The regular Texas legislative session was notable for bipartisan coalitions and harmony. The special sessions have been notable for partisan battles and stalemates. To understand what’s going on, just look at the voters.
Austin
Posted in
Health care
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Filibuster, Filibuster, Filibuster
In place of this week’s Newsreel, we’ve got the story of the week — and of the political year so far: the debate and filibuster and verbal melee that marked the last day of the first special session.
Posted in
Politics
For Abbott, a Legal Fight and a Political Bonanza
The newest legal battle over voting rights in Texas could go either way in court, but for Attorney General Greg Abbott, it’s a golden opportunity to square off with a Democratic administration in Washington, D.C., that is far from popular in Texas.
Posted in
Public Education
Video: Roadway Study Leads to Effort to Save Bees
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority analysts recently discovered a large beehive in a tree near Austin’s airport. To protect the honeybees, whose population is declining worldwide, the mobility authority asked a local beekeeper for help.
Posted in
State Government
Some Democrats’ Political Accounts See Boost in Donations After Filibuster
State Sen. Wendy Davis’ filibuster against abortion legislation gave Democrats across the country a rare red-state rallying point, and some of them responded by opening their checkbooks.
Posted in
Higher Education
TRBs Ready to Move Forward, if Perry Allows It
Legislators appear ready and willing to approve billions in tuition revenue bonds — or “TRBs” — for campus construction projects, but only if Gov. Rick Perry will let them.
Posted in
Politics
Guest Column: A (Texas) Liberal in a Red State
State Sen. Wendy Davis raised her public profile with a filibuster on an omnibus abortion bill, but the Fort Worth Democrat didn’t necessarily make herself more electable — at least in 2014.
Posted in
State Government
Special Session Offers Chance to Get Attention — for Better or Worse
All eyes are on the Texas Legislature as a second special session is under way. For lawmakers and others running for office, it’s a good time — or a bad one — to show their stuff. Here’s a look at who stands to gain or lose.
Posted in
Politics
At Perry’s Behest, Lawmakers Back for a Second Helping
After an end-of-session debate killed three bills, including a controversial abortion bill that prompted a filibuster, Gov. Rick Perry is calling lawmakers back for more. They started Monday.
Posted in
Politics
Guest Column: When Mob Rule Overwhelmed Democracy
The “gallery filibuster” last Tuesday — when loud demonstrations made it impossible for senators to vote on anti-abortion legislation — wasn’t democracy in action. It was mob rule.
