Many Texas lawmakers have the resources to stay in Austin a few extra weeks โ or even months โ for special sessions. But others take a big fiscal hit. And it takes a personal toll on all of them.
Carol Alvarado
The 82nd Lege Session: The Highlights Reel
The Trib’s multimedia team highlights some of the most memorable โ and surprising โ moments from the 82nd Legislative Session. Our lawmakers sure do love to make a statement, complete with finger pointing, yelling and props. (Some video courtesy the Texas House, the Texas Senate and legetv.org.)
Texas Politics Recap: 3/7 to 3/11
No time to follow every twist and turn of the Texas Legislature? We’ve made it easier for you with our weekly recaps of the action under the dome.
Texas Tribune Weekly Rundown
The Texas Tribune’s rundown of capitol politics for the week of March 7-11, 2011.
The Week in Texas Politics Recap: Feb. 28 to March 4
No time to follow every twist and turn of the Texas Legislature? We’ve made it easier for you with our weekly recaps of the action under the dome.
Lawmakers Ratchet Up the Rhetoric
Texas lawmakers, out to protect their interests this session, appear to be ratcheting up their rhetoric. Politics as usual or a serious lapse in civil discourse?
The Debate Over Sonograms
HB 15, authored by Rep. Sid Miller, R-Stephenville, would require a doctor performing an abortion to conduct a sonogram on the woman at least 24 hours ahead of the procedure.
House Delays Abortion Sonogram Debate
House lawmakers delayed consideration of abortion sonogram legislation until tomorrow, after Democrats raised two points of order against the bill. Some speculate finding technicalities will be Democrats’ go-to strategy this session.
Minorities Drove Strong Texas Growth, Census Figures Show
Texas’ explosive growth during the past decade was fueled by a boom in its minority population, which accounted for 89 percent of the total increase in population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Big House Isn’t Big Enough
At today’s hearing of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, Sheriff Adrian Garcia will be grilled about efforts to control overcrowding at Harris County’s four jail facilities, which have seen a dramatic population spike. At the urging of Houston lawmakers, Garcia will be pressed to explain why he wants to keep housing more inmates than the facilities can accommodate, and why some recommendations by the county’s own consultant for ways to reduce its jail population have gone unheeded.


