The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
Patrick went on Fox News on Monday evening to defend comments he made last month where he said he would rather die from the widely spreading coronavirus than see the economy destroyed for his children and grandchildren. Full Story
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In March, Gov. Greg Abbott barred all procedures not “immediately medically necessary,” and the state’s attorney general declared that the restriction applied to abortions — sparking a weekslong court fight and prompting some women to seek abortions out of state. Full Story
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Abbott's original ban was intended to preserve medical resources. On Friday, he said Texas had ample hospital bed space and a strong supply chain of personal protective equipment. Full Story
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Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates. Full Story
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On this week's TribCast, Alexa talks to Matthew, Cassi and Ross about what's coming up in the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic, and the group does some forecasting for what the public health emergency could mean for the 2021 legislative session. Full Story
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We sat down with Garcia, D-Houston to discuss how Congress plans to address the economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak on workers and families across the state. Full Story
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Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates. Full Story
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The party, which has high hopes in the state in 2020, is looking to offer contrast without politicizing a crisis. Full Story
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Property tax exemptions and sales tax holidays only offer savings for events like hurricanes or floods. Full Story
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The appeals court's latest ruling comes after abortion providers and state officials have battled over what access to the procedure should be allowed during the public health crisis. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott has given his blessing for churches to hold services during the pandemic. Some are gathering their flocks for Easter. Others are sticking with livestreamed services. Full Story
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The courts volleyed back and forth this week, siding in turns with the state and then with abortion providers. But clinics across the state are responding inconsistently, with some shutting down altogether while they await a final answer. Full Story
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“We are concerned that more than 2500 Harris County voters may have been duped," the Democratic lawmakers wrote. Full Story
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“This is the only way to be sure that we’re not making everybody sicker,” said one restaurant general manager. “We wanted to be able to be an example.” Full Story
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Republican state officials have said barring the procedure in almost all cases is essential for preserving hospital resources during the pandemic. Abortion providers call it political opportunism — and unconstitutional. Full Story
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The Texas Democratic Party is asking both federal and state courts to rule on whether any voter in upcoming elections should be able to ask for an absentee ballot to mail in and avoid possible infection at polling places. Full Story
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The Labor Department has urged employers to “be judicious” in exempting their workers. Critics say the exemption hurts nurses and doctors, who have already complained about their lack of protective equipment. Full Story
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The ad from Republican Kathaleen Wall says China "poisoned our people" with the coronavirus. The Democratic nominee for the seat, Sri Preston Kulkarni, denounced it as "race-baiting." Full Story
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Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates. Full Story
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Cities are projecting decreases in sales tax revenue, one of their most important financial sources. How bad the losses are — and what will have to be cut — depends on how long the pandemic lasts. Full Story
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