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Jasper Scherer is the politics editor for The Texas Tribune. He oversees a team of reporters in Austin and Washington who lead the newsroom’s coverage of campaigns and elections, watchdog Texas' top officials, and translate what the state’s political and legislative developments mean for Texans. Jasper previously reported on politics for the Tribune, which he joined after stints covering politics and government at the state and local levels for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. A native of San Francisco, Jasper graduated from Northwestern University with degrees in journalism and political science in 2017, the same year he began covering Texas politics. He is based in Austin.
The proposal sets a few possible points of contention between the House and Senate, including how much money should families get through the program. Full Story
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Supporters of voucher-like education savings accounts are trying to press their advantage early and build a sense of inevitability. Full Story
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There were only so many chair positions to go around, with 30 committees for 88 Republicans, making it inevitable that some would miss out on plum appointments. Full Story
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Republicans chair all committees, as promised, while Democrats will lead half of the newly created subcommittees. Full Story
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The package of bills would tighten the state's bail laws to keep more people in jail — including undocumented immigrants — while their criminal cases are pending. Full Story
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With plenty of patience and money, the industry is extending its multi-year campaign to bring legal casinos and sports betting to the state. Full Story
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Texas’ border spending exploded after Joe Biden’s election, then state leaders signaled a new willingness to reduce it when Trump won. That didn’t last long. Full Story
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Restrict THC, help with deportations, infuse religion in schools and provide property tax relief – these are among the Patrick priorities. Full Story
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The state bar had sought to sanction Paxton, which could have carried a punishment ranging from a private reprimand to disbarment. Full Story
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Both chambers set aside $1 billion for a voucher-like education savings account program — double what was on the table two years ago — in a sign that supporters are emboldened after recent electoral gains. Full Story
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