UT/TT Poll: The Least Popular Government
Voters like the state government slightly better than their local government — and a lot better than the federal government, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Emily Albracht -
Conservative Lawmakers Target United Nations
In the latest effort by conservatives to fight what they see as overreach by the United Nations, two Texas Republican lawmakers have filed legislation aimed at a nonbinding plan for sustainable development that the United States and more than 100 other countries signed in 1992. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Revamped Cancer Agency Faces New Questions
A reinvented Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas says its darkest hour has passed, but the agency faces new conservative lawmakers unconvinced more money should be devoted to the agency. Full Story
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The Brief: Feb. 26, 2015
Senate budget writers directed their displeasure at the Texas Racing Commission during a contentious hearing on Wednesday in which the head of the finance committee declared herself "livid." Full Story
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Lawmakers Push "Right to Try" Experimental Drugs
It’s kind of like Dallas Buyers Club: A group of sick Texans is seeking to gain access to experimental drugs — only this time, a flurry of state lawmakers is rushing to help them. In Austin, the movement hits a personal chord. Full Story
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![Capitol lobbyist Andrea Sloan waged a public battle with ovarian cancer, seeking federal permission to try an experimental treatment in 2013. She died Jan. 1, 2014.]()
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The Brief: Feb. 25, 2015
Texans in this month's University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll made clear that the property tax is their least favorite. The only other tax to be disliked by voters more than it is liked is the business margins tax. Full Story
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Lobby Firm Helped Draft GOP Letter to Racing Commission
State Sen. Joan Huffman acknowledges that a lobby firm with ties to casino interests helped her draft a GOP caucus letter blasting a proposal to allow expanded gambling at horse tracks. Now a major proponent of the tracks is crying foul. Full Story
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![State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, speaks during a Texas Tribune event on Jan. 12, 2015.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Despite Low Prices, Texas Oil Group Stays Optimistic
Texas’ oil and gas industry is touting its record-breaking 2014 contributions to state and local government coffers, an effort to stay positive amid 2015's far gloomier revenue outlook. Full Story
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Credit: Esteban Monclova for The Texas Tribune -
After 24 Years, Van de Putte Bids Farewell to the Lege
After 24 years in the Legislature and a failed campaign for lieutenant governor, state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte bid an emotional farewell to her colleagues on Tuesday. She now faces a crowded field in the race to be San Antonio mayor. Full Story
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![Sen. Leticia Van de Putte on February 24th, 2015, her last day as Texas Senator]()
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Senate Leaders Propose $4.6 Billion in Tax Breaks
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced a slate of bills he says will provide lasting tax relief to businesses and homeowners in Texas — to the tune of $4.6 billion. But there are signs he could face some opposition within his own party. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces the filing of SB1 with a series of property and business tax cuts for Texans on Feb. 24, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
John Ratcliffe: The TT Interview
The new Texas congressman on ousting the dean of his home state's delegation, making friends in Washington and his insistence that he won't "fit into a particular box." Full Story
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![John Ratcliffe, Republican candidate for Texas' 4th U.S. Congressional District speaks in Fort Worth on June 5, 2014.]()
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The Brief: Feb. 24, 2015
This month's University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll explored registered voters' views on carrying handguns in public, finding a strong plurality of 45 percent supporting the current legal framework of licensed concealed carry. Full Story
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![Activists who support a legislative proposal that would lift the state's handgun licensing requirements stand outside the state Capitol on the opening day of the Texas Legislature on Jan. 13, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Combs Lands Position at Conservative Think Tank
Susan Combs, the former Texas comptroller of public accounts, is joining the Texas Public Policy Foundation as a visiting senior fellow. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
The Brief: Feb. 23, 2015
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker are the co-favorites among Texas Republicans to take their party's nomination for president, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Full Story
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![Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at the Iowa Freedom Summit at the Hoyt Sherman Place theater in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015.]()
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UT/TT Poll: In Texas, Walker Catches Cruz
Ted Cruz's wide lead over other contenders for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination in Texas has disappeared; he is now in a virtual tie with the surging Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Full Story
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Inside Texas Politics: Gay Marriage and Immigration
On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to some state Republicans' rhetoric after recent gay marriage and immigration rulings — will their celebrations now make them seem out of touch in the future? Full Story
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![Texas Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey on Inside Texas Politics on Feb. 22, 2015.]()
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Battleground Regroups: "We Got the Shit Kicked Out of Us"
More than three months after Republicans shellacked Democrats at the polls, Battleground Texas — the group aiming to turn bright-red Texas into some shade of blue — is staying cheery as it regroups. Full Story
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Bill Would Move Marriage License Distribution to State
One day after an Austin lesbian couple obtained a marriage license from the Travis County clerk, state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, says he wants to move the distribution of marriage licenses to the Texas secretary of state’s office. Full Story
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![Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, then a state representative, at a committee hearing on May 12, 2014.]()
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Lawmakers: Toying With DHS Funding Risky Game
Texas lawmakers say that if Congress can't agree on a way to fund the Department of Homeland Security soon, the U.S. will look ridiculous to the world, and the southern border will look tempting to transnational gangs. Full Story
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The Brief: Feb. 20, 2015
An Austin lesbian couple obtained a marriage license Thursday morning, but the status of what would be the state's first gay marriage was in flux by the afternoon after the Texas Supreme Court issued a stay. Full Story
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![Sarah Goodfriend, second from left, and Suzanne Bryant, center, with their daughters (far left and far right) and Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir, second from right. DeBeauvoir issued Goodfriend and Bryant a marriage license on Feb. 19, 2015.]()
Credit: Joe Deshotel
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