House Bill 25, approved by the House on Saturday, could drastically change Texas politics considering straight-ticket ballots accounted for almost 64 percent of total votes cast in the state’s 10 largest counties in 2016.
Alex Samuels
Alex Samuels was a reporter for The Texas Tribune from 2017 to 2021. She helped with national campaign coverage, wrote stories about the intersection of race and politics in Texas, and covered the hottest political news bubbling out of local communities. She was also one of the primary authors of The Blast, the Tribune’s subscription-only daily newsletter for political insiders. Alex began at the Tribune as a fellow in 2016. She graduated in 2017 from the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism. She originally is from Massachusetts and is the best pingpong player at the Tribune.
Posted in
State Government
House defeats bill that would’ve allowed the expansion of toll road projects
The Texas House shot down House Bill 2861, a measure that would’ve allowed the Texas Department of Transportation to use tolls to fund the construction, renovation or widening of several highways.
Posted in
State Government
With Trump on their side, Republicans hopeful for “Buy American” iron and steel bill
On Wednesday, the Senate voted 22-8 for a proposal that would expand a Buy American provision already in effect for the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Water Development Board to all state agencies.
Posted in
State Government
Texas may require students to pass a citizenship test. How would you do?
A bill approved by the Texas House on Wednesday would require high school students pass a version of the civics test that immigrants must take when applying for U.S. citizenship. How well would you do? Take our quiz and find out.
Posted in
State Government
Texas House passes measure to reduce handgun license fee
The Texas House backed a proposal that would reduce the first-time fee for a license to carry a handgun from $140 to $40.
Posted inState Government
Rick Perry’s father, Joseph “Ray” Perry, dies
Joseph “Ray” Perry, father to former Texas governor and U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, died Thursday.
Posted inState Government
What unusual maneuver happened in the Texas House to halt amendments on “sanctuary” bill?
The marathon debate on the “sanctuary” bill in the Texas House had impassioned speeches, tears and what some House Democrats called a surprising move by a House Republican to cut short debate on adding amendments to the bill.
Posted in
Politics
Former President George H.W. Bush discharged from hospital
Former President George H.W. Bush, who was admitted to the hospital in mid-April for a consistent cough, was discharged Friday.
Posted inState Government
How grassroots groups are mobilizing Texans on top issues
Five community organizers tell us how they rally people around issues like school funding, abortion and the environment.
Posted inState Government
Hey Texas, tell us about grassroots groups that you’re involved in
Help The Texas Tribune — and your fellow Texans — learn more about the groups organizing around Texas policy issues.
