An outraged Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick castigated those implying that GOP efforts to restrict Texas voting are racist. But the state has a history of marginalizing voters of color, and many business leaders, voting rights advocates and Democrats see it taking another step down that path.
Texas Senate
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Republican state House speaker backs expanding Medicaid to cover mothers for a year after they give birth
The number of reported maternal deaths has increased nationwide in recent decades. Health experts and advocates say giving low-income moms Medicaid coverage for a year after delivery, rather than two months, could save lives.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: A Texas state budget — minus $38.6 billion in federal stimulus money
The state budget approved by the Texas Senate on Tuesday is just the start: Lawmakers still have to decide what to do with billions in federal COVID-19 relief money.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate approves a $250 billion state budget — but questions remain about how federal aid will be used
The budget does not factor in over $35 billion in federal aid. Senators said they don’t yet know when that money will come in and what strings could be attached.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Corporate giants come out against Republicans’ efforts to restrict voting in Texas
American Airlines and Dell Technologies on Thursday publicly declared their opposition to Republican legislative proposals that would impose new restrictions on voting.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott names former aide to retired House Speaker Dennis Bonnen to post regulating power grid
Will McAdams has also worked as an aide to three state senators. He must be confirmed by the Senate before taking the position at the Public Utility Commission.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate approves bill to stop social media companies from banning Texans for political views
Some experts have raised doubts whether the bill will hold up in court.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate advances bill limiting how and when voters can cast ballots, receive mail-in voting applications
Senate Bill 7 is at the forefront of Texas Republicans’ crusade to further restrict voting in the state after last year’s election.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Sweeping legislation to overhaul state’s electricity market in response to winter storm heads to Texas House after Senate’s unanimous approval
Senate Bill 3 would require all power generators, transmission lines, natural gas facilities and pipelines to make upgrades for extreme weather. Its prospects are uncertain in the House, which is scheduled to take up a series of related, standalone bills on Tuesday.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
After slow start, Texas lawmakers pick up the pace on GOP priorities as legislative session passes halfway mark
After some early tension, the Legislature’s Republican leaders say they are on the same page with the business that remains.
