Seven State Parks Could Close Under Proposed Budget
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would close seven state parks based on current budget proposals in the House and Senate. Full Story
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President's Gun Plan Panned, Embraced by Texas Lawmakers
Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, praised President Obama's proposals to curb gun violence, while Gov. Rick Perry shunned efforts to increase regulation and called for prayer. Full Story
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Report Recommends Changes to Tax Exemption for Fracking
A Legislative Budget Board report on how government can be more effective has recommended that the state reduce its gas tax exemption for hydraulic fracturing. Full Story
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Todd Staples: The TT Interview
The state agriculture commissioner on the state's water crisis, why the Rainy Day Fund should be used to pay for a state water plan and how the money should be spent. Full Story
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In Capitol Community, a Push to Beat the Toil of the Session
Every other year, Texas legislators race to get the state's business done in just 140 days — an exhaustive process known for taking a toll on lawmakers' health. But efforts are under way to get the Capitol community to rethink how to stay healthy during the session. Full Story
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Legislation Would Add to Disclosure Requirements for State Lawmakers
UPDATED: State Sen. Wendy Davis has filed companion legislation to a House bill from two freshman legislators — one on the far right, the other on the far left — that would expand the requirements of the state’s personal financial disclosure form. Full Story
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Most Legislators Won't Disclose Tax Returns
The Tribune asked all 180 current members of the Legislature to provide their last three tax returns — and got few takers. Most lawmakers either ignored the request or said they weren’t comfortable with that level of disclosure. Full Story
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Despite Surplus, House and Senate Offer Lean Budgets
Both the House and Senate proposed base budgets Monday that will not restore large cuts made to public education in 2011. Full Story
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House Rule Change Could Weaken Democratic Minority
The House's Democratic minority was dealt a blow Monday when the chamber passed an amendment to its rules to limit legislators' ability to derail bills based on clerical errors. Full Story
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T-Squared: It's Only Bidness
Twenty journalists have spent nine months researching the personal financial interests of members of the 83rd Legislature. Eyebrows — and hackles — may be raised, but this kind of transparency is good for Texas. Full Story
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The Brief: Jan. 14, 2013
Vanquished in his fight to unseat House Speaker Joe Straus, state Rep. David Simpson isn't backing down. Full Story
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News App: Exploring Lawmakers' Personal Financial Interests
The Lawmaker Explorer is a first-of-its-kind interactive tool that gives Texans a window into the personal interests of their state legislators. It is the linchpin of the Tribune's Bidness as Usual project, a session-long look at ethics and transparency in the Texas Legislature. Full Story
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A Part-Time Legislature, but in Whose Interest?
With a lacking conflict disclosure system, virtually toothless ethics laws and a Legislature historically unwilling to make itself more transparent, Texans know little about who or what influences the people elected to represent them. Full Story
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Texas Weekly Newsreel: Opening Days
The kickoff of the 83rd legislative session packed few surprises. The Texas Senate voted on rules, Joe Straus won without breaking a sweat, Comptroller Susan Combs announced the state budget forecast and Gov. Rick Perry laid out his priorities for the 140-day session. Full Story
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David Simpson: The TT Interview
On Friday afternoon, the Republican state representative from Longview talked about why he ran for speaker, the real reason he quit the race and what happens next. Full Story
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Lawmakers Talk of Bold Measures This Session
Momentum is growing for Texas lawmakers to commit large amounts of money to address the state's long-term infrastructure needs, particularly water and transportation. Full Story
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Getting a Closer Look at the Makeup of the Lege
The state Legislature is diverse in some ways and homogenous in others. Here's a look at Texas' 83rd class of lawmakers, from their employment and higher education to their age, gender and demographics. Full Story
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Dire Budget Estimate Fit With Prevailing Politics
The two-year-old revenue forecast used to justify massive cuts in the current state budget was wrong — and not by a little bit. But the conservative Legislature elected in 2010 wasn't complaining. Full Story
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His Job Safe, Straus Now Faces Session's Hurdles
After successfully fending off another challenge to his speakership, Joe Straus faces a tough task in the session. He will have to tackle issues that have been thorny for Republicans in the past, without further alienating the far right. Full Story
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State of Mind: Mental Health Focus for Harris County
Law enforcement is working to make sure lawmakers know an investment in mental health services is an investment in public safety. Full Story
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