Gavel to Gavel — Insuring the coast

AUSTIN — One of the state's most damaging hurricane seasons has created a big task for state lawmakers.

Hundreds of millions have already gone to help people along the coast and even here in east texas. It's only been a few months but some new ideas are floating around.

Lawmakers say they want to make the next storm season easier to deal with and possibly safer. One option, a tax-free shopping season for hurricane supplies as an incentive for people to get ready.

But before they get to that, officials will have to find the cash to fund the state's wind insurance pool; they sell insurance to people in coastal communities who can't get it anywhere else. Last year, insurance companies paid out hundreds of millions after Dolly and Ike. If they lose cash this year, some companies could end up pulling out of the Texas market.

FLAGSHIP SCHOOLS
Even with money tight this year, the Lt. Governor is focused on adding one or two new flagship universities.

He says it'll take several years but the state should start raising money and selecting schools now. There's three schools at the top of the list: the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Houston and Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE

Back in the Texas house, the new speaker is setting an agenda. Republican Joe Straus say she supports expanding the Children's Health Insurance program that the U.S. Senate is expected to pass. It'll give more kids in Texas a greater boost from the government on healthcare.