The House Appropriations Committee voted on Friday 21-0 to move forward a bill that would reinstate the funding after Abbott vetoed it to punish House Democrats who broke quorum in the final days of the session to kill two of his priority bills.
July 2021
Posted in
Higher Education
Baylor University stirs anger and confusion as it opens the door for first LGBTQ student group
The decision to openly consider recognizing an LGBTQ group while simultaneously affirming the university’s belief that marriage is between a man and a woman raised concerns among supporters and opponents who say Baylor is trying to “have its cake and eat it, too.”
Posted in
Politics
What’s in the new voting restriction legislation introduced in the Texas House and Senate
Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 3 will be the starting points for the Legislature’s efforts to tighten Texas voting laws. Here’s what the bills would do.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas House attempting to reset on contentious elections bill with new author, new committee in special session
The lower chamber, led by House Speaker Dade Phelan, is trying to start off on a new foot with a controversial election bill that blew up during the regular session.
Sponsor Post
Election reforms in Texas still have bipartisan support
Texans support lawmakers pressing ‘reset’ on election reforms in the special session, focusing on enhanced accountability and access — not political interference or new restrictions.
Posted in
Texas 2022 Elections
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has colossal $55 million war chest for 2022 reelection bid
Abbott’s campaign coffers hit the balance after he raised over $18.7 million during the last 10 days of June, his campaign announced Thursday. The campaign said the cash-on-hand total was larger “than any other statewide candidate in Texas history.”
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Almost 150 guards are staffing an empty Texas prison as state officials work on Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to use it for immigrants
While many Texas prisons are understaffed, some dangerously so, the emptied-out Briscoe Unit in Dilley is in “maintenance mode” as officials scramble to implement the governor’s plan to increase the state’s role in border enforcement.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas lawmakers are back for a special session. Here’s what you should know.
We asked our readers for their questions about the special legislative session that starts Thursday in Texas. These are the answers.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Analysis: A “special” session of culture wars, politics and unfinished business
The agenda for the special session that begins today previews some of the issues you’re likely to hear about during the 2022 election cycle.
Posted in
Politics
Democrats fear Texas Republicans will push even harder in second bid to pass new voting restrictions
As the Legislature’s special session dawns, political developments have raised the stakes for how far Republicans might go in enacting new voting restrictions, and how they might impact voters of color.
