Houston and Dallas leaders were supposed to each be united on how they wanted state lawmakers to address their respective pension shortfalls before the legislative session even began. (Spoiler alert: They’re still not.)
Texas Legislature
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: How do you navigate the Senate intent calendar?
At this point in the session, there are a lot of bills on the Senate’s “intent calendar.” How can you tell which bills will be considered on a given day?
Posted inState Government
How do the Texas House and Senate budgets compare?
Both chambers have passed state budgets that spend around $218 billion but significant differences remain. With just a few weeks to go before the end of the session, here’s a look at the key sticking points.
Posted in
State Government
Will Abbott wield sharper veto pen in budget talks?
With some of his priorities on the chopping block this session, Gov. Greg Abbott may be eyeing his recently expanded veto authority in order to get his way.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: The taxes Texas school districts are afraid to cut
A state law that’s supposed to keep a leash on school tax increases might be preventing temporary tax breaks in the Texas districts with the highest tax rates. But reversing it could make it easier to raise taxes.
Posted in
State Government
TABC on hot seat over trips and spending controversies
For more than three hours, top TABC officials were grilled by House members for misusing state resources, taking trips to Hawaii on the taxpayers’ dime, mixing vacation with state duties, misreporting who has been assigned which state-owned vehicles, and cozying up to the very industry they’re supposed to be regulating.
Posted in
State Government
House committee considers convention of states measures
The House Select Committee on State and Federal Power and Responsibility considered measures that aim to pull powers from the federal government and hand it to the states.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Sen. Huffman, advocates at odds over best way to combat sexual assault
Some sexual assault survivors and advocates are clashing with a Texas senator over the best way to combat sexual assault on college campuses.
Posted inPolitics, State Government
For transgender Texans, navigating public restrooms is already complicated
Five transgender Texans explained to The Texas Tribune what goes into making decisions about using public restrooms, including considerations for the comfort of others and reflections on how strangers perceive their gender.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar pitches Rainy Day Fund overhaul
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar wants to reshape the state’s Rainy Day Fund, aiming to get more bang for those stowed-away bucks.