Trojan Horse Resolution Draws Abbott's First Veto
In his first veto, Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday killed a seemingly routine resolution honoring mental health workers after finding a surprise hiding in the text. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott spoke during the grand opening of the Texas Public Policy Foundation's new building on April 21, 2015.]()
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Senator: Abortion Bill Could Prompt Lawsuit Against State
A measure to enact several restrictions on minors seeking abortions without parental consent was met with legal concerns on Monday when a Senate panel considered the proposal. Full Story
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Analysis: Ethics Reform Placed at Center Stage, but Hurting for Attention
In February, Gov. Greg Abbott asked lawmakers to dedicate this legislative session to ethics reform. With only two weeks left, he's still waiting. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott annouces several emergency legislative items in his first State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Inside Texas Politics: Unfinished Business
On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the final two weeks of the 84th Texas Legislature: Will lawmakers be able to get together, or will they be back for a special session? Full Story
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![(L-R) Jason Whitely, Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy on WFAA"s on Inside Texas Politics on May 17, 2015.]()
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House Republicans Reaffirm Support of Gay Marriage Ban
House Republicans want Texans to know they still oppose same-sex marriage – even if foot-dragging Democrats thwarted a debate on the polarizing subject Thursday night. Full Story
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![During the Defense of Texas Marriage Amendment Rally on Mar. 23, 2015 at the Texas Capitol, a protester raises questions of marriage sanctity noting celebrities who've been married multiple times.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Roundup: Bills, Deadlines and "Chubbing"
In the Roundup: The end of the week marked the death of scores of bills in the Texas House, including school finance reform legislation. Lawmakers were strategically long-winded when considering bills, leaving little time to take up legislation before a key deadline. Full Story
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State Leaders Juggle Deals on Five Key Issues
Top state leaders were negotiating intensely — and optimistically — Thursday afternoon on a master settlement on tax cuts, restraints on local property tax increases, border security, prosecutions of state ethics cases and open carry of handguns. Full Story
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![The House of Representatives on May 14, 2015.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
House Backs Bill Denying Pensions to Lawbreakers
Texas politicians convicted of major public corruption crimes would lose their lucrative pensions under a bill that the Texas House tentatively passed Thursday in a unanimous vote. Full Story
![The House of Representatives on May 14, 2015.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
With Midnight Deadline Looming, Democrats Drag Their Feet
Facing a midnight deadline in the House to take initial votes on that chamber's bills, Democrats dragged their feet, working to delay a vote on a bill forbidding the use of state or local funds to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Full Story
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![House Reading Clerk Elizabeth Milam carries signed bills to the podium during the House session May 14, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
For 84th #txlege, an Emoji's Worth 140 Days
There are generic Texas-themed emoji on the way, but they won’t do the trick. What we really need — what you really want — are ones specially designed with the 84th Legislature in mind. Here are the 14 we came up with. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Benjamin Hasson -
Rep. Stephenson Rushed to, Released From Hospital
State Rep. Phil Stephenson, R-Wharton, was taken to an Austin hospital Thursday morning, House Administration Chairman Charlie Geren announced on the floor of the Texas House. Full Story
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House OKs Bill Restricting Minors Seeking Abortions
Minors seeking to obtain abortions without parental consent would face more restrictions under a bill that received preliminary approval Wednesday from the Texas House. Full Story
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![State Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, talks with a colleague prior to the introduction of House Bill 3994 in the Texas House on May 13, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Video: Bonnen on Property Tax "Cuts"
At our 5/13 conversation, state Rep. Dennis Bonnen, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, took issue with the Senate's stated intent to cut property taxes. Full Story
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Video: Bonnen on the Spending Cap
At our 5/13 conversation, state Rep. Dennis Bonnen, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, explained why the spending cap is, in his words, "sacred." Full Story
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Lawmaker Slams "Superficial" Senate Ethics Reform
The already tortuous path for ethics reform at the Texas Capitol took another sharp turn Wednesday when a powerful House leader criticized the package passed by the Senate and praised by Gov. Greg Abbott two weeks ago. Full Story
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![State Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, on the House floor on May 7, 2015.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Video: Bonnen on Dan Patrick
At our 5/13 conversation, state Rep. Dennis Bonnen, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, talked about his relationship with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — and the prospect of compromise with the Senate on taxes. Full Story
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Video: A Conversation With Dennis Bonnen
Full video of my 5/13 conversation with state Rep. Dennis Bonnen, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Full Story
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Analysis: Making a Deal on Tax Cuts That Voters Might Not Care About
As they try to agree on tax cuts that are the major obstacle to a state budget, lawmakers could find themselves wishing the cuts they deliver are as big as they sounded to the public. Full Story
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Rainy Day Fund Could Be Invested More Aggressively
The Texas Senate on Tuesday passed a measure granting Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar more flexibility to invest a portion of the $8 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, sending the bill to the governor's desk. Full Story
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![Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Bonnen: I'd Scrap Sales Tax Cut for Larger Business Tax Cut
House Ways and Means Chairman Dennis Bonnen said Tuesday that he’d be fine with scrapping the tax cut plans offered by the House and Senate in favor of instituting an even larger cut in the franchise tax paid by businesses. Full Story
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![Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, on the House floor on May 7, 2015.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman