With a late night tweet, U.S. Sen Ted Cruz announced his candidacy for president then immediately hit the road, so we start our playlist with “Cruise Control” by the Dixie Dregs.
84th Legislative Session
Posted in
State Government
Roundup: Ted Cruz’s Big Week and the Texas Budget
One name largely dominated the week in Texas politics – Ted Cruz. The launch of his 2016 presidential campaign filled the headlines. Meanwhile, in the Legislature, lawmakers were busy working on the budget and tax cuts.
Posted in
Public Education
Long Legislative Road for Voucher Bills Begins
A preview of the looming battle over school vouchers played out Thursday as a state Senate panel considered two proposals to provide state financial support to parents who want to send their children to private schools.
Posted in
Politics
Anti-Gay Marriage Bill Scrutinized in Committee
After fielding emotional pleas and various complaints in a committee hearing, state Rep. Cecil Bell plans to revise his bill that would bar the state from recognizing same-sex marriages even if the courts declare it legal.
Posted inState Government
Senate’s Property Tax Cut May Stall in House
The Texas Senate’s notion of lowering property taxes for homeowners may lose steam when it reaches the House, where leaders appear more inclined to lower state sales taxes and avoid a collision with the spending cap.
Posted in
Public Education
Texas House Will Tackle School Finance This Session
With a plan that would add $3 billion to the state’s public education budget, the Texas House has decided to take on school finance reform this legislative session.
Posted in
Health care
House Committee Considers Banning E-Cigarette Use by Minors
The House Public Health Committee on Tuesday discussed five bills that would extend current restrictions on tobacco products to vapor products like e-cigarettes. The Senate passed similar legislation last week.
Posted in
State Government
$209.8 Billion Budget Plan Headed to House Floor
The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday backed a $209.8 billion two-year budget that would leave $8.4 billion on the table, along with billions more in the state’s savings account. The budget plan now goes to the full House.
Posted in
Economy
Patrick’s Tax Cut Package Fuels Debate as Senate Prepares to Vote
The full Senate is set to vote this week on a package of tax cut bills Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has championed, yet the measures have drawn opposition from some big business groups who argue that senators are cutting the wrong taxes.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Video: Republicans Rally to Uphold Gay Marriage Ban
As the highest court in the land prepares to consider the constitutionality of same-sex marriage bans, a few hundred conservatives gathered at the Texas Capitol on Monday to rally in support of traditional marriage.
