Analysis: A Desire for Tax Cuts and a Call for Restraint
As state officials rush to announce tax cuts, a former mayor now in the Senate is pleading for a little restraint and a return to pay-as-you-go government. Full Story
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![Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, is congratulated by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, in passing changes to Senate rules on Jan. 21, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
After 24 Years, Van de Putte Bids Farewell to the Lege
After 24 years in the Legislature and a failed campaign for lieutenant governor, state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte bid an emotional farewell to her colleagues on Tuesday. She now faces a crowded field in the race to be San Antonio mayor. Full Story
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![Sen. Leticia Van de Putte on February 24th, 2015, her last day as Texas Senator]()
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Analysis: Taking Lobbyists' Money, Ignoring Their Calls
A new senator doesn't think taxpayer-supported governments should hire lobbyists to talk to other government officials and won't let those lobbyists come to her office. But she took their contributions during her 2014 campaign. Full Story
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![New Texas Sen. Konni Burton, c, stands with other incoming Senators during the swearing-in ceremony at the Texas Capitol Jan. 13, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Analysis: The "GOP" Strikes Back
State Rep. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, is on his way to the Texas Senate, thanks in part to the "gringos y otros pendejos" derided last summer by his opponent and House colleague, Trey Martinez Fischer. Full Story
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![State Reps. José Menéndez (left) and Trey Martinez Fischer, both Democrats from San Antonio, are seeking the Texas Senate seat vacated by Leticia Van de Putte, who is running for mayor of San Antonio.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich/Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
The Playlist: Falling Grace
This week, journalism lost two who were among its best: longtime CBS News correspondent Bob Simon and New York Times media columnist David Carr. This playlist is dedicated to them. Full Story
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Inside Texas Politics: The Big Three
On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the Big Three: Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus. Full Story
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![Texas Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey on WFAA's "Inside Texas Politics" on Feb. 15, 2015.]()
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Analysis: Disclosure Rules Let Lobbyists Split Tabs and Hide Names
Lobbyists are required to report everything they spend on government officials, including expensive meals at fancy restaurants. But state disclosure laws allow lobbyists to split the bills to avoid naming whom they've wined and dined. Full Story
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Credit: Anneke Paterson -
Committee Breakdowns: Texas Senate
We take a look this week at how the newly formed Senate committees stack up by party ID and by gender. Women are significantly underrepresented on the Administration, Nominations and Finance committees. And in the most extreme example, there is not a single woman on the Business and Commerce Committee. Full Story
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Analysis: Lawmakers Send an Ethics Message, Intentional or Not
Some of the Legislature's early actions indicate some ambivalence about the agencies and people who enforce state ethics laws. Full Story
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Credit: Anneke Paterson -
Video: Patrick on Open Carry
At our 1/27 conversation, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick talked about why open carry legislation isn't necessarily going to pass in the 84th session. Full Story
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Video: Patrick on Vouchers
At our 1/27 conversation, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick talked about vouchers — and whether the 84th session's outcome on the issue might differ from that of the 83rd. Full Story
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Video: Patrick on Tax Relief
At our 1/27 conversation, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick talked about the possibility of tax relief as a component of the budget that will be passed by the 84th Legislature. Full Story
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Analysis: It's Not Bribery Unless They Say It's Bribery
It's a bribe when a lobbyist gives a public official something of value in exchange for a decision or a vote or some other official act. But there's an exception in Texas law that might surprise you. Full Story
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Credit: Muliadi Soenaryo -
Inside Texas Politics: A Quiet One and a Loud One
On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the personal styles of Texas' new governor and lieutenant governor. Full Story
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![Texas Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey on WFAA's Inside Texas Politics on Jan.25, 2014.]()
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Patrick Sets Committees; Taylor Gets Education
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's office on Friday announced new committee members. Among the new chairs: State Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, who will lead the Senate Education Committee. Full Story
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Livestream: A Conversation With Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
We're livestreaming our conversation Tuesday with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The interview starts at 8 a.m. Central time. Full Story
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Inside Texas Politics: A New Lieutenant Governor
This week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics with host Jason Whitely, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy and Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey leads off with an interview with Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick. Full Story
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![Texas Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey on WFAA's "Inside Texas Politics" on Jan. 18, 2015.]()
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Straus: $202 Billion Budget Plan Reflects Fiscal Discipline
House Speaker Joe Straus said the House's base budget plan, released Thursday, holds "spending in check while addressing some very important challenges related to our rapid growth." The Senate's base budget is expected to come out next week. Full Story
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![House Speaker Joe Straus is shown on Sept. 20, 2014, during an interview at The Texas Tribune Festival.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Party Mix: Shifting Dominance in the Texas Legislature
When the Texas Legislature met in 1971, only two senators and 10 representatives were Republicans. Now it's 20-11 in the Senate and (after the elections are settled, with our assumption about party shifts) 98-52 in the House. Here's how it looked in between the 62nd and 84th regular sessions. Full Story
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T-Squared: The 84th Lege, at Your Fingertips
As excited as we are about the start of the 84th session, we’re equally pumped to roll out our brand new 84th Lege page — a comprehensive and convenient portal to all of your Texas legislative needs. Full Story
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