Three days after President Obama called for stricter gun laws nationally, gun owners in Texas gathered in Austin to rally in defense of their Second Amendment rights.
Austin
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Bidness As Usual
For Dean of Senate, Public and Private Blur
Critics say the dean of the Texas Senate, John Whitmire, D-Houston, is a poster boy for a legislative culture in which real and perceived conflicts of interest are commonplace. Whitmire says he’s proud of his four decades in office.
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State Government
Todd Staples: The TT Interview
The state agriculture commissioner on the state’s water crisis, why the Rainy Day Fund should be used to pay for a state water plan and how the money should be spent.
Posted inState Government
George P. Bush: The TT Interview
The co-founder of the Hispanic Republicans of Texas political action committee on his first planned run for office, divisions in the GOP, Hispanics and Republicans, and why he’s getting into the family business.
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State Government
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Opening Days
The kickoff of the 83rd legislative session packed few surprises. The Texas Senate voted on rules, Joe Straus won without breaking a sweat, Comptroller Susan Combs announced the state budget forecast and Gov. Rick Perry laid out his priorities for the 140-day session.
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State Government
Session’s First Day Long on Pomp, but Leaders Also Address Priorities
Texas legislators started their 83rd session with leaders who want to focus on water, infrastructure, budget transparency, education — and, perhaps, some tax relief.
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State Government
Video: Session Opener Packed a Few Surprises
On day one of the 83rd Legislature, the House Speaker’s race turned out not to be much of a competition, and an unexpected event forced Gov. Perry to pause during his remarks to the Senate.
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State Government
Video: Simpson Withdraws From Speaker’s Race
Saying he wasn’t certain of victory and didn’t want to put other members at risk by forcing a vote, Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, withdrew from the race for House speaker on Tuesday. Watch his full comments from the House floor.
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State Government
Straus Re-elected House Speaker by Acclamation
House Speaker Joe Straus won another term in that position after his challenger, Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, withdrew from the race.
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State Government
Opening Day: Chambers to Set Rules, Pick Speaker
House Speaker Joe Straus faces a challenge on the first day of the 83rd Texas Legislature, and the Senate gets another run at a rule that empowers political minorities and sometimes frustrates majorities.
