States are moving in this direction. It's cheaper and, just as important, what most seniors want.

We need a system where everyone is guaranteed that they can get coverage, and where everybody can get it at the same price. In a world like that, we can come up with a system to finance that, whether it's through the tax base or through employers.

I'm definitely hearing that. We're hearing that from all over the state, not just in the Houston area.

To love deeply in one direction makes us more loving in all others.

A net 17 percent of small employers plan to increase employment in the next three months, indicating that this year could be a fairly good period for manufacturing if the economy holds and the dollar weakens.

Barring a crippling auto industry strike or some other major event unforeseen in May, the latest survey readings indicate a growth rate of about 3 percent during the next six months,