State Rep. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, is on his way to the Texas Senate, thanks in part to the “gringos y otros pendejos” derided last summer by his opponent and House colleague, Trey Martinez Fischer.
Texas Senate
Posted inState Government
The Playlist: Falling Grace
This week, journalism lost two who were among its best: longtime CBS News correspondent Bob Simon and New York Times media columnist David Carr. This playlist is dedicated to them.
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Politics
Inside Texas Politics: The Big Three
On this week’s edition of WFAA-TV’s Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the Big Three: Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus.
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State Government
Analysis: Disclosure Rules Let Lobbyists Split Tabs and Hide Names
Lobbyists are required to report everything they spend on government officials, including expensive meals at fancy restaurants. But state disclosure laws allow lobbyists to split the bills to avoid naming whom they’ve wined and dined.
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State Government
Committee Breakdowns: Texas Senate
We take a look this week at how the newly formed Senate committees stack up by party ID and by gender. Women are significantly underrepresented on the Administration, Nominations and Finance committees. And in the most extreme example, there is not a single woman on the Business and Commerce Committee.
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Politics
Analysis: Lawmakers Send an Ethics Message, Intentional or Not
Some of the Legislature’s early actions indicate some ambivalence about the agencies and people who enforce state ethics laws.
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Criminal Justice
Video: Patrick on Open Carry
At our 1/27 conversation, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick talked about why open carry legislation isn’t necessarily going to pass in the 84th session.
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Public Education
Video: Patrick on Vouchers
At our 1/27 conversation, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick talked about vouchers — and whether the 84th session’s outcome on the issue might differ from that of the 83rd.
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Economy
Video: Patrick on Tax Relief
At our 1/27 conversation, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick talked about the possibility of tax relief as a component of the budget that will be passed by the 84th Legislature.
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State Government
Analysis: It’s Not Bribery Unless They Say It’s Bribery
It’s a bribe when a lobbyist gives a public official something of value in exchange for a decision or a vote or some other official act. But there’s an exception in Texas law that might surprise you.
