State Sen. Donna Campbell, who has succeeded Leticia Van de Putte as the chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, says her health care background will be an asset in helping the state’s growing population of veterans.
Alana Rocha
Alana Rocha was the director of news partnerships for The Texas Tribune until June 2022. She was previously a multimedia reporter, after working in television and radio news for eight years. Alana covered politics for stations in Florida, Kansas and Texas and traveled the country reporting from the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaign trails. She was the lead reporter on several award-winning projects and launched “The Brief,” a daily audio update. A native of Tampa, Florida, Alana received bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Florida.
Posted inState Government
Donna Campbell: The TT Interview
The chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations talks about her new leadership role, how she plans to streamline health care for returning service members, and investing in the state’s military bases.
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Politics
Roundup: McRaven, Texting and Driving, Road Funding
This week in the Roundup: The new University of Texas System chancellor takes a stand on educating undocumented students, there’s a renewed push for a statewide ban on texting while driving, and a proposed bill could land more funding for Texas roads.
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Public Education
Abbott: Common Core Users Experiencing “Buyer’s Remorse”
On Fox News Sunday, Gov. Greg Abbott and former U.S. Education Secretary Bill Bennett debated Common Core – standards overseen by the National Governors Association that Texas lawmakers refuse to use.
Posted inState Government
State of Mind: Our Complete Video Series
Whether it’s Medicaid expansion, property taxes or early childhood education, communities across Texas have several issues they hope the 84th Legislature will address. Watch our eight-part State of Mind series, which discusses these topics and more.
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Criminal Justice
Roundup: Perry, Guns and Protests at Muslim Event
In the Roundup: Rick Perry comments on the rejection of his bid to dismiss criminal charges, there was a moment of uncertainty surrounding open carry legislation in the Senate, and Texas Muslim Capitol Day draws loud protests.
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State Government
A Fresh Look at Investing in Early Education
Ensuring that Texas kids get the best education tops Gov. Greg Abbott’s list of priorities this session. He says a top-notch education starts with quality pre-K, which could get added state funding. This is the final part of our eight-video State of Mind series.
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Politics
Video: Perry Calls Indictment “Badge of Honor” on Fox News
On Fox News on Wednesday, Rick Perry told host Sean Hannity that he’s been preparing to run for president since late 2012. “So when I stand on the stage and debate this next time, you’re going to see a person who is very, very well prepared,” he said.
Posted inState Government
Amid Talk of Property Tax Reform, Some Take Aim at Appraisal Process
State leaders are focused on cutting property taxes this legislative session. But the talk in some smaller Texas counties is centered on making the property appraisal process more uniform. This is part seven of our eight-video State of Mind series.
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Criminal Justice
Video: Perry, Lawyers React to Judge’s Ruling
At a news conference this morning in downtown Austin, Rick Perry addressed a judge’s decision not to dismiss indictments against him. The former governor’s legal team has appealed the ruling.
