State Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, talked Wednesday about the tough battle Democrats waged this session, why she believes the budget outcome is not the success portrayed by the GOP and how this session may affect the next.

State Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, delivers his "personal privilege" speech after the Texas House of Representatives fails to pass his anti-TSA groping bill.

State Rep. Patricia Harless, R-Spring, explains why she voted against the budget measure SB 1 this afternoon, and why she thinks the Tea Party may have influenced legislators.

Infowars radio host Alex Jones protests in the halls of the Texas Capitol on Monday after legislators pass altered version of the TSA "anti-groping" bill.

June 27, 2011  State Rep. Larry Taylor of Friendswood explains why he is optimistic about the compromise reached on reforms of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

An amendment from Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, that would have directed surplus money from the Rainy Day Fund to pay for enrollment growth in public schools perished in conference committee, but came up again in debate before the final vote on a fiscal matters bill to which it was attached.

Want a quick recap of some of the happenings this week in the Texas Legislature? We've made it easier for you with our weekly video rundown of the action under the dome.

Strategists say the longer lawmakers stay in town, the more time Gov. Rick Perry has to show off his conservative credentials and appeal to a crucial bloc that could propel him into a national race: Republican primary voters.

Want a quick recap of some of the happenings this week in the Texas Legislature? We've made it easier for you with our weekly video rundown of the action under the dome.

The Rick Perry 2012 button is a hot item at the Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans, where several major presidential contenders are fighting to win the who-is-most-conservative contest.

State Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth, speaks to a crowd protesting the sanctuary cities bill at a rally held by the Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance at the Texas Capitol.

We break down the cost to taxpayers of the regular and special sessions. It's not chump change, but one political science expert argues the relatively low pay for lawmakers keeps many Texans from being able to run for higher office. 

Want a quick recap of some of the happenings this week in the Texas Legislature? We've made it easier for you with our weekly video rundown of the action under the dome.

Teachers and parents gathered today at the state Capitol to protest budget cuts to education funding.

Texans for Accountable Government and their coalition partners rallied on the front steps of the Texas Capitol Saturday, urging Gov. Rick Perry to support HB 1937. The so-called "TSA groping" bill, by state Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, would restrict instrusive screening practices by security personnel.