Session '11 Newsmakers: Reps. Leo Berman and Rafael Anchia created some buzz over the difference between transgender and transvestite.

As the 82^nd Texas Legislative Session draws to a close, so does KXAN’s Session ’11 program (watch the final episode here). I’ve been very happy with the our crew’s accomplishments and efforts to enhance our station’s political coverage and share what’s happening at the Capitol with viewers in a unique way. I am so proud of the Session ’11 team, and they have my utmost respect for their hard work, dedication, and creativity.

Thank you to everyone who watched, chatted with us online, answered our polls, read our blogs, and took part in our program each week.

I especially want to thank our Newsmakers – the policy leaders, the elected officials, the lawmakers. You all made Session ’11 what it was. Also, I really appreciate the members of our onpolitix Panel – an amazing slew of Capitol journalists and industry insiders. I certainly learned a lot from your experience and expertise. Thank you.

Our show’s host, Robert Hadlock, closes each week with a “Final Word.” His final “Final Word” is below, and I couldn’t have said it better.

This is our 21st and final broadcast of Session ’11. As we say goodbye for now – take a look at the names of our KXAN crew who helped put together this broadcast since January. We want to thank all of our guests who have taken time to appear on our program – especially those who gave up part of their Sunday morning to be with us here live in the studio. We know there are a lot of political and news programs to choose from – especially in this 9:30 half hour. Session ’11 is the only broadcast television program in Austin dedicated to Texas politics. If you’re watching – you obviously care about what happens to Texas – and so do we here at KXAN.

• News Director – Michael Fabac
• Executive Producer – Josh Hinkle
• Photojournalist – Mark Batchelder
• Producer – Shermayne Crawford
• Director – Chris Wilkerson
• Robert Hadlock – Host
• Web Producer – Kimberly Reeves
• Floor Director – Kip McCubbin
• Floor Director – Issiaga Traore
• Floor Director – Daniel Gravois
• Assignments Editor – John Bumgardner
• Assignments Editor – Terra Sullivan
• Video Editor – Jon Bowne
• Master Control – Matt Corley
• Production Intern – Matt Dring

Session ’13 is right around the corner!

Courtesy: State Preservation Board

On this SPECIAL WRAP-UP edition of KXAN’s Session ’11, a seasoned team of Capitol journalists join our onpolitix Panel to break down the final days of the legislative session in Texas: Kate Alexander of the Austin-American Statesman, John Reynolds of the Quorum Report, and Robert Wood of the Texas State Networks. From balancing the budget and emergency items to the possibility of a special session and rumors of a presidential run for Gov. Rick Perry. Join us this Sunday morning at 9:30 on KXAN. Plus, watch previous Session ’11 episodes here.

Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston (Courtesy: Texas House of Representatives)

This Sunday, House Appropriations Vice Chair Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, takes us inside the budget conference committee, as he and other appointees begin the final steps in planning Texas’ financial future for the next two years. Also, our onpolitix Panel looks at what lived and what died with the House bill deadline passed Join us at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday for Session ’11. Plus, you can check out our previously broadcast Session ’11 programs here.

Newsmaker

Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston

onpolitix Panel

Paul Burka, Texas Monthly

Jay Root, Texas Tribune

This Sunday, two policy leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum join us in the aftermath of the Senate’s budget approval: Texas Public Policy Foundation Executive Director Arlene Wohlgemuth and Center for Public Policy Priorities Executive Director Scott McCown. Also, our onpolitix Panel looks at the next steps in the budget, the decision not to use the Rainy Day Fund, and the possibility of a special session. Join us at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday for Session ’11. Plus, you can check out our previously broadcast Session ’11 programs here.

Newsmakers

Arlene Wohlgemuth, Texas Public Policy Foundation

Scott McCown, Center for Public Policy Priorities

onpolitix Panel

Robert Garrett, Dallas Morning News

Patti Kilday Hart, Houston Chronicle

Congressman Michael McCaul, R-Texas (Courtesy: U.S. House)

This Sunday, Congressman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, discusses Texas’ border security challenges, his request for more border drones, and redistricting maps affecting Travis County. Also, our onpolitix Panel looks at the budget hold-up in the Senate and breaks down the House redistricting process. Join us at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday for Session ’11.Plus, you can check out our previously broadcast Session ’11 programs here.

Newsmaker

Congressman Michael McCaul, R-Texas

onpolitix Panel

Jay Root, Associated Press

John Moritz, kxan.com

Rep. Trey Martinez-Fischer, D-San Antonio (Courtesy: Texas House of Representatives)

This Sunday, we analyze the GOP voter ID victory and dive into the Texas health care debate. Our Newsmakers both were front and center during this week’s voter ID drama on the House floor. Join us at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday for Session ’11. Plus, you can check out our previously broadcast Session ’11 programs here.

Newsmakers

Rep. Trey Martinez-Fischer, D-San Antonio

• Martinez-Fischer is serving his sixth term in the Texas House. He is Vice Chairman of the State Sovereignty Committee and also serves on the Natural Resources and Ways & Means Committees.

Rep. Jose Aliseda, R-Beeville

• Aliseda is serving his first Texas House term. He is on the Criminal Jurisprudence, Environmental Regulation, and Voter Identification & Voter Fraud Committees.

Rep. Jose Aliseda, R-Beeville (Courtesy: Texas House of Representatives)

onpolitix Panel

Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin

• Higher Education Committee, House Administration Committee Vice Chairwoman, Technology Committee

Rep. Doug Miller, R-New Braunfels

• Appropriations Committee, Natural Resources Committee

Emily Ramshaw, Texas Tribune

• Assistant Managing Editor

Web Special

Arlene Wohlgemuth, Texas Public Policy Foundation

• Executive Director, Director of Center for Health Care Policy, former House member

Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio (Texas House of Representatives)

This Sunday, we break down the state budget. Our Newsmakers both serve on the House Appropriations Committee, which made some big decisions this week to use the state’s rainy day fund. Join us at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday for Session ’11. Plus, you can check out our previously broadcast Session ’11 programs here.

Newsmakers

Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio

• Villarreal is in his sixth term in the Texas House. He is vice chairman of the Redistricting Committee and also serves on the Appropriations and Ways & Means Committee

Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa

• Chisum has been a member of the Texas House since 1989. He serves on the Appropriations (former chairman 2007-2009) and the Environmental Regulation Committees.

Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa (Texas House of Representatives)

onpolitix Panel

Michael Quinn Sullivan

• President of Empower Texans and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility

Ross Ramsey

• Managing Editor of Texas Tribune, Editor of Texas Weekly

F. Scott McCown

• Director of the Center for Public Policy Priorities