Three Austin business owners describe how the end of the state’s mask mandate affected them and how they have navigated the crossroads of service and safety.
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Congress
State Rep. Jake Ellzey faces mounting opposition from his right in special election to replace Ron Wright in Congress
A national group is spending six figures to try to stop Ellzey ahead of the May 1 election, and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz came out against him on Tuesday.
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Demographics
“Stand up with us”: Texans speak out at Stop Asian Hate Rally
Hundreds of people gathered to discuss taking collective action against anti-Asian discrimination during a recent rally and vigil at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin.
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Point of Order
Point of Order: Not throwing away our shot
In the latest episode of our podcast about the Texas Legislature, Evan Smith talks to Imelda Garcia, the chair of the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Panel, about what it takes to get needles in the arms of Texans — and how long it will really be before we’ve reached herd immunity.
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Texas Legislature 2021
As Islamic holidays near, Texas Muslims back bill creating a more inclusive calendar for government employees
Texas Muslims view a recently introduced bill offering government employees days off for Islamic holidays as a step toward inclusivity.
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Politics
Beto O’Rourke is still campaigning. But for what?
The Texas Democrat has spent 2021 so far block walking in South Texas and advocating for voting access before the Texas Legislature. If that means anything for his political future, he isn’t saying.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Legislature considering bill to make it harder to get public information about government employees
Senate Bill 16, filed by State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, would require an individual’s written consent for a state agency to share their personal information.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says Senate currently lacks the votes to pass permitless carry of handguns
“I plan to meet with law enforcement who oppose permitless carry and with the [National Rifle Association] and [Gun Owners of America] who support it to see if we can find a path that a majority of senators will vote to pass,” Patrick said.
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Public Education
Congressional Democrats condemn Abbott for not releasing billions in federal stimulus dollars intended for Texas public schools
As Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders continue to delay the arrival of billions in education stimulus funding for Texas schools, Texas Democrats in Congress asked the Department of Education to pressure the state to send federal funds to schools as quickly as possible.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Overhaul to Texas state employee pension plan unveiled and quickly advanced by state Senate committee
Senate Bill 321 would enroll new employees eligible for the Texas Employees Retirement System in a cash balance plan — similar to a common 401(k) retirement account — instead of the traditional, defined benefit pension plan.