State Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, talked Wednesday about the tough battle Democrats waged this session, why she believes the budget outcome is not the success portrayed by the GOP and how this session may affect the next.
Austin
Posted in
Demographics
Sine Die Report: What Survived, What Died
The Trib’s been keeping track of the key issues throughout the special session. From budget measures to school finance, health care and airport groping, here’s our final rundown of bills that passed, and the ones that died.
Posted in
Energy
Wildfires, Burn Bans Rage Across Texas
So far this year, the Texas Forest Service has responded to roughly 1,500 wildfires across Texas, the damage of which spreads across 2.5 million acres, according to our interactive map. And burn bans are spreading just as fast.
Posted in
Politics
Perry Wades Into Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Gov. Rick Perry sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder this week calling plans by pro-Palestinian activists to protest and potentially disrupt Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza an “unacceptable provocation.”
Posted in
State Government
Video: Rep. David Simpson’s TSA Anti-Groping Speech
State Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, delivers his “personal privilege” speech after the Texas House of Representatives fails to pass his anti-TSA groping bill.
Posted in
Higher Education
Rick O’Donnell: The TT Interview
The controversial former adviser at the University of Texas System on his termination, the subsequent settlement, his critics and why he thinks his side is winning the battle over higher ed reform.
Posted in
State Government
Updated: Lawmakers Call it Quits, Leave Unfinished Business
The Senate’s version of a bill to criminalize intrusive pat-downs by federal agents with the Transportation Security Administration has died in the House — which has now adjourned sine die.
Posted in
State Government
The End Game: Special Session Wraps Up Today
The House couldn’t get the votes it needed to suspend the rules to take up the TSA anti-groping bill before the clock runs out today.
Posted in
State Government
Video: Harless Explains “No” Vote on SB 1
State Rep. Patricia Harless, R-Spring, explains why she voted against the budget measure SB 1 this afternoon, and why she thinks the Tea Party may have influenced legislators.
Posted in
State Government
Updated: House Adjourns, May Take Up TSA Bill Tomorrow
The House has adjourned for the evening, and the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee has voted out the Senate version of the TSA “anti-groping” bill. Lawmakers will reconvene and attempt to pass that measure tomorrow morning.
