At this morning’s TribLive conversation, Lance Armstrong talked about the investigation into allegations that he doped as a pro cyclist โ and whether the controversy has impacted his advocacy on behalf of cancer research funding and a workplace smoking ban.
Department of State Health Services
Liveblog: A Conversation with Lance Armstrong
We liveblogged this morning’s Triblive with Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France winner and cancer survivor who was instrumental in creating the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, and is pushing smoke-free workplace bills in the Legislature.
House Gives Early OK to Health Care Compact
House lawmakers have put their initial stamp of approval on a health care compact โ a partnership with other states to ask the federal government for control over Medicaid and Medicare in Texas.
Cornyn Won’t Take “Nickel Tour” of Planned Parenthood
Sen. John Cornyn will not be โtaking the nickel tourโ of any Planned Parenthood branch, his office said Wednesday, in response to an offer by one of the organizationโs Texas branches to arrange an informational visit.
NFL Players Testify for Muscle Therapy Licenses
Two University of Texas legends from the NFL appeared before lawmakers this morning to testify for a bill that would allow people certified in so-called muscle activation technique, or MAT, to practice without a massage therapy license.
Update: Senate Approves Health Payment Reform
Medicaid and the Childrenโs Health Insurance Program could transition to a performance-based, rather than procedure-based, payment model, under bills the Senate unanimously passed today.
Federal Budget Deal Could Shutter Health Centers
The Congressional budget deal reached in Washington this weekend could have dire implications for Texasโ federally qualified health centers โ clinics that provide comprehensive care for the uninsured.
Interactive Map: Which Counties Could Lose The Most In Health, Medicaid Funding
Visualize the health care and Medicaid cuts in the House version of the proposed 2012-13 state budget, by county and per capita, with data compiled by the Center for Public Policy Priorities.
From Texas to D.C., Debate Over Medicaid Funding Rages
If congressional Republicans’ proposed solution to cutting health care costs โ giving states block grants to fund Medicaid โ sounds familiar, itโs because it is.
Anti-Abortion Groups Disagree on End-of-Life Legislation
The stateโs two leading anti-abortion groups โ Texas Right to Life and Texas Alliance for Life โ agree on where life begins, but not on a law governing how it may come to an end. A house committee will take up the issue today.

