Two of three federal appeals judges hearing arguments on Texas’ ban on same-sex marriages had tough questions for a state attorney’s argument that marriage is a “subsidy” that the state has the right to grant and withhold.
2015
Posted inState Government
By the Numbers: The Inauguration Celebration
This year, for the first time in a while, there will be new faces in the spotlight as Austin prepares for its quadrennial inauguration festivities. A two-day, $4 million bash is set to usher Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick into office.
Posted in
State Government
Roundup: Same-Sex Marriage, Abortion and Elections
This week in the Roundup: The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals weighs in on two Texas cases — one on the state’s same-sex marriage ban and another on a provision of the state’s new abortion law. Also, three special legislative elections result in runoffs.
Posted in
Politics
All Roads Lead to Rome? In 2016, Try Texas
Of the two dozen or so politicos floated as serious presidential contenders, an uncanny number have a legitimate Texas connection.
Posted inState Government
New in Texas Weekly: A High Stakes Revenue Estimate
Hegar takes the spotlight with his first revenue estimate on Monday, a runoff in SD-26 is generating speculation and Perry makes a slew of judicial appointments: All that and more in the latest issue of our subscriber-only newsletter for political insiders ($).
Posted in
Energy
The Brief: Jan. 9, 2015
The incoming governor on Thursday equated local efforts to regulate single-use plastic bags or fracking to forms of collectivism.
Posted inState Government
SD-26 Runoff: Cakewalk or Showdown?
A large group of Republican voters came out in the first round. Will they come back, and could they tip the scales in favor of the runner-up in the second round?
Posted inState Government
All Eyes on the New Guy for Revenue Estimate
Meanwhile, an independent analysis shows that the state needs $6 billion in additional general revenue to maintain “current services” in the next budget.
Posted in
Politics
Video: Patrick, Paxton, Hegar, Miller Speak at TPPF Forum
Here’s video of the “Future of Texas” panel discussion from the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s policy orientation forum. Participants included Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick, Comptroller Glenn Hegar, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.