The most important problems facing the country are economic, while immigration and border security are the most important problems facing the state, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
abortion
Video: “The Beginning of the End for Abortions”
This morning, Gov. Rick Perry signed into law House Bill 15, the so-called abortion sonogram bill, which Senate sponsor Dan Patrick, R-Houston, termed “the beginning of the end for abortions.”
Family Planning Programs Face Steep Cuts, Elimination
The state’s family planning budget is getting increasingly thin. Budget conferees appear poised to go with the cheapest possible option for offering minimal family planning services, and a Medicaid program that provides screenings and contraception is circling the drain.
House Tentatively OKs Medicaid Fiscal Reform Bill
The House tentatively passed a health care bill that intends to increase efficiency and cost savings in Texas’ expensive Medicaid and other health programs today โ but not before adding a far-ranging variety of amendments.
Video: Todd Staples at TribLive
At last Thursday’s TribLive conversation, I interviewed Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples about the impact of drug-fueled violence on border farmers and ranchers, what he thinks about the Senate’s two-thirds rule, his nascent campaign for lieutenant governor in 2014 and more.
TribLive: Staples on the Two-Thirds Rule and More
At last Thursday’s TribLive conversation, I interviewed Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples about the Senate’s two-thirds rule, the Rainy Day Fund, abortion sonograms and other issues that he’d confront as lieutenant governor.
Women’s Health Program Circling the Drain?
Texas’ Women’s Health Program may be circling the drain. Sen. Bob Deuell says he doesnโt have the votes in the Senate to bring up a bill to renew the family planning and preventative care program โ and Rep. Garnet Coleman says his House bill is stuck.
Video: Cecile Richards Visits Capitol, Defends Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards, a native Texan and daughter of former Gov. Ann Richards, visited the Capitol on Wednesday to defend funding for womens’ health services.
Abortion Sonogram Moves to Governor’s Desk
House lawmakers have sent the controversial abortion sonogram bill to the governor’s desk โ after a last-ditch effort by disability rights advocates to change language they called highly offensive.
House, Senate Unite on Abortion Sonogram Bill
Rep. Sid Miller, R-Stephenville, and Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston joined forces this morning to ask the House to accept all of the Senate’s amendments to the abortion sonogram bill, virtually ensuring it’s headed to Gov. Rick Perry’s desk.






