Iowans got one last chance this week to size up former Gov. Rick Perry's shot at redemption before a likely June 4 presidential announcement. In nearly a dozen events across the state, Perry gave them plenty of reasons not to count him out. Full Story
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With tax deal in hand, budget negotiators finish up work, Greg Abbott issues his first veto and the legislative machine kicks into high gear — all that and more in the latest issue of our subscriber-only newsletter for political insiders ($). Full Story
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After four years of trying out a new way of awarding state contracts known as design-build, lawmakers aren't sure taxpayers get a better deal, and Texas businesses say they're being muscled out of jobs by larger, out-of-state companies. Full Story
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In the Roundup: Lawmakers endorse allowing epilepsy patients to use cannabis oil for treatment, pharmacies that supply the state its execution drugs will not be disclosed, and Gov. Greg Abbott wastes little time signing the "Denton fracking bill" into law. Full Story
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An unexpected end-of-session skirmish over payroll deductions for union dues pits Republicans against Democrats, business against labor, and presents lawmakers with one of those votes that might be important in next year's elections. Full Story
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Legislation pushed by a politically connected company would increase unemployment taxes for Texas employers. Proponents say it would help outsourcing companies avoid "double taxation." Critics say it's a special interest perk. Full Story
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Four large donors to the nonprofit currently documenting Texas lawmakers this session are well-known backers of conservative causes. Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry is one of the most powerful players on Capitol Hill. But his new gavel as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee comes with scrutiny. Full Story
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Top House and Senate negotiators sealed up the final unresolved issues on a two-year budget deal on Thursday evening, including removing controversial language that would have killed a proposed Dallas-Houston bullet train. Full Story
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UPDATED: Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus announced late Thursday the terms of a $3.8 billion tax relief package — a move that followed weeks of testy negotiations. Full Story
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Former Gov. Rick Perry is set to emphasize his military experience when he takes the stage next month to announce a second bid for the White House. Full Story
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The Texas Senate voted Thursday to weaken the state’s Driver Responsibility Program, which critics say unfairly penalizes poor Texans. Full Story
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The so-called Pastor Protection Act, which aims to clarify a clergy member's right to refuse to conduct a marriage that violates his or her beliefs, tentatively passed the Texas House 141-2 Thursday. Full Story
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This week on The Ticket: We dive into Bernie Sanders' presidential announcement and speak with a Sanders supporter, former Texas Agriculture Commissioner Jim Hightower, about what we can expect from his campaign. Full Story
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If you’ve watched the Texas Legislature in action, you’ve probably heard lawmakers use some terms that sounded foreign. As part of an occasional series explaining the Legislature’s inner workings, we define a couple of key terms and techniques that lawmakers use under the Pink Dome. Full Story
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Four large donors to the American Phoenix Foundation, which has been secretly recording Texas lawmakers, are well-known backers of conservative causes. Full Story
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Businesses are joining consumer advocates in sounding the alarm about a proposal that critics say would stack the deck in favor of insurance companies at the expense of businesses and homeowners. Full Story
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Full video of my 5/21 conversation with state Reps. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place; Jeff Leach, R-Plano; and Poncho Nevárez, D-Eagle Pass. Full Story
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Texas suburbs continue to dominate as the fastest-growing areas of the state, according to new population estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Full Story
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The 84th Legislature started with ambitious plans for reforming public education. Now it's make-or-break time for many of the major initiatives still alive. Here's a roundup of where things stand. Full Story
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