Past Contributions

• Catch Up on What Happened With Higher Ed Issues This Session

  By Bobby Blanchard and Matthew Watkins June 3, 2015

  During the 84th legislative session, lawmakers considered a variety of higher education issues, including tuition costs and in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants. See what happened to higher education issues this session in the Texas Legislative Guide. Full Story 

• For High-Stakes Vote, Dukes Returns to House

  By Bobby Blanchard May 28, 2015

  Democratic lawmaker Dawnna Dukes of Austin has missed most of the session because of lingering injuries from a car accident. She made it back to the floor Tuesday for a crucial rules vote, helping block a Republican move to speed up several major bills. Full Story 

• Proposal Targets Residency Requirement for Statewide Elected Officials

  By Bobby Blanchard May 25, 2015

  Statewide elected officials would no longer be required to live in Austin under a constitutional amendment that could be headed to voters on a general election ballot. The House tentatively backed the measure on Monday. Full Story 

• In Beaumont, Cruz Spars a Bit

  By Bobby Blanchard May 19, 2015

  Presidential hopeful Ted Cruz hit some of his main platform points while meeting with local leaders in Beaumont Tuesday afternoon, then sparred with reporters over his views on same-sex marriage. Full Story 

• Trojan Horse Resolution Draws Abbott's First Veto

  By Bobby Blanchard May 18, 2015

  In his first veto, Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday killed a seemingly routine resolution honoring mental health workers after finding a surprise hiding in the text. Full Story 

• Judge Who Referred to DA as "New York Jew" is Reprimanded

  By Bobby Blanchard May 18, 2015

  Accused of making offensive comments and holding a 15-hour court session without restroom or food breaks, a district judge in Texas' South Plains has been publicly admonished and instructed to seek four hours of training with a mentor. Full Story 

• In Gay Marriage Battle, the Clock Beats Cecil Bell

  By Bobby Blanchard May 15, 2015

  State Rep. Cecil Bell believes the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately let states decide what to do about gay marriage, and hoped to preclude it in Texas with House Bill 4105. Delays aimed at killing Bell's bill largely shaped Thursday's crucial House schedule. Full Story 

• Senfronia Thompson Expands Lawmakers' Legislative Lexicon

  By John Reynolds, Aman Batheja and Bobby Blanchard May 7, 2015

  The Houston Democrat has been in the House since 1973 and has learned some parliamentary tricks along the way. This week, Ms. T taught many of her colleagues about one of those maneuvers. Full Story 

• Gay Rights Advocates Offer Change to Same-Sex Marriage Bill

  By Bobby Blanchard May 4, 2015

  For some gay rights advocates, a bill in the Texas Legislature that would allow clergy to refuse to marry same-sex couples would be acceptable if it just included four more words. Full Story 

• Gay Marriage Cases Give Republicans the Jitters

  By Bobby Blanchard April 28, 2015

  With the U.S. Supreme Court set to hear oral arguments in four same-sex marriage cases on Tuesday, Texas Republicans are already looking for loopholes in hopes of getting around a possible decision that effectively legalizes gay marriage. Full Story