GOVERNMENT: Legislature

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Caleb Bryant Miller

Multiple Bills Key to Holding Fragile Budget Deal in Place

Tuesday has turned into a pivotal day in the state's budget-planning process, as a major deadline looms for a key piece of legislation. Other bills are also crucial to keeping in place the deal struck last week by the House and the Senate.

State Rep. Bill Zedler, R-Arlington, votes 'aye' to table certain instructions to conferees on HB1 budget bill on May 6, 2011.
Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich
State Rep. Bill Zedler, R-Arlington, votes 'aye' to table certain instructions to conferees on HB1 budget bill on May 6, 2011.

Polling Center: Budget Endgames and Public Opinion

The public doesn't closely follow legislative debates over the budget, but sometimes those budget debates line up pretty accurately with public opinion.

Polling Center: Budget Endgames and Public Opinion

State Rep. Bill Zedler, R-Arlington, votes 'aye' to table certain instructions to conferees on HB1 budget bill on May 6, 2011.
Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich
State Rep. Bill Zedler, R-Arlington, votes 'aye' to table certain instructions to conferees on HB1 budget bill on May 6, 2011.

The public doesn't closely follow legislative debates over the budget, but sometimes those budget debates line up pretty accurately with public opinion.


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Interactive: Bill Tracker for the 83rd Session

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Marjorie Kamys Cotera

For 83rd Lege, More Civility Than Drama

Crowds of visitors, lobbyists, and lawmakers turned out to the Texas capitol for the opening day of the 83rd legislative session, Jan. 8, 2013.
Enlarge photo by: Todd Wiseman
Crowds of visitors, lobbyists, and lawmakers turned out to the Texas capitol for the opening day of the 83rd legislative session, Jan. 8, 2013.

Texas lawmakers have 10 days left in the regular session. They haven't embarrassed themselves, spent much time in bitter fights or generated the sorts of headlines that have made voters think so little of Washington. 

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Video: The Legislature's Express Lane

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Slideshow: Sen. John Carona Through the Years

  • by Jacob Villanueva
State Rep. John Carona holds up his right hand during his first swearing-in ceremony for the 72nd Legislature on January 8, 1991.
Enlarge photo by: exas State Library and Archives Commission
State Rep. John Carona holds up his right hand during his first swearing-in ceremony for the 72nd Legislature on January 8, 1991.

Take a photographic trip through Sen. John Carona's career in the Texas Legislature, from his swearing in as a freshman House member in 1991 to his chairmanship of the powerful Senate Committee on Business & Commerce.