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Abortion-Related Legislation Added to Special Session

In his Jan. 29, 2103, State of the State speech, Gov. Rick Perry avoided hot-topic issues like abortion, immigration and gun control and focused instead on infrastructure, budget reform and education.
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In his Jan. 29, 2103, State of the State speech, Gov. Rick Perry avoided hot-topic issues like abortion, immigration and gun control and focused instead on infrastructure, budget reform and education.

The special session's agenda now includes the hot-button issue of abortion — which is sure to spark partisan warfare. Gov. Rick Perry also ordered the Legislature to take up a measure dealing with sentences for 17-year-olds convicted of capital felonies.

Amid Criticism, Perry Defends State Budget

Governor Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst answer questions from the media after a series of education bill signings on June 10, 2013.
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Governor Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst answer questions from the media after a series of education bill signings on June 10, 2013.

Gov. Rick Perry is pushing back against conservative critics who say the state budget is growing too fast. Perry is still analyzing the budget legislation, but his defense of it was the clearest signal yet that he plans to sign the two-year, $197 billion appropriations bill into law.

Perry Signs High School Curriculum, Testing Bill

Gov. Rick Perry smiles after signing HB 5 the education reform bill before a crowd in the Governor's Reception Room on June 10, 2013. Left to right are Sens. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, Dan Patrick, R-Houston, Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.
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Gov. Rick Perry smiles after signing HB 5 the education reform bill before a crowd in the Governor's Reception Room on June 10, 2013. Left to right are Sens. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, Dan Patrick, R-Houston, Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

Gov. Rick Perry signed House Bill 5 on Monday, ending weeks of speculation that he might veto the high-profile education legislation that adjusts high school graduation standards. 

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