House Speaker Joe Straus has asked a state agency to release its ideas for improving government efficiency. The request came on the heels of news that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had directed the board to do the exact opposite.
Dan Patrick
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Public Education
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick calls for House, Senate vote on school choice this session
At a “National School Choice Week” rally Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott urged the Legislature to take a vote on school choice legislation this session.
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Public Education
The Brief: Will Texas pass school choice this year?
School choice legislation hasn’t made much headway in past legislative sessions. But this year could be different — here’s why.
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Public Education
Thousands of school choice advocates expected to rally at Texas Capitol
Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will headline Tuesday’s rally, marking the start of a protracted battle this session over whether Texas should allow parents to pay for private school with taxpayer money.
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Criminal Justice
Travis County sheriff announces new “sanctuary” policy
A Friday announcement by newly-elected Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez that her office would reduce cooperation with federal immigration authorities will set up a showdown with Texas Republican leaders, especially Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
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Criminal Justice
After GOP appeal, Texas Supreme Court agrees to take up same-sex marriage case
The Texas Supreme Court reversed course and agreed to take up a case involving benefits for married same-sex couples after Republican leaders urged the court to reconsider its earlier decision to let a lower court decision stand.
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Higher Education
Texas Senate leaders propose tuition freeze, elimination of financial aid program
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Kel Seliger, chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, unveiled legislation Thursday that they said aims to lower costs for college students.
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Politics
Reports: Most statewide officials in strong financial shape
Most of Texas’ top state leaders tallied some formidable numbers in their latest campaign finance reports.
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Politics
Dan Patrick makes only one change atop Senate committees
Only one committee received a new committee chair in the Texas Senate. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, will chair the Senate Administration Committee.
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Politics
Joe Straus: Legislators need to be careful when it comes to “bathroom bill”
Texas House Speaker Joe Straus told the Texas Association of Business that the “bathroom bill,” a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, was not his most urgent concern for the 85th Legislative Session.
