SXSW March 12

Jessica R. Alexander, J.D., M.L.S., Reference Librarian

I am attending a presentation called "Why Government Data Makes Taxpayers Happy. The Data analysis experts from the Texas Comptrollers Office are discussing "open data." There is a website called TexasTransparency.org. One purpose of the project is to provide data on how federal stimulus money is being spent by the state. American Recovery and Investment Act funding by regions, counties is available. A federal website called Data.gov provides information on tax receipts and expenditures. Google has a tax visualization utility.

The presenters powerpoint has a screen headed "Government Data Can Save Lives. - NOAA.gov, etc.

They highlight ClaimITTexas.org which visualizes data on unclaimed property. Texas has outreach efforts to help citizen awareness of unclaimed property.

The presenters emphasize Google Earth mapping tools to enhance data presentation. Using free web tools saves the state the development costs.

After the conference I will follow up on this subject.

2010 Census Figures and Legislative Redistricting

By Jessica R. Alexander, J.D., M.L.S., Reference Librarian

The Houston Chronicle annotates the release of the 2010 Federal census in its February 18, 2010 print edition, with its headline article,"Trends show Texas increasingly urban and Latino," by Jeannie Kever. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7432703.html. The Houston Chronicle also provides an interactive map of the Texas census figures at http://www.chron.com/databases/Census2010Texas.

The apportionment of representatives from various counties in the Texas House of Representatives is prescribed by Texas Constitution Article 3, §§ 26, 27, and 28. These sections provide that apportionment is based on the most recent United States Census. Government Code § 2058.001 provides that no action can be taken by a governmental entity of Texas until September 1 of the year after the calendar year during which the census was taken. Important exceptions are set out in §2058.002 -- the Legislative Redistricting Board and a governing body elected from single-member districts may act before September 1 of 2011.

The website of the Legislative Redistricting Board has further information on redistricting and the role of the Board. Also see the website of the United States Census Bureau.