Gov. Greg Abbott has a nearly $41 million war chest heading into his re-election campaign — and a special session in which he’s looking to keep political pressure on lawmakers to pass an ambitious 20-item agenda.
Governor’s Office
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Texas Elections 2018
With no opposition in sight, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott formally launches 2018 re-election bid
Before sign-waving supporters, Gov. Greg Abbott formally launched his re-election campaign Friday in San Antonio, days before he brings the Texas Legislature back for a special session.
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State Government
Critics say Abbott catering to donors with special session priorities
As state lawmakers and city officials gear up to battle over land-use legislation, a liberal watchdog group says $34 million in campaign donations from real estate and construction industries “paved the way” for this month’s special session agenda.
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State Government
Lawmakers file dozens of bills as Abbott officially calls special session
Within hours of Gov. Greg Abbott issuing his proclamation announcing next week’s special session, lawmakers had filed dozens of bills including two so-called bathroom bills from state Rep. Ron Simmons, a Carrollton Republican.
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Criminal Justice
Everything you need to know about Texas’ “sanctuary cities” law
Here’s everything you need to know about Senate Bill 4, a controversial immigration enforcement measure banning “sanctuary cities” across Texas.
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State Government
Emails show Abbott’s vetoes ruffled feathers at the Capitol
The emails reveal how the governor’s vetoes caught some state lawmakers by surprise, while his staff has let evangelical Christian leaders know about vetoes of bills they opposed.
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State Government
Analysis: A governor (belatedly) setting the Legislature’s agenda
The regular legislative session belonged to legislative leaders — primarily Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who aggressively set an agenda for the Senate. Now, with a special session looming, Gov. Greg Abbott is asserting himself.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Do I still have to get my car inspected every year?
A bill to end annual vehicle inspections died during the regular legislative session — but might come back during next month’s special session.
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State Government
Analysis: You can fight City Hall — if you’re governor of Texas
Local government attorneys in Texas are about to take a page from Greg Abbott, who spent 12 years as the top attorney for the state of Texas — suing a faraway government that has its nose in their business.
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State Government
Abbott plots aggressive approach to special session
Gov. Greg Abbott is plotting an aggressive approach to the upcoming special session of the Legislature, diverting from his above-the-fray style to try to see through an ambitious 20-item agenda.
