Watch full video of Gov. Rick Perry’s speech Thursday to a joint session of the 84th Legislature at the state Capitol. After 30 years of public service, including 14 as governor, Perry officially leaves office on Tuesday.
2015
Posted in
Economy
Musk: Texas a “Leading Candidate” to Host Hyperloop Test Track
Entrepreneur Elon Musk said Thursday that Texas is in the driver’s seat for a test track for a transportation system known as the Hyperloop. He also said that a SpaceX facility wouldn’t have been built in Texas without economic incentives.
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
State Government
Party Mix: Shifting Dominance in the Texas Legislature
When the Texas Legislature met in 1971, only two senators and 10 representatives were Republicans. Now it’s 20-11 in the Senate and (after the elections are settled, with our assumption about party shifts) 98-52 in the House. Here’s how it looked in between the 62nd and 84th regular sessions.
Posted in
Politics
Lt. Gov.-Elect Taps Business Leaders for New Advisory Board
Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick said Thursday he had appointed a 55-member special council made up of business and industry leaders in the state to provide recommendations to lawmakers throughout the legislative session.
Posted in
Economy
Marc Veasey Sees a Future for Texas Democrats
Prospects for Democrats in Texas might seem grim at the moment, but from his Washington perch, U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey thinks things will turn his party’s way. Eventually.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Judge Hears Arguments in Immigration Policy Case
UPDATED: A judge heard arguments Thursday on a request to halt a White House immigration policy that could affect hundreds of thousands of Texans living in the country illegally. The judge did not indicate when he would make a ruling.
Posted in
Energy
The Brief: Jan. 15, 2015
Gov. Rick Perry will close the door on 30 years of state government work with a farewell address Thursday afternoon to the Legislature.
Posted in
Health care
Greg Abbott Gives Back 21CT Campaign Donation
Gov.-elect Greg Abbott’s office has confirmed that he returned a $10,000 campaign contribution from the CEO of the beleaguered company at the center of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission contracting woes.
Posted in
Demographics
Dream Act Supporters Rally Against Efforts to Repeal Law
During a rally at the Texas Capitol on Wednesday, supporters of the Texas Dream Act said they were ready to challenge any efforts this legislative session to repeal the 2001 law.
