By Regina Mack, The Texas Tribune Lawmakers in Texas have debated school finance for years, but have so far struggled to come up with a way to reform the way the state funds its public schools.

The Texas Tribune is pleased to present a series of events focusing on the issues at play in the run-up to the 85th Legislature — and what they mean for one of the state’s largest and fastest-growing cities and its surrounding communities.

by Frankie Trynoski, MOVE San Antonio Fellow

Most, if not all, non-smokers owe smokers an apology. Over the years, our government has demonized smokers, taking away where they can smoke and raising taxes on cigarettes, while most non-smokes sat back and said to themselves, "glad I'm not one of those nasty smokers."

Modest adjustments to our federal tax rates can save $2.7 trillion over a decade.The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported last August that, if the Bush tax cuts were not extended, these savings would be realized, according to an article from The Fiscal Times.