State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, the chairman of the House Public Education Committee, says Texas lawmakers shouldn't wait for the outcome of a sprawling school finance lawsuit to discuss changes to the state's public education funding system. Full Story
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When it comes to supporting higher education, Texas is good — but not great — according to a nonprofit group focused on economic opportunities for young adults. Full Story
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Full video of my 1/12 conversation with state Sens. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, and Kirk Watson, D-Austin — the chairs of the Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses. Full Story
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Announcing a two-year revenue estimate that reflects "uncertainties in oil prices and the possibilities of a slowing global economy," Comptroller Glenn Hegar said Monday that lawmakers will have $113 billion to divvy up in the next two-year budget. Full Story
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Tomorrow isn't just day one of the 84th legislative session — it's also the kickoff of our new afternoon email report, one we’ll be offering as a new benefit for subscribers to our premium newsletter for political insiders. Full Story
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While they might not be completely moved in, the lawmakers of the 84th Legislature have their Capitol offices. We've updated our office maps so you can see exactly where your lawmaker's office is located. Full Story
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Another legislative session is starting, with a twist. Texans, accustomed to the same players in the same offices for years and years, will see something new as this unfolds: change. Full Story
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With a new group of legislators set to be sworn in, we've updated our Elected Officials Directory to include all the officials taking office in 2015. Not only is the directory easier to navigate, you can now share individual lawmaker pages on social media. Full Story
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Glenn Hegar, the state's new comptroller, today releases his revenue estimate for the next two years, which will go a long way to setting the early tone for the 84th Legislature. Full Story
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On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, host Jason Whitely, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy and Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey focus on the 84th Texas Legislature, which starts Tuesday. Full Story
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The Texas Railroad Commission recently endorsed changes to how cities can challenge natural gas utility rate increases. Commissioners say the rule should help cut expenses for ratepayers. But some critics say the rule puts cities at a disadvantage. Full Story
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With the 84th Legislature starting next week and new faces in every statewide office, it feels like a "Brand New Day" in and around the Capitol, so that's how we started this week's playlist off of the week's news. Full Story
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When he first tried to end the Senate's two-thirds rule eight years ago, Dan Patrick was a neophyte state senator easily brushed aside by tradition-bound colleagues. As lieutenant governor, the odds are a bit more in his favor. Full Story
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The best of our best content from Jan. 5 to 9, 2015. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry joked about his "oops" moment when asked Friday for the first three things he would do as president to strengthen the U.S. economy. Full Story
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The embattled agency on Friday promised reforms, after confirming a Tribune finding that an employee with ties to Commissioner Kyle Janek and ousted chief counsel Jack Stick has been pursuing his MBA at taxpayers' expense. Full Story
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Two of three federal appeals judges hearing arguments on Texas' ban on same-sex marriages had tough questions for a state attorney's argument that marriage is a “subsidy” that the state has the right to grant and withhold. Full Story
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Of the two dozen or so politicos floated as serious presidential contenders, an uncanny number have a legitimate Texas connection. Full Story
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This year, for the first time in a while, there will be new faces in the spotlight as Austin prepares for its quadrennial inauguration festivities. A two-day, $4 million bash is set to usher Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick into office. Full Story
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Hegar takes the spotlight with his first revenue estimate on Monday, a runoff in SD-26 is generating speculation and Perry makes a slew of judicial appointments: All that and more in the latest issue of our subscriber-only newsletter for political insiders ($). Full Story