A shutdown is poised to take place unless Congress passes a new spending bill and President Donald Trump signs it into law by Jan. 19. That could mean closed parks, furloughed workers and the temporary closure of NASA in Texas.
Guides
Looking for information on how to prepare for a weather emergency? Or do you have questions about Texas politics? The Tribune offers several resources, such as explainers, guides, and articles to provide answers and equip Texans with the right context. You can browse our collection of articles to understand how Texas politics and policies affect you.
Posted in
Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Could Texans receive a false alarm about a nuclear missile launch?
No, because the state has no warning system like Hawaii does.
Posted in
Guides
Hey, Texplainer: How does Texas’ budget use taxes from oil and natural gas production?
In the 2017 budget year, the oil production tax gave the state more than $2 billion in revenue, while the natural gas production tax brought in a little less than $1 billion. But where does this money go?
Posted in
Guides
Hey, Texplainer: U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold got his name off the 2018 Republican primary ballot. How did that happen?
U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold announced he wasn’t running for re-election last month, days after the deadline to withdraw his name from the March 6 primary ballot. Yet his name was still omitted. How did that happen?
Posted in
Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Why does a state as big as Texas have a part-time Legislature?
The state Constitution outlines the duration of each legislative session and how much each lawmaker makes per year. Changing either would require a constitutional amendment.
Posted in
Guides
Hey, Texplainer: How much money does Texas spend per child through CHIP?
During the next two fiscal years, Texas is set to spend roughly $200 per child per month through the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Posted in
Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Why do Texans have to vote on so many constitutional amendments?
One of the reasons lawmakers keep putting changes to the state constitution before voters is because they haven’t taken the necessary steps to draft a new document for more than 140 years.
Posted in
Guides
Hey, Texplainer: How much does it cost to run for office in Texas?
No dollar amount is going to secure a win when it comes to running for office. In fact, some of the most expensive campaigns were run by people you have probably never heard of.
Posted in
Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Is the United Nations going to take over the Alamo? No, it isn’t.
Conspiracy theories about the Alamo’s future began in 2015 and have reemerged more recently as state and local officials consider plans to “reimagine” the historic site.
Posted in
Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Did the Railroad Commission chairwoman fire its executive director?
After two members of the Railroad Commission’s board sparred over the fate of the agency’s executive director, questions arose about decision-making and transparency within the state agency.