Texas lawmakers passed a two-year state budget on Saturday that cuts $15.2 billion from current spending — most of that in health and human services — but avoids increased taxes and leaves $6.5 billion untouched in the state’s Rainy Day Fund.
Austin
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State Government
Video: So There Will Be a Special Session?
With less than a week left in the regular session, it’s the question everyone’s asking: Will the Legislature finish its business, or will Gov. Rick Perry call a special session?
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Demographics
Video: Perry Hopeful On “Sanctuary Cities” Bill
Gov. Rick Perry said Wednesday that “sanctuary cities” legislation is still important to him but is in the hands of the Texas Senate.
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Health care
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.”
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State Government
Video: The Fight Over Family Planning
Budget negotiators will likely adopt the House’s 2012-13 family planning budget, or something close to it. The House proposed $37 million for family planning funding, while the Senate proposed $99 million.
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State Government
Tea Party, Fiscal Conservatives Aligned to Set Lege’s Agenda
The ideological partnership of the raucous Tea Party movement and fiscally conservative Texas Republicans has dominated the agenda of the state lawmaking session that is sputtering to an end.
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Health care
Video: Why Hughes Opposed the Smoking Ban
Late Friday night, the Texas House tentatively approved a statewide ban on smoking in public places by a vote of 73-66. State Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Marshall, explains why he voted against the measure.
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State Government
Video: What About Congressional Redistricting?
Lawmakers may be getting to the congressional maps a little late, but state Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, the chair of the Senate redistricting committee, says they’re going to do everything they can until the very last minute to get as far as they can.
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State Government
Video: The Week in Texas Politics Recap: May 16 to May 20, 2011
Want a quick recap of some of the happenings this week in the Texas Legislature? We’ve made it easier for you with our weekly video rundown of the action under the dome.
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Health care
Texas House Gives Smoking Ban Early OK
The Texas House tentatively approved a statewide ban on smoking in public places tonight, adding the measure onto another bill that must pass in order to make the two-year state budget balance.
