The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
After Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced a proposal to extend the National Guard's stay along the Texas-Mexico border, House Speaker Joe Straus said in effect that such power lies with Gov. Greg Abbott. That's not the only issue causing a potential House-Senate divide. Full Story
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On this Presidents' Day, we're rolling out a special new feature for those of you — like us — who can't get enough presidential politics: free email blasts alerting you to every new 2016 headline on our site. Full Story
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Bipartisan appears to be a dirty word in a couple of the special election contests set to be finally decided on Tuesday. Full Story
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After taking his Lone Star swagger 2,000 miles east to New Hampshire last week, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry released a new web ad on Sunday celebrating the Granite State's independence. Full Story
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On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the Big Three: Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus. Full Story
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The committee that organized the January inauguration for Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released a list of contributors Friday that includes Democratic politicians, NFL stars and former Gov. Rick Perry’s lawyer. Full Story
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Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has hired Austin-based fundraiser Susan Lilly for his likely presidential campaign, according to two Republican sources. Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, has formally denied claims that he sexually harassed and discriminated against one of his former employees. Full Story
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The Texas Ethics Commission gave approval on Friday to a $40 increase in what lawmakers are given to cover daily expenses while in Austin, which amounts to a $5,600 increase in their pay over the course of the 140-day regular session. Full Story
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The Kroll report, which looked into the admissions process at UT-Austin and whether some well-connected people had too much influence on that process, surfaced on Thursday. Full Story
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Citing recent court decisions legalizing gay marriage in Alabama, plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Texas’ ban on same-sex marriage are asking a federal appeals court to clear the way for marriages in the state. Full Story
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Full video of our 2/12 lunchtime discussion in Houston on the major policy debates of the 84th Legislature — and what they mean for the state’s largest city and surrounding communities. Full Story
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They acknowledge they're pushing a boulder up a hill in the conservative Texas Legislature. But three House Democrats remain laser-focused on repealing the 24-hour waiting period for abortion imposed by the state’s 2011 sonogram law. Full Story
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Full video of my 2/12 conversation with state Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, the newly appointed chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Full Story
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The debate over the expansion of rights to carry guns onto university campuses and openly with a permit moves from rallies outside the Capitol to legislative hearings inside the building today. Full Story
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Citing concerns over threats of violence, a group that advocates for stricter firearm laws has retained a security guard to protect members planning to testify at the Texas Capitol on Thursday. Full Story
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The Teacher Retirement System of Texas – the state's largest public retirement system – expects its health insurance program to become insolvent in the 2016 fiscal year. Lawmakers on the Senate's budget-writing committee promised to keep the fund afloat. Full Story
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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is refusing to cede the argument many of his likely Republican presidential rivals are making: that governors are better equipped than legislators to be commander in chief. Full Story
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The U.S.-Mexico cross-border trucking program — a component of the North American Free Trade Agreement — is moving forward. Proponents say it will add to Texas' prosperous trade relationship with Mexico. But union groups have some concerns. Full Story
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The Tribune's Terri Langford has uncovered a new problem with the no-bid Medicaid fraud software contract awarded to 21CT by the Health and Human Services Commission. Full Story
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