State ethics laws grant elected officials wide latitude on how they use their political contributions while in office — meaning there’s a lot outgoing House Speaker Joe Straus could do with his $10 million campaign war chest.
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.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: What’s on the November ballot?
Monday marks the beginning of early voting for the Nov. 7 election. Here’s a look at the seven amendments to the state’s constitution that Texans are being asked to decide on.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: What constitutional amendments will be on the November ballot?
Here’s a look at the seven constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot for the November 7 election.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Is Texas removing Confederate markers from the state Capitol?
Texas is home to more than 180 public symbols of the Confederacy, including around a dozen on the Capitol grounds. However, some state lawmakers are making efforts to remove some markers at the Capitol.
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In Harvey's Wake
Hey, Texplainer: Will previous home damage affect filing claims post-Harvey?
Previous home damage doesn’t impact someone’s ability to file a claim post-Harvey. And just to be safe, both state and federal officials encourage anyone who sustained home damages during Hurricane Harvey to apply for aid.
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In Harvey's Wake
Hey, Texplainer: How is FEMA distributing money to areas hit by Harvey?
Following Harvey, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott requested money from the federal government, which has sent nearly $1 billion since the federal disaster declaration issued by President Donald Trump on Aug. 25.
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In Harvey's Wake
Hey, Texplainer: What assistance is available to those affected by Harvey?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is offering aid to people displaced by Harvey, but not everyone qualifies for their assistance. For those still in need of help, there are other options.
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In Harvey's Wake
Hey, Texplainer: Can Texas lawmakers tap the Rainy Day Fund to help with Harvey relief?
Tapping the Rainy Day Fund has always been a political hot potato, but a debate has already started over how much of the $10 billion fund the state should use for Harvey disaster relief.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: What social media information is subject to state open records laws?
You can request anything under the state’s Public Information Act. Whether that information is up for grabs, however, is a different story.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Which recent election cycles have been the closest — and what does that mean in 2018?
Texas is a Republican stronghold, and that likely won’t change anytime soon. Heading into 2018, however, several Democrats are pushing to unseat incumbents in several statewide races.