Many Texas lawmakers have forsworn taxes, but they also promised to educate kids, to build roads, to care for the needy and to do what government is expected to do. It’s the adult version of those mathematical story problems that made sixth grade so much fun.
Health care
In-depth reporting on public health, healthcare policy, hospitals, and wellness issues shaping communities across Texas, from The Texas Tribune.
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Health care
Abortion Sonogram Bill Tentatively Passes House
Thursday’s debate on an abortion sonogram bill began shortly after 2 p.m. It ended shortly after 9 p.m. The bill passed to third reading on a vote of 103-42, which means one easy step remains before it heads to the Senate.
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Health care
Democrats Attack Abortion Sonogram Bill with Amendments
During day two of the Legislature’s debate on House Bill 15, state Rep. Sid Miller’s abortion sonogram bill, House Democrats made their displeasure known with a parade of amendments.
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Health care
Mapping Where Federal Hospital Dollars Go
State health officials hope they’ve reached a breakthrough in their effort to achieve two goals: expanding Medicaid managed care, and keeping a combined $1 billion in federal health care dollars flowing into Texas hospitals every year.
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Health care
Live: House Floor Debate on Abortion Sonogram Bill
Today, the House again takes up HB 15, legislation that would require a woman seeking an abortion to have a sonogram. The bill was voted out of committed Wednesday night after a rancorous debate on the House floor.
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Demographics
Interactive: Census Totals by House, Senate District
Our new interactive map visualizes population changes by House and Senate district for the total population and residents who are of Hispanic origin. These totals are important now given that lawmakers are preparing to redraw all 181 districts based on their growth, demographics and election histories.
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Health care
The Debate Over Sonograms
HB 15, authored by Rep. Sid Miller, R-Stephenville, would require a doctor performing an abortion to conduct a sonogram on the woman at least 24 hours ahead of the procedure.
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Health care
House Delays Abortion Sonogram Debate
House lawmakers delayed consideration of abortion sonogram legislation until tomorrow, after Democrats raised two points of order against the bill. Some speculate finding technicalities will be Democrats’ go-to strategy this session.
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Health care
Experts, Business Owners Weigh In on Smoking Ban
Lighting up in bars, restaurants and in indoor areas of most businesses, health care facilities and sporting venues statewide will be a thing of the past if state Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Lake Dallas, gets her way.
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Health care
Guy Clifton: The TT Interview
The Houston neurosurgeon, author and frequent health care adviser to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on his support for the individual insurance mandate, why cutting provider rates to rescue the budget is misguided and how far Texas would trim Medicaid if given the permission.