On Friday afternoon, the Republican state representative from Longview talked about why he ran for speaker, the real reason he quit the race and what happens next.
Texas House of Representatives
Posted in
Energy
Lawmakers Talk of Bold Measures This Session
Momentum is growing for Texas lawmakers to commit large amounts of money to address the state’s long-term infrastructure needs, particularly water and transportation.
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State Government
Getting a Closer Look at the Makeup of the Lege
The state Legislature is diverse in some ways and homogenous in others. Here’s a look at Texas’ 83rd class of lawmakers, from their employment and higher education to their age, gender and demographics.
Posted in
Politics
His Job Safe, Straus Now Faces Session’s Hurdles
After successfully fending off another challenge to his speakership, Joe Straus faces a tough task in the session. He will have to tackle issues that have been thorny for Republicans in the past, without further alienating the far right.
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State Government
Bill Would Ban “Double-Dipping” by Politicians
State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, says he’s found the perfect way for elected officials to put their money where there mouths are when it comes to exercising fiscal restraint: ban “double-dipping” by politicians.
Posted inState Government
Inside the 83rd Session: The Seating Charts
Use these seating charts to locate where the 150 members of the House and the 31 members of the Texas Senate sit in their respective chambers.
Posted inState Government
Slideshow: The 83rd Texas Legislature Gets Underway
Pomp and circumstance filled the pink dome for the start of the 83rd Texas legislative session on Tuesday, and the Tribune cameras were there to capture the scenes.
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State Government
Session’s First Day Long on Pomp, but Leaders Also Address Priorities
Texas legislators started their 83rd session with leaders who want to focus on water, infrastructure, budget transparency, education — and, perhaps, some tax relief.
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State Government
Video: Simpson Withdraws From Speaker’s Race
Saying he wasn’t certain of victory and didn’t want to put other members at risk by forcing a vote, Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, withdrew from the race for House speaker on Tuesday. Watch his full comments from the House floor.
Posted in
State Government
Storify: The First Day of the 83rd Legislative Session
Legislators, journalists and others shared thousands of tweets and photos on Tuesday, the first day of the 83rd legislative session. Check out this selection of what they shared.
