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?
Texplainer
Welcome to The Texas Tribune’s “Texplainer” series, where we answer questions from readers like you.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What will Joe Straus do with his $10 million in unspent campaign funds?
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.
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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.