Lawmakers will consider ways to improve the state’s preparedness for public health emergencies. Dallas County officials identified shortfalls in the system last fall when the country’s Ebola case was diagnosed.
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.
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State Government
Tuition Program for Veterans is Popular, but Funding Concerns Climb
The state’s university systems bear the brunt of the costs of educating Texas veterans for free through the Hazlewood Act. And the well-regarded program has grown exponentially in recent years. Funding the program is poised to be an issue this session.
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State Government
Roundup: Perry, Pomp and Patrick’s Senate
In the Roundup: Rick Perry performs one of his last acts as governor, the inauguration of Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick brings thousands to Austin, and the Senate votes to do away with a 70-year-old tradition.
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Energy
A Debate Over Fracking and Local Control
After Denton voters decided to ban fracking, other Texas cities could weigh similar moves. Legislators are expected to look at ways to avoid a city-by-city fight over drilling regulations. This is the fourth video in our eight-part State of Mind series.
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Health care
Finding a Texas Way to Cover the Uninsured
Texas hospitals want legislators to find a way for the state to draw down billions in federal Affordable Care Act dollars to cover the uninsured and alleviate the burden on local taxpayers. This is the third video in our State of Mind series.
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State Government
Video: Inauguration Celebration a Daylong Party
Texans celebrated the inauguration of Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick with plenty of fanfare Tuesday in Austin. Here’s a look at some of the festivities and what the new officials said about how they’ll lead.
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State Government
Proponents Renew Their Bid to Put Brakes on Texting While Driving
For the fifth straight legislative session, Texas lawmakers will consider bills proposing a statewide ban on texting while driving. There’s more momentum to get it passed, but a difference of opinions among the state’s new leadership could stand in its way.
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Health care
A Look Back at the 83rd: How Some Issues Played Out in the 2013 Session
With the 84th Legislature underway, we’ve renewed our State of Mind video series, a look at various issues that communities across the state are talking about. First up, a look at some issues from the last session.
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State Government
Roundup: Lege Convenes, Perry Signs Off and a Gun Debate
In the Roundup: The 84th Legislature’s long-awaited kickoff, gun rights advocates make weapons at the capitol and Gov. Rick Perry bids lawmakers farewell after more than a decade in office.
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State Government
Video: Day One of the 84th Legislature
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.
