Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes more than 70 bills amid property tax impasse
The governor says other issues aren’t as important as breaking a House-Senate stalemate over the best course on reducing property taxes. Full Story
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Patrick Svitek
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Patrick Svitek was the primary political correspondent for The Texas Tribune. Patrick covered elections, state leaders, the Legislature and political trends across the state from 2015 until 2024. He previously worked for the Houston Chronicle's Austin bureau. Patrick graduated in 2014 from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Past Contributions
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![Gov. Greg Abbott addresses the press before signing eight bills during a public safety bill signing session at the state Capitol in Austin on June 6, 2023]()
Credit: Joe Timmerman/The Texas Tribune -
As Paxton allies press to avoid impeachment trial, House managers warn against “sham” proceeding
All eyes are on a secretive Senate committee that is drafting rules for an impeachment trial. Those rules are expected to be presented to the Texas Senate on Tuesday. Full Story
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![Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, speaks during a press conference at the Republican Party of Texas headquarters in Austin on June 7, 2023.]()
Credit: Joe Timmerman/The Texas Tribune -
Gov. Greg Abbott threatens string of vetoes if lawmakers can’t agree on property tax cuts
With several hundred bills awaiting action by the governor, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called the veto threat an affront to Texans and the legislative process. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott speaks about the recent 88th Legislative Session to an audience at the Texas Public Policy Foundation offices in Austin, on June 2, 2023. Abbott recounted policy victories in regards to fentanyl and the border crisis, as well as limiting gender-affirming care and banning DEI practices in higher education. Abbott ended the event by promising to call a special session for school choice, after the current special session for property tax resolves.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
Texas Democrats aim for unity ahead of expected primary to take on U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz
Lose Cruz, a new super PAC, promises big spending to help the party’s eventual nominee in the 2024 campaign. Full Story
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![U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, departs the Senate Republican's policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 28, 2023.]()
Credit: Rod Lamkey/CNP/Sipa USA via REUTERS -
On property tax impasse, Gov. Greg Abbott appears open to House-Senate compromise
The special session churns on with the House adjourned, the Senate still working and the governor welcoming an agreement that has thus far eluded lawmakers. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott speaks about the recent 88th Legislative Session to an audience at the Texas Public Policy Foundation offices in Austin, on June 2, 2023. Abbott recounted policy victories in regards to fentanyl and the border crisis, as well as limiting gender affirming care and banning DEI practices in higher education. Abbott ended the event by promising to call a special session for school choice, after the current special session for property tax resolves.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
Gov. Greg Abbott says he won’t renew his COVID-19 disaster declaration later this week
Texas appears to be the last state with a broad pandemic declaration, which was begun in 2020, still in place. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott signs six bills relating to border security at the state Capitol in Austin on June 8, 2023. “Washington D.C. has failed to do its job to secure the border,” Abbott said “As a result, Texas has had to take unprecedented steps in responding to the crisis caused by the Biden administration on the border, and in response the Texas legislature has stepped up to make sure that we will be able to more robustly respond.”]()
Credit: Joe Timmerman/The Texas Tribune -
Appeals court dismisses GOP megadonor’s lawsuit against Beto O’Rourke
Billionaire Kelcy Warren claimed that he was defamed by the Democratic candidate’s criticism of the power-grid failure in 2021. Full Story
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![Gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke greets attendees during a Get Out the Vote Rally hosted by the Asian American Democrats of Texas in Asiatown on October 15, 2022.]()
Credit: Briana Vargas for The Texas Tribune -
Nate Paul, Austin developer at center of Ken Paxton impeachment, arrested in Travis County
It is not immediately clear what Paul was charged with, but Travis County officials confirmed he was being held in the jail at the request of the FBI. Paxton’s deputies accused Paul of bribing the now-suspended attorney general in 2020. Full Story
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![Nate Paul is the CEO of World Class, a real estate holding company.]()
Credit: World Class website -
Texas to deploy buoys to deter Rio Grande crossings, Abbott announces
The governor revealed plans for a floating river barrier at a Capitol signing ceremony for six new laws related to border security. The first 1,000-foot section will be set up near Eagle Pass. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott displays SB 1113, one of six bills he signed during a border security bill signing session at the state capitol in Austin on June 8, 2023. “Washington D.C. has failed to do its job to secure the border,” Abbott said “As a result, Texas has had to take unprecedented steps in responding to the crisis caused by the Biden administration on the border, and in response the Texas legislature has stepped up to make sure that we will be able to more robustly respond.”]()
Credit: Joe Timmerman/The Texas Tribune -
New Texas law bans COVID mask, vaccine and shutdown mandates, but some Republicans want more
The bill, recently signed by Gov. Greg Abbott and set to take effect Sept. 1, does not restrict pandemic rules by private entities. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to local media before receiving a dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine at Ascension Seton Medical Center on Dec. 22, 2020, in Austin.]()
Credit: Ricardo B. Brazziell/POOL via American-Statesman