The Brief: Feb. 2, 2015
The weekend saw more lengthy stories on problems in the way the state contracts out services. Full Story
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In State Contracting, Failure is an Option
Texas's tendency to privatize state services has led to contracting scandals erupting regularly. But a history of cost overruns or bad performance hardly bars a company from winning future jobs. Full Story
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The Brief: Jan. 29, 2015
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gave the green light Wednesday on a push for open carry legislation in the Senate, a day after he indicated in a Texas Tribune interview that the votes weren't there for passage. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, left, with State Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, sponsor of the resolution that changed Senate voting rules on Jan. 21, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Senate Renews Effort to Keep Funds From Planned Parenthood
Four years after a legislative effort to keep Planned Parenthood from receiving state dollars for health care for low-income women, the Texas Senate is back at it — this time over funding for breast and cervical cancer screenings. Full Story
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Looking to Be Better Prepared for the Next Public Health Emergency
Lawmakers will consider ways to improve the state’s preparedness for public health emergencies. Dallas County officials identified shortfalls in the system last fall when the country's Ebola case was diagnosed. Full Story
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State Auditor Sees Weaknesses in Agency Contracting
When it comes to contracting, state agencies struggle with shopping for a vendor and monitoring that vendor's performance, the Texas state auditor's office says in a new report. Full Story
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The Health Care Budget: Four Things to Know
Texas can rebel against Obamacare and Medicaid expansion all it wants, but enrollment in the state's insurance program for the poor is growing, and the federal government will be paying for less of it. An additional $1.3 billion might be needed just to maintain the status quo. Full Story
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The Brief: Jan. 27, 2015
Guns were a big topic of conversation inside the Capitol and outside of it on Monday. Full Story
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![Chris Way and his son Ryan, 2, participate in an open carry march on March 12, 2014 during the South by Southwest festival. The event was led by the Austin chapter of Come and Take It.]()
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The Brief: Jan. 26, 2015
The Tribune's Abby Livingston has the details on how Rick Perry spent the rest of his weekend in Iowa following his high-profile appearance at Saturday's Iowa Freedom Summit. Full Story
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![Former Texas Governor Rick Perry campaigns at a Pizza Ranch in Indianola, Iowa.]()
Credit: Abby Livingston -
Cecilia Abbott, George P. Bush Headline Anti-Abortion Rally
Texas' new first lady, Cecilia Abbott, and land commissioner, George P. Bush, headlined an anti-abortion rally at the state Capitol on Saturday. A nearby counter rally drew a smaller crowd. Full Story
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![Texas first lady Cecilia Abbott and Land Commissioner George P. Bush at a Texas Alliance for Life rally at the Texas Capitol on Jan. 24, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Health Commission Ditching Anti-Fraud Initiative Started by Stick
After Jack Stick joined the Health and Human Services Commission's Office of Inspector General, he incorporated sales quota-like performance standards for investigators. The effort got results, but reviews have been mixed and the initiative is being shut down. Full Story
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![Jack Stick in the evidence room of the state Office of Inspector General in Austin on June 18, 2012.]()
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The Brief: Jan. 23, 2015
More news reports are highlighting growing questions about 21CT's activity at various state agencies. Full Story
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Carson: Don't Talk ACA Repeal Without Alternative Plan
Speaking Thursday at the Texas Hospital Association conference in Austin, potential GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson said it was a “mistake to talk about repealing” the Affordable Care Act without offering an alternative. Full Story
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![Dr. Ben Carson delivered a keynote speech Jan. 22, 2015, at the Texas Hospital Association conference in Austin.]()
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Few Texas Hospitals Reap Bonuses for Performance
A slim majority of Texas hospitals earned bonuses from Medicare this year for treating their patients well. But many are also being fined under a different Medicare program for treating their patients poorly. Full Story
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Finding a Texas Way to Cover the Uninsured
Texas hospitals want legislators to find a way for the state to draw down billions in federal Affordable Care Act dollars to cover the uninsured and alleviate the burden on local taxpayers. This is the third video in our State of Mind series. Full Story
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The Brief: Jan. 22, 2015
From state agencies paying employees' tuition to House budget writers sending a shot across the UT System's bow, here are two good reads to start your day. Full Story
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Abbott Names New HHSC Watchdog
In one of his first moves as governor, Greg Abbott has tapped Stuart Bowen Jr., the special inspector general who oversaw the reconstruction of Iraq, to be the chief watchdog at the state's embattled health agency. Full Story
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![Gov.-elect Greg Abbott gives a speech at a Texas Public Policy Foundation conference on Jan. 8, 2015.]()
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The Playlist: Them Changes
This week was marked by a big turnover in state government, so we’re launching our playlist of the news with "Changes," played here by the Band of Gypsys. Full Story
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A Look Back at the 83rd: How Some Issues Played Out in the 2013 Session
With the 84th Legislature underway, we've renewed our State of Mind video series, a look at various issues that communities across the state are talking about. First up, a look at some issues from the last session. Full Story
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HHSC Exec Given Taxpayer-Funded MBA Resigns
Already placed on leave, the deputy chief of staff to Health and Human Services Commission chief Kyle Janek resigned Friday, and has started paying back half the $97,050 tuition paid by the state. Full Story
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![Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek whispers to an aide at a hearing of the Sunset Advisory Commission on Jan. 14, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich
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