Deliberation about what to cut — and whom to save — ended with a vote to restore $4.5 billion to state health agencies at a Senate Health and Human Services subcommittee hearing this morning. The issue now goes to the full Senate Finance Committee.
Becca Aaronson
Becca Aaronson was the first product manager at the Tribune, where she worked from 2010 to 2018. As product manager, Becca managed the Tribune's website redesign, coordinates cross-departmental projects and conducted user research to improve reader experience. She previously worked on the Tribune's data visuals team as a developer and project manager, contributing to several award-winning investigative projects. She covered health care from 2012 to 2014, making waves with her coverage of women's health and the Wendy Davis abortion filibuster.
She has a bachelor’s degree in cultural theory from Scripps College in Claremont, Calif.
Posted in
Health care
Senate Approves Incentive for Out-of-State Doctors
The Senate passed a bill today that would streamline the process of obtaining a medical license in Texas for out-of-state doctors.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Task Force to Battle EPA Regulations
Texas is summoning all of its political firepower to do battle against the Environmental Protection Agency. A newly announced task force of state and federal lawmakers will try to prevent the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases and abolishing the state’s flexible permitting system for refineries and other big plants.
Posted in
Energy
Opponents Fight Nuclear Plant, Citing Japan’s Disaster
In its first hearing since an earthquake and tsunami crippled Japan and threatened nuclear meltdown at several reactors, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission heard testimony today on whether to give early-stage approval to a new nuclear plant in Texas.
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Energy
Beach Projects at Risk From Lawsuit, Budget
The General Land Office has a lot on its plate these days — a controversial property rights lawsuit, the reopening of Texas’ favorite surf spot and an ongoing project to restore Texas’ most fertile fishing pier.
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Public Education
Lucio: High School Athletes at Risk
State Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-San Benito, voiced concern for the safety of high school athletes to a House Committee on Tuesday afternoon. “I saw a few heartbreaking stories … on high school athletes that had stellar careers ahead of them,” said Lucio, who has filed two bills on athletic safety.
Posted inState Government
Interactive: What the Comptroller Spends to Lure Events to State
Want to throw a Super Bowl-sized event in Texas? Try asking the state comptroller for funding. Since 2004, the comptroller’s office has provided more than $162 million to help bring sporting events, trade association meetings and other potential economic drivers to Texas.
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State Government
Interactive: Mapping How Rural Development Dollars Are Spent
Urban luxuries — say, running water — aren’t guaranteed everywhere in Texas. The state Department of Rural Affairs helps rural Texans get basic amenities, but the agency is on Gov. Rick Perry’s budget chopping block.
Posted inState Government
Interactive: Word Count from House Transcripts
Curious what legislators are saying on the House and Senate floor? Since the start of the 82nd legislative session, The Texas Tribune has posted day-after transcripts. Now we’re brainstorming ways to make them more searchable and interactive.
Posted in
Health care
Lawmakers Want State, Not Federal, Insurance Connector
State Rep. John Zerwas, R-Simonton, is no fan of “Obamacare.” But he told his House colleages this afternoon that if they don’t set up a health insurance exchange — one of the tenets of reform — by 2014, the federal government will do it for them.