School districts lost a court case that could have forced the state to reform its school finance system, and federal officials toured Texas to investigate claims that special education services were arbitrarily capped.
Dan Patrick
Posted in
Politics
Analysis: On transgender Texans and bathrooms, a call to stay calm
Some Texas lawmakers were in a hurry to require transgender Texans to use the restrooms that match the genders listed on their birth certificates. But the policy and politics are complicated enough to prompt the governor to tap the brakes.
Posted in
Bordering on Insecurity
When asked, won’t tell: top three officials duck specifics on illegal hiring
The state’s top elected officials are happy to go on about border security, but they get tongue tied if the conversation turns to cracking down on employers of undocumented immigrants.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: The challenge of making a property tax cut pitch pay off in Texas
It’s hard to get property tax relief out of a state government that does not levy a property tax. But it’s tempting turf for politicians in Texas, and they’re going to try again when they meet in January.
Posted in
State Government
A&M protests white nationalist speaker, businesses oppose anti-LGBT bills (video)
In the Roundup: Protesters turn up for a white nationalist speaker at Texas A&M University, a business lobbying group says anti-LGBT bills will hurt the Texas economy and Gov. Greg Abbott calls for a convention of states.
Posted in
Politics
Patrick’s bathroom priority is schools, incoming senator says
An incoming state senator suggested Thursday that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will focus on schools, not businesses or sporting venues, with his “bathroom bill.”
Posted in
Politics
Patrick: Rogue Texas elector could lead to binding law
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Wednesday that a Texas Republican elector’s decision not to vote for Donald Trump may lead state legislators to pass a law requiring electors to support the winner of the statewide popular vote.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: A bathroom mess for Republican Texas lawmakers
If they were only listening to voters, Texas Republican lawmakers could cast stress-free votes on a proposed bathroom bill. That’s also true if they were only listening to businesses. But voters and businesses don’t want the same thing.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Pulling the Texas House, pushing the Texas Senate
The differences in the House and the Senate aren’t solely because of the personalities of their leaders. It’s also in how those leaders are elected, and whom they answer to.
Posted in
Politics
Texas moves forward with cuts of therapy services for disabled children
In two weeks, Texas will officially enact cuts of Medicaid reimbursement rates for disabled children’s therapy services.
