Talking — the bully pulpit, as Teddy Roosevelt called it — is one of the biggest powers available to a Texas governor. Greg Abbott is trying to trim the state budget with a speech.
Governor’s Office
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Texas, a legislative sideshow to the main act in D.C.
The Texas Legislature is primed to go, but this is going to be a session outside the limelight. The Texans are busy, but the spotlight is on the new administration in Washington, D.C.
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Politics
In State of State, Abbott imposes hiring freeze, declares 4 issues “emergencies”
Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday asked lawmakers to immediately take on so-called “sanctuary cities,” the state’s broken child welfare system and a convention of states to amend the U.S. Constitution.
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State Government
In State of the State address, Abbott to fill in some blanks
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s second State of the State speech is set for Tuesday — a chance for the governor to make his priorities known to a Legislature that has already made plans of its own.
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State Government
Analysis: Texas leaders posturing in public for legislative advantage
Texas state leaders are debating several important issues in a very public way, delivering their messages to one another through rallies, press conferences, trade association meetings and the media. Get your popcorn ready.
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Criminal Justice
Amid “sanctuary” standoff, Abbott asks agencies to list Travis County funding
Gov. Greg Abbott’s office is asking state agencies to take stock of their funds to Travis County as he further escalates his standoff with the county’s sheriff, Sally Hernandez, over her new “sanctuary” policy.
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Criminal Justice
Abbott proposes removing any officeholder who “promotes sanctuary cities”
Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday that he and state lawmakers will pursue legislation that would “remove from office any officeholder who promotes sanctuary cities.”
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Criminal Justice
Gov. Abbott demands Travis County reverse new “sanctuary” policy
Gov. Greg Abbott is formally demanding that Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez reverse her new policy on cooperation with federal immigration authorities or lose state dollars, further escalating a showdown over “sanctuary cities” that have been in the crosshairs of Republican officials.
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Politics
Greg Abbott builds big war chest ahead of 2018
In his biggest six-month fundraising haul since he took office two years ago, Gov. Greg Abbott raised $9 million in the second half of last year, according to his team.
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Health care
Citing “bathroom bill,” Percy Jackson author declines Legislature invitation
Author Rick Riordan is declining to attend the Texas Legislature’s celebration of authors event, saying the reason is because of the proposed “bathroom bill.”
