San Antonio Republican Joe Straus was re-elected unanimously by House members Tuesday for a fifth term, joining former House Speakers Pete Laney and Gib Lewis for the longest tenures presiding over the House.
85th Legislative Session
Posted in
Politics
Hear from Texans at the Capitol on the 85th legislative session’s first day
Texans from across the state swarmed the Capitol to watch. Here’s what some are hoping to see lawmakers accomplish this session.
Posted in
Politics
Tighter Texas budget looms as lawmakers return for another session
State lawmakers will descend on Austin today for the 85th Legislative Session, facing a tight fiscal picture, varying priorities from their leaders and all the politics that naturally accompany the last regular session before statewide elections.
Posted inState Government
Get all your 85th Texas legislative news in one place
As state lawmakers kick off the 85th Legislative Session on Tuesday, you can use our session page to watch livestreams of the floor action and stay caught up on all the news from the session.
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State Government
After announcing resignation, Dawnna Dukes confirms plans to serve another term
State Rep. Dawnna Dukes confirmed to the Texas Tribune in an email Monday that she is not resigning, months after announcing plans to resign in January.
Posted in
State Government
Hegar gives lawmakers dour revenue estimate for 2017 session
Facing sluggish economic forecasts, Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Monday that lawmakers will have $104.87 billion in state funds at their disposal in crafting the next two-year budget, a 2.7 percent decrease from the last session two years ago.
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Demographics
Once again, the Texas Legislature is mostly white, male, middle-aged
Here’s a look at the demographics of the 85th Legislature by lawmakers’ race, gender, age, education and religion.
Posted in
Politics
News of Rep. Dawnna Dukes’ change in plans fuels questions for potential successors
As a news report came out Saturday that state Rep. Dawnna Dukes no longer plans to leave office, the hopefuls looking to succeed her in House District 46 were left wondering whether there was still a campaign left to be run.
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Politics
For Rep. Dawnna Dukes, delayed resignation yields bigger pension check
State Rep. Dawnna Dukes announced her retirement in September, but doesn’t plan to make it official until Tuesday. That would make her annual pension payout $3,220 bigger.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Expect some clouds in Monday’s Texas budget forecast
The Legislature goes to Austin on Tuesday, but lawmakers will find out a day before that what kind of budget they’re going to write. Spoiler alert: Money is tight.