The dueling approaches are coming into focus as lawmakers prepare to return to Austin for the session which begins Jan. 10.
2022
Posted in
Economy
How Austin’s housing crisis has shaped the race for a new mayor
The capital city’s mayoral race is something of a test case in how the state’s rising housing costs might influence local races in major cities.
Posted in
Energy
Texas lawmakers ask state agency to delay power market redesign until after 2023 legislative session
In a Monday committee hearing, lawmakers questioned whether a Public Utility Commission proposal to redesign Texas’ electricity market would lead to the building of more natural-gas-fired power plants. Regulators say it would.
Posted in
Politics
John Scott, Texas’ top elections official, to step down at end of year
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Scott as secretary of state in October 2021, and he served in an interim capacity pending Senate confirmation. He is stepping down right before the legislative session, in which his appointment would have come up for debate.
Posted in
Demographics
Houston’s at-large City Council districts deprive Latinos of fair representation, lawsuit alleges
The League of United Latin American Citizens sued the city Monday, asking a federal court to halt its practice of electing five of its 16 council members through at-large elections.
Posted in
Public Education
A Texas program that backs school districts’ bond debt is about to reach its limit — and it could mean raising taxes
Under the state’s Permanent School Fund’s Bond Guarantee Program, schools get the best interest rate on bonds. That soon may be over if the federal government doesn’t act.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2023
Republican Caucus backs Dade Phelan as Texas House speaker
Republican members of the Texas House endorsed Phelan’s bid for reelection in a nonbinding vote on Saturday. An official vote from the entire Texas House will take place in January.
Posted in
Demographics
Hundreds of Texas Methodist churches vote to split from denomination after years of infighting over gay marriage and abortion
Those leaving are frustrated that the church has taken positions they feel are too liberal.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Feds arrest Texas man charged with threats to Boston doctor who cares for transgender children
The 38-year-old Hill Country man faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Feds often hand migrants over to state police rather than process immigration claims, complaint says
State police often rely on federal immigration officials to lock up migrants on state trespassing charges, according to a new complaint by the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas. The collaboration contradicts federal and Texas officials’ attacks on each other’s immigration policies.
