Gov. Greg Abbott is well aware that some lawmakers, particularly in his own party, are interested in reining in his authority. However, it remains to be seen how much power Abbott is willing to relinquish.
Dade Phelan
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University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
Texas voters like Biden’s COVID-19 response better than his overall performance, UT/TT Poll finds
Texas voters give President Joe Biden good marks on COVID-19 response, but they’re split on his overall job performance, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
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Winter Storm 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott says power is almost fully restored statewide and grocery stores will soon be restocked
Abbott said power should be fully restored across the state Sunday night or Monday.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Democratic lawmakers hope to enact statewide nondiscrimination law and ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ Texans
As the Biden administration works to expand federal nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people, Texas advocates and lawmakers are pushing for similar legislation here.
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Texas Legislature 2021
GOP leaders have expressed skepticism about expanding gambling in Texas. But supporters see hope in the long run.
People pushing for the move say they are hopeful they’ll get legislative approval this year. If not, one executive said, it’s “inevitable” in the future.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott has set his legislative agenda. These lawmakers could influence how much is accomplished.
There are a total of 181 legislators in the Capitol, but the influence is not evenly distributed. Due to the lawmakers’ positions, ideology and tenure, some will have a much bigger say on the biggest issues this session.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Analysis: 2021’s low-key Texas government
The slow start to the legislative session reflects the public declarations of goals from House Speaker Dade Phelan and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: There aren’t any. Gov. Greg Abbott put his priorities in a State of the State address this week, but legislative leaders have been relatively quiet.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Speaker Dade Phelan shakes up Texas House leadership with new chairs on key committees
With assignments out, legislation that has been filed can be referred to committees for potential hearings. The committees overseeing public education, budget writing and redistricting are among those with new chairs.
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Texas Legislature 2021
“If we’re all sick, we can’t legislate”: Coronavirus cases at Texas Capitol put lawmakers further on edge
At least four Texas House members have tested positive for the coronavirus since the legislative session began this month.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Is the Texas Capitol a government building or a petri dish?
Legislating is a social enterprise. It draws crowds of Texans who want to testify, to be heard, to sightsee and to watch government in action. And it’s tailor made for spreading a contagious disease.
