A federal program known as the 1115 waiver helps pay for the costs of providing health care to people who are uninsured. Advocates for Medicaid expansion say it fills gaps in care that are caused by Texas’ refusal to expand coverage.
2021
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Capitol to close Saturday, before planned armed protests of Joe Biden’s inauguration
The FBI reportedly warned law enforcement agencies in all 50 states of possibly armed protests after the U.S. Capitol was besieged by pro-Trump rioters.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Republican U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz plan to attend President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration
Both Cruz and Cornyn confirmed that they will be at Biden’s inauguration next week, even as Cruz continues to spread false claims casting doubt on Biden’s victory.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick awards committee chair to Texas senator who previously faced sexual harassment allegation
State Sen. Charles Schwertner gave up serving as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services in 2019. This year, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick named him chair of the Committee on Administration.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas schools are wary of losing funding gains lawmakers provided in 2019
A school finance bill in 2019 boosted funding for districts, but the pandemic has since added layers of financial uncertainty.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas House member Joe Deshotel tests positive for coronavirus, forcing other state lawmakers into quarantine
State Rep. Joe Deshotel, D-Beaumont, told The Texas Tribune he tested positive Thursday — three days after lawmakers gaveled in for this year’s legislative session
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Analysis: The odds for legal pot and casinos in Texas just got worse
One argument for legalizing casino gambling and marijuana sales in Texas is that they would produce tax revenue for the state during the recession started by the pandemic. But a new, optimistic economic forecast for the state takes some wind out of those sails.
Posted in
Politics
All Texas Democrats in U.S. House voted to impeach Donald Trump. No Texas Republicans joined them.
Texas Democrats have been unanimous in their support for impeachment. Many Republicans from the state have been opposed.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas becomes first state to administer 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine
The milestone comes as intensive care beds are dwindling across the state and as experts predict daily coronavirus cases and hospitalizations will worsen following an influx of holiday season gatherings.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas House requires masks for 2021 legislative session, declines to expand virtual testimony
The rules, which passed unanimously Thursday, will help govern the House during the Legislature’s 2021 session.
