The embattled agency on Friday promised reforms, after confirming a Tribune finding that an employee with ties to Commissioner Kyle Janek and ousted chief counsel Jack Stick has been pursuing his MBA at taxpayers’ expense.
Governor’s Office
Posted in
State Government
Abbott Won’t Keep Longtime Texas Music Office Director
Since the Texas Music Office was established a quarter-century ago, the division housed in the Texas governor’s office has been run by Casey Monahan, a former music writer. But Gov.-elect Greg Abbott is letting him go.
Posted in
Politics
Inside Texas Politics: Looking Ahead
On this week’s edition of WFAA-TV’s Inside Texas Politics, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Bud Kennedy and Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey share some political predictions for 2015 with host Jason Whitely.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
The Playlist: The Best is Yet to Come
For this week’s playlist of the news, we’re using our reporters’ own predictions for 2015. Kicking things off: “The Best Is Yet To Come,” by Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra, backed up by the Count Basie Orchestra.
Posted inState Government
Look Back at the 14-Year Tenure of Gov. Rick Perry
Check out our 10-part series examining the impact of Rick Perry, the state’s longest-serving governor. Our reporters look closely at what Perry will probably be most remembered for, as well as his impact in various policy areas.
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice, State Government
Ushering in Several Reforms, But Not Always Leading the Charge
Rick Perry will leave behind a criminal justice system in healthier shape than when he stepped in as governor. Terri Langford writes that how instrumental Perry was in improving it remains an open question.
Posted inDemographics, Immigration, State Government
Compassion, Tempered by a Broken System
Gov. Rick Perry has been outspoken in his frustration with the immigration system, Julián Aguilar writes. Perry says the system puts state lawmakers on the spot in deciding how to help Texans brought to the country illegally as children through no fault of their own.
Posted inHealth care, Politics, State Government
Battles Near and Far Over Medicaid and More
Gov. Rick Perry has championed private-market health care solutions and criticized public programs like Medicaid for being inefficient. Alexa Ura and Edgar Walters write about that and other notable health care issues that have come up during Perry’s tenure.
Posted inEconomy, Politics, State Government
“Deal Closer” Funds Draw Bipartisan Concerns
More than 100 firms have benefited from the Texas Enterprise Fund, the economic incentive program championed by Gov. Rick Perry to lure more jobs to Texas. Aman Batheja writes that Perry’s office has nicknamed the fund “the deal closer,” but critics have a different name for it: slush fund.
Posted inState Government, Transportation
A Toll Road Strategy That’s “as Big as Texas”
There’s no doubt that Gov. Rick Perry has left his mark on the state’s approach to funding roads. Aman Batheja writes that under Perry’s leadership, Texas has been the country’s most aggressive supporter of tolling and private-sector investment in transportation.
