Full video of my 1/22 conversation with state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, the chairman of the House Public Education Committee.
84th Legislative Session
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Transportation
Bill Targets Toll Road’s Power to Take Land
Only one private company in the state has the power to condemn and take land for a toll road. Following public backlash over its proposed road near Dallas, state Rep. Cindy Burkett, R-Sunnyvale, wants to take that power away.
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Politics
With Change in Procedure, Senate Democrats Lose Clout
With a new lieutenant governor installed for the first time in over a decade Wednesday — and over the cries of Democrats — the Texas Senate voted to break from an almost 70-year tradition intended to encourage compromise among its members.
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Politics
Black Tie Gala Closes Out Texas Inaugural Festivities
Three different musical acts — along with six cash bars — entertained an estimated 10,000 guests including lawmakers from both parties, legislative staff, Capitol lobbyists and some of the state’s top political donors.
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Politics
Companies Linked to Patrick’s New Advisers Spend Millions Lobbying
The companies owned and operated by many of the people Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has appointed to his new advisory council heavily lobby the Legislature and rake in millions of dollars in state contracts.
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Politics
Analysis: The New Guys and an Election That’s Four Years Away
Sure, it’s early to talk about the 2018 governor’s race. But think about this legislative session and the new faces in state offices and the issues that are developing: This is what you’ll be looking back on when that 2018 race starts to form.
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Politics
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.
Posted in
Economy
Film Incentive Program Fears Guilt by Association
With other state incentive programs under attack for favoritism and weak oversight, one that seems to be working famously might get caught in the crossfire. Film industry supporters hope it survives.
Posted in
Health care
The Playlist: Them Changes
This week was marked by a big turnover in state government, so we’re launching our playlist of the news with “Changes,” played here by the Band of Gypsys.
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Health care
A Look Back at the 83rd: How Some Issues Played Out in the 2013 Session
With the 84th Legislature underway, we’ve renewed our State of Mind video series, a look at various issues that communities across the state are talking about. First up, a look at some issues from the last session.