Gov. Greg Abbott declared five emergency items in his State of the State speech, clearing the way for lawmakers to act quickly on them if they so choose. Here’s a guide to the five items, related bills and where things stand.
Texas Senate
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Making the Worst of a Good Situation
Texas legislators have an unfamiliar problem: They have more money available to spend than their self-imposed limits will allow. And it’s enough to start debates even where there is broad agreement.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT Regents Have Hurdles to Jump to Hire Hamilton
Two of the three candidates on the short list to be president of the University of Texas at Austin remain in the hunt, sources say. The front-runner comes with a very good pedigree — and a very large price tag.
Posted inState Government
DPS Calls Glitter Bombs “Weapon of Choice” for Gay Rights Advocates
In an email sent to legislative staffers, a DPS captain warns of “glitter bombs” being sent to lawmakers and attaches a document titled “Glitter Bombing: Weapon of Choice for Gay Rights, Pro Choice Advocates.”
Posted in
Health care
In Women’s Health Fight, Cancer Care Could Be Collateral Damage
GOP lawmakers, in their effort to put Planned Parenthood out of business, could change how they fund a cancer screening program for poor women. But private clinics unaffiliated with Planned Parenthood say they’d take a hit, too.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Fear of Spending Even Extends to Tax Cuts
Lawmakers want to send voters a tax cut but fear spending the money the cut requires without asking voters for permission.
Posted in
State Government
Patrick: Exempt Tax Cuts, Debt Payments From Spending Cap
Senate leaders joined Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to announce a plan to allow lawmakers to cut property taxes and pay down the state’s debt without busting the state’s politically charged spending cap.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: In Senate, Spotlight Squarely on Tax Cuts
Here’s some free advice to anyone hoping to see some love in the next state budget: Get in line. Tax cuts are at the front of the queue.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: A Desire for Tax Cuts and a Call for Restraint
As state officials rush to announce tax cuts, a former mayor now in the Senate is pleading for a little restraint and a return to pay-as-you-go government.
Posted in
Politics
After 24 Years, Van de Putte Bids Farewell to the Lege
After 24 years in the Legislature and a failed campaign for lieutenant governor, state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte bid an emotional farewell to her colleagues on Tuesday. She now faces a crowded field in the race to be San Antonio mayor.
