallas voters will find Proposition 17 sitting at the very bottom of the ballot. It earmarks $3 million towards the city's first 24-hour intake center for the homeless. The Reverend Bruce Buchanan of First Presbyterian's Stewpot in downtown Dallas, says the city's exploding homeless population means the idea is overdue.

By Maxine Shapiro, KERA 90.1 business commentator

Dallas, TX – For as long as I can remember, it's been open season on the French, most of it being light-hearted. Kinda how Letterman teases Richard Simmons. But the current mean-spirited boycott is causing real damage, and not just with those who wear berets. Enough already. I'm Maxine Shapiro with KERA Marketplace Midday.

By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com

Austin, TX – "Our decisions will affect the state of Texas and the lives of every Texan," said Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst before the Senate today passed HB 1, the general appropriations bill.

Austin, TX – Following his press conference Tuesday to announce the appointment of a new House Select Committee on Public School Finance, House Speaker Tom Craddick announced the addition of two more members to the original 21-member panel. The addition of Reps. Ruben Hope and Michael Villarreal to the committee now brings its number to 23.