What does the Texas Legislature look like? A lot like this, according to a Tribune analysis of demographics under the Pink Dome. While the makeup of the Lege is changing by the session, it remains out of whack with the Texas population.
84th Legislative Session
Posted in
Politics
Slideshow: Day One of the 84th Legislature
On the first day of the 84th Legislature, state lawmakers were sworn into office amidst family and friends. Afterwards, the House re-elected Joe Straus speaker, while the Senate made Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa president pro tempore.
Posted in
State Government
Video: Day One of the 84th Legislature
State lawmakers and their families filled the Texas Capitol in Austin on Tuesday for the start of the 2015 legislative session – a day complete with formalities, pomp and a vote for House speaker.
Posted in
Politics
Gun Rights Activists Cause Stir at Texas Capitol
The behavior of open-carry advocates trying to drum up votes for a measure repealing handgun licensing requirements prompted one lawmaker to escort them from his office Monday.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: These Voters Were Not Looking for Change
The House on Tuesday re-elected Joe Straus to be speaker, easily squelching a rebellion from a noisy but small faction of conservatives who backed Scott Turner. Were the challengers out of sync with Texans, or just with the current management?
Posted in
Politics
Storify: The 1st Day of the 84th Legislative Session
From the first day of the new legislative session, here’s a selection of tweets that journalists, lawmakers and others have shared, along with the Tribune’s on-the-ground reporting from the Texas Capitol.
Posted in
Energy
Comptroller Seldom Right on Oil Price Prediction
Texas’ recent attempts to figure out what will happen with oil prices have one thing in common: They’re rarely accurate. But that’s the norm for most anyone watching the volatile petroleum industry.
Posted in
Politics
It’s Opening Day for the 84th Legislature
Got your popcorn ready? The Texas Legislature opens its 84th 140-day regular session today at noon, with ceremonies, a little pomp and a skirmish or two. Here’s a look at what’s happening today.
Posted in
Politics
Day Before Key Vote, Turner Supporters Rally
Tuesday’s vote for speaker of the Texas House will provide “a sense of hope” to “the people of America,” state Rep. Scott Turner told a small rally of supporters at a La Quinta Inn near the Capitol Monday.
Posted in
Public Education
Education Chairman Calls for School Finance Discussion
State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, the chairman of the House Public Education Committee, says Texas lawmakers shouldn’t wait for the outcome of a sprawling school finance lawsuit to discuss changes to the state’s public education funding system.