Texas Democrats complain about ethics vetoes

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas House Redistricting Committee has rejected proposed changes to the state's political maps, pushing any final votes to a meeting of the full House later this week.

Lawmakers returned to the special legislative session in Austin on Monday to consider adopting a redistricting plan drawn by a federal court in San Antonio.

The court intended for the state to use those maps only for the 2012 election. But after losing its case in Washington, Attorney General Greg Abbott asked the Legislature to make the temporary maps permanent.

Democratic lawmakers representing minority districts suggested several changes to the temporary maps to avoid any future court cases. But the Republican majority on the committee rejected all the proposals.

More at http://www.reporternews.com/news/2013/jun/17/texas-democrats-complain-about-ethics-vetoes/ . (Abilene)