The Brief: Jan. 15, 2015
Gov. Rick Perry will close the door on 30 years of state government work with a farewell address Thursday afternoon to the Legislature. Full Story
Gov. Rick Perry will close the door on 30 years of state government work with a farewell address Thursday afternoon to the Legislature. Full Story
Gov.-elect Greg Abbott's office has confirmed that he returned a $10,000 campaign contribution from the CEO of the beleaguered company at the center of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission contracting woes. Full Story
During a rally at the Texas Capitol on Wednesday, supporters of the Texas Dream Act said they were ready to challenge any efforts this legislative session to repeal the 2001 law. Full Story
Reeve, Evan, Emily and Ross discuss the first day of session, the results of the speaker's race, the tactics of some open carry advocates, the biennial revenue estimate, and what happens when lawmakers mention Hitler on Twitter. Full Story
When Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller granted amnesty to cupcakes on Monday, he pointed out that state rules that once banned such treats from classrooms were repealed last summer. But cupcakes have been allowed for a decade. Full Story
On Wednesday, the Obama administration announced another major plan to combat climate change that aims to slash emissions of methane gas in the next decade by almost a half. Here’s why that’s a big deal for Texas. Full Story
Full video of my 1/14 conversation with three new members of the Texas House: Celia Israel, D-Austin; Linda Koop, R-Dallas; and Matt Rinaldi, R-Irving. Full Story
When members debate the proposed rules for the House on Thursday, they'll discuss a plan from House Speaker Joe Straus to expand one committee's jurisdiction in investigating state agencies and practices. Full Story
As excited as we are about the start of the 84th session, we’re equally pumped to roll out our brand new 84th Lege page — a comprehensive and convenient portal to all of your Texas legislative needs. Full Story
Adding to our robust suite of Texas legislative tools, we've rolled out our Texas Legislative Guide — complete with an upgraded bill tracker and curated lists of the must-watch issues of the session across nearly a dozen different policy areas. Full Story
UPDATED: Gov.-elect Greg Abbott announced Wednesday the creation of an independent "strike force" to review the state's largest health agency, specifically how it awards contracts to private vendors. Full Story
On the first day of the 84th Legislature, state lawmakers were sworn into office amidst family and friends. Afterwards, the House re-elected Joe Straus speaker, while the Senate made Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa president pro tempore. Full Story
What does the Texas Legislature look like? A lot like this, according to a Tribune analysis of demographics under the Pink Dome. While the makeup of the Lege is changing by the session, it remains out of whack with the Texas population. Full Story
In this week's edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: an easing drought is not yet providing relief for the Edwards Aquifer, Marvin Nichols reservoir stays in state water plan and an interview with Greg Flores of the San Antonio Water System. Full Story
A video of a confrontation between open-carry activists and a lawmaker drew attention to the group's tactics on Tuesday. Full Story
State lawmakers and their families filled the Texas Capitol in Austin on Tuesday for the start of the 2015 legislative session – a day complete with formalities, pomp and a vote for House speaker. Full Story
The behavior of open-carry advocates trying to drum up votes for a measure repealing handgun licensing requirements prompted one lawmaker to escort them from his office Monday. Full Story
The House on Tuesday re-elected Joe Straus to be speaker, easily squelching a rebellion from a noisy but small faction of conservatives who backed Scott Turner. Were the challengers out of sync with Texans, or just with the current management? Full Story
UPDATED: With the backing of 85 percent of the Texas House, San Antonio Republican Joe Straus was re-elected to his fourth term Tuesday. Straus drew 128 votes for re-election against challenger state Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco, who drew 19 votes. Full Story
As Texas lawmakers convened for the first day of the 2015 legislative session Tuesday, about a dozen activists carrying a variety of firearms gathered in front of the state Capitol to protest gun laws. Full Story