While former Texas Gov. Rick Perry waits to see if a judge will toss out the indictment against him, legal costs are starting to add up for both sides in the case over his threat to veto funding for a state watchdog unit.
Bobby Blanchard
Bobby Blanchard joined The Texas Tribune’s audience team in 2016 and led the team from 2021 to 2023, strategizing to expand the organization’s reach and engagement across all platforms. A graduate of UT-Austin, Bobby spent his first year out of college at The Dallas Morning News as a reporting fellow, covering Texas politics and breaking news. He got his start in journalism in the poorly lit basement of The Daily Texan, followed by internships at the Houston Chronicle, KUT News and the Tribune. Born and raised in the Houston area, Bobby is a native Texan.
Posted inState Government
Voters May Decide Plano’s Equal Rights Ordinance
The Liberty Institute said Tuesday that it has gathered far more than the number of signatures needed to force a voter referendum on Plano’s Equal Rights Ordinance.
Posted in
Politics
With High Court to Weigh Gay Marriage, What Now for Texas?
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Friday to hear four cases with the potential to legalize gay marriage nationwide could delay a ruling from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas’ own legal fight over same-sex unions.
Posted in
Economy
Extra Cash Should Go to Paying Debt, Otto Says
State Rep. John Otto wants a constitutional amendment requiring that excess cash in the state’s Rainy Day Fund be used to pay off state debt early.
Posted in
Politics
Activists Line Up to Support Openly Carrying Guns
Gun rights groups lined up at a press conference on Thursday to voice support for legislation that would allow Texans to openly carry handguns without a license.
Posted in
Politics
Bill Looks to Prevent Gay Marriage From Becoming Legal in Texas
UPDATED: State or local government employees giving out same-sex marriage licenses would stop receiving their salaries under a bill filed Wednesday for the 84th legislative session.
Posted in
Politics
Top Texas Officials on Hand as Paxton is Sworn In
Joined by many of Texas’ Republican elite as he was sworn in as the state’s attorney general on Monday, Ken Paxton said the state would have to guard against complacency.
Posted inState Government
As Student Celebrates Project, Abbott Calls Him an Inspiration
Gov.-elect Greg Abbott visited Austin High School on Monday to tour new automatic push-button doors, which were paid for by funds raised by an Austin High School senior.
Posted in
Health care
Stick’s Chief of Staff Facing Steep Pay Cut
One of three Texas Health and Human Services Commission employees put on paid administrative leave amid a probe into the agency’s contracting procedures is facing a 50 percent cut to his salary.
Posted in
Politics
Special Elections for Central Texas Seats Draw Crowded Field
Central Texas voters will return to the polls on Tuesday to fill three vacant legislative posts — one in the Senate and two in the House.
