The governor and the state’s legislative leaders are having what looks like an argument over money, but it’s really about who’s in charge in state government.
Dan Patrick
Here’s a Look at What Happened With Straus’ and Patrick’s Priority Bills
Over the course of this year’s legislative session, House Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made their priorities known by what bills got the lowest bill numbers. Take a look at how those proposals fared.
Patrick Dissolves His Advisory Board
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is dissolving the grassroots advisory board he established in January, saying several of its members, including Tea Party organizer JoAnn Fleming, “expressed a desire for greater independence.”
After Gay Marriage Ruling, Republicans Promise Religious Liberty Fight
Texas’ Republican leaders suffered a historic loss on Friday when the U.S. Supreme Court held that state bans on gay marriage are unconstitutional. But social conservatives vowed not to go down without a fight over religious liberty.
UT/TT Poll: Economy, Border Security Are Top Issues
Texans haven’t changed their answers on the biggest problems facing the state and the country โ or on how the state and the country stack up, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Video: Grieder and Ratcliffe on Jane Nelson
At our 6/18 conversation, Erica Grieder and R.G. Ratcliffe of Texas Monthly explained why they named state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, one of the 84th session’s ten worst legislators.
Video: A Conversation About the Best & Worst Legislators
Full video of our 6/18 conversation with Erica Grieder and R.G. Ratcliffe, the lead authors of Texas Monthly’s biennial list of the best and worst legislators.
Analysis: When Power Doesn’t Spell Victory
Power in elected office doesn’t always translate into success in elections. Just ask Leticia Van de Putte. Or Trey Martinez Fischer. Or John Carona. Or David Dewhurst.
Inside Texas Politics: A Sit-Down With the Lt. Gov.
This week’s edition of WFAA-TV’s Inside Texas Politics features an extended interview with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Abbott Signs “Pastor Protection Act” Into Law
Gov. Greg Abbott, who signed a bill Thursday that allows clergy members to refuse to conduct marriages that violate their beliefs, said that “pastors now have the freedom to exercise their First Amendment rights.”


