The 84th Legislature closes the books on its 140-day regular session today. As the Tribune’s Ross Ramsey writes, it isn’t one for the history books.
Sylvester Turner
Posted in
Economy
Legislature Sends $209.4 Billion Budget to Abbott
Texas lawmakers in both chambers on Friday overwhelmingly approved a $209.4 billion two-year budget, a 3.6 percent increase over the current one. It now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Budget Writers Settle School Funding, Border Security
The House and Senate stepped closer to a final deal on a two-year budget Wednesday evening, settling dozens of differences between the two chambers including funding for public education and border security.
Posted in
Health care
More Pay for Medicaid Doctors Lost in Budget Deal
The House-Senate budget conference committee adopted its compromise on health and human services funding Wednesday, pleasing fiscal conservatives and giving little cheer to advocates for the poor and disabled.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 11, 2015
The news organization Breitbart Texas confirmed that it has received footage of lawmakers shot by a nonprofit tied to conservative causes, but it has no plans to release any of it before the end of the legislative session in three weeks.
Posted in
Politics
Democrats Face Void as Sylvester Turner Exits
During a quarter century in the House, Rep. Sylvester Turner gained influence as his party lost power by learning the rules and working with Republicans. As the chamber’s Democratic pillar leaves to chase the Houston mayor’s post one more time, many wonder who will step up in his place.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 8, 2015
San Antonio voters go to the polls on Saturday with the smart money on the election going an extra round.
Posted in
Health care
State Rep. Fletcher to Leave Post in Bid to Be Harris County Sheriff
Republican state Rep. Allen Fletcher of Cypress confirmed on Thursday that he will abandon his House seat for a bid to replace Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, who is running for mayor of Houston.
Posted in
Economy
Video: Turner on the Budget
At our 4/30 conversation, state Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and a candidate for Houston mayor, talked about the work of the budget conference committee.
Posted in
Economy
Video: Turner on Running for Mayor
At our 4/30 conversation, state Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, explained why he’s running for Houston mayor and what he would do if elected.
