State Sen. Dan Patrick, a radio talk show host who has been courting Tea Party activists, is promising to tell reporters Friday whether or not he will try to make a jump to the U.S Senate to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
David Dewhurst
Posted in
Health care
Kolkhorst Holding Nelson’s Health Bill Hostage
Rep. Lois Kolkhorst is holding Sen. Jane Nelson’s health reform bill hostage.
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State Government
Federal Threat Shuts Down TSA “Groping” Bill
A threat from the federal government to shut down Texas airports or cancel flights may have killed legislation by Tea Party conservatives in the Capitol to prohibit federal agents from conducting “invasive searches.”
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Health care
House Gives First OK to Dewhurst’s Health Reform
House lawmakers have given the first OK to a key piece of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst’s health reform plan, after efforts to turn the bill into a health care Christmas tree fell short.
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Health care
Dewhurst, Abbott, Nelson Fire Back at Trade Commission
State lawmakers have fired back against a Federal Trade Commission letter suggesting Senate Bill 8 — a key piece of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst’s health reform push — violates antitrust laws. The measure is expected to come up for a vote in the House on Tuesday.
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State Government
Disarray Over Fiscal Bills Causes Delay, Confusion
The House was expected to take up two controversial fiscal matters bill today, but from the start representatives were not sure the lower chamber was prepared to pass them. The apparent holdup? Whether some of the revenue measures amount to the “accounting gimmicks” that the governor warned against Tuesday.
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Economy
Budget Leaders: It’s Up to the House
If the House doesn’t pass legislation that adds $2.6 billion to state revenue with a mix of delayed payments, increased penalties, government efficiencies and the like, the state budget won’t balance and a special session will probably be required, House and Senate leaders said today.
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Demographics
Audio: Todd Staples at TribLive
At last Thursday’s TribLive conversation, I interviewed Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples about the impact of drug-fueled violence on border farmers and ranchers, what he thinks about the Senate’s two-thirds rule, his nascent campaign for lieutenant governor in 2014 and more.
Posted in
Demographics
TribLive: Staples on Border Violence, the 2/3 Rule and More
At last Thursday’s TribLive conversation, I interviewed Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples about the impact of drug-fueled violence on border farmers and ranchers, what he thinks about the Senate’s two-thirds rule, his run for lieutenant governor in 2014 and more.
Posted in
State Government
TribLive: Staples on Dewhurst
At last Thursday’s TribLive conversation, I asked Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples to assess the tenure of the man he hopes to succeed as lieutenant governor, David Dewhurst.
