On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Patrick and Brandon about the dueling Trump/O’Rourke rallies in El Paso, an apology from the secretary of state, where Texas lawmakers are headed on property tax reform and yet another San Antonio special election.
Topics
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Texas Voting Rights
Texas secretary of state apologizes for how he rolled out voter citizenship review. But he still supports the effort.
In a letter sent to lawmakers late Wednesday, David Whitley said he’s sorry for the way he launched the review efforts but appeared not to be backing down from continuing the review.
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Texas Legislature 2019
The state of Gov. Greg Abbott’s emergency items: Will property tax and school finance get reformed?
The governor has laid out his legislative priorities. In our latest “Under the Dome” episode, we look at the challenges lawmakers face in addressing the issues of property taxes and school finance.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Built with rehabilitation in mind, Texas state jails are now viewed by lawmakers as a “complete failure”
State jails were created to help low-level drug offenders get treatment. But they offer few rehabilitative services, and their inmates are more likely to reoffend.
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Texas Legislature 2019
In 2012, there were 19 Republican women in the Texas House. Now, there are six.
In addition to the six House members, there are six female Republicans in the state Senate. Republican lawmakers and political operatives are hoping to make moves now to get those numbers up after the 2020 election.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Here’s your property tax cut, maybe. Heads up — it’s expensive.
A new proposal to cut school property taxes in Texas perfectly outlines the political problem facing lawmakers: It’s terribly expensive, and other taxes have to be raised to pay for it.
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Economy
Brewers and distributors reach truce in hopes of allowing take-home beer sales at breweries
The two beer industry groups struck a deal this week that could end a years-long political fight.
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Texas Legislature 2019
This Texas program lands poor people in jail. Getting rid of it has been too complicated — but that might be changing.
Lawmakers in both chambers and parties want to fix the controversial Driver Responsibility Program, but the program funds state trauma centers. Where will they find $144 million to fill the gap?
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Texas Legislature 2019
How will Texas help Harvey-ravaged communities?
State leaders have all thrown support behind tapping the rainy day fund to help with Hurricane Harvey recovery. But a year and a half after the storm, they haven’t offered many specifics.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: It takes more than three high officials to make Texas laws
What started as unity at the top of Texas government is now in the hands of state legislators, who are better known for killing bills and changing the original intentions. Case in point: property taxes.
