After Texas lawmakers were told they’d be working with a budget surplus this session, some immediately began calling for tax cuts. Now, one prominent business lobbying group has unveiled a plan for what those cuts could look like.
Politics
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Politics
The Brief: Jan. 17, 2013
Sweeping new gun-control efforts this week have provoked a fierce reaction — and even an ad campaign — in Texas.
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Politics
President’s Gun Plan Panned, Embraced by Texas Lawmakers
Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, praised President Obama’s proposals to curb gun violence, while Gov. Rick Perry shunned efforts to increase regulation and called for prayer.
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Politics
The Brief: Jan. 16, 2013
New fundraising numbers have sparked another round of speculation about the state’s 2014 political battles.
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Politics
The Evening Brief: Jan. 15, 2013
Your evening reading: Abbott posts 3-to-1 cash advantage over Perry; state lawmakers file bill to broaden financial disclosure; House Republican Caucus picks leader
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Politics
The Brief: Jan. 15, 2013
If money’s a show of strength, George P. Bush — who’s angling for statewide office — just came out swinging.
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Bidness As Usual
Most Legislators Won’t Disclose Tax Returns
The Tribune asked all 180 current members of the Legislature to provide their last three tax returns — and got few takers. Most lawmakers either ignored the request or said they weren’t comfortable with that level of disclosure.
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Politics
White House Responds to Texas Secession Petition
The White House, responding to calls for secession from Texas and seven other states, has called for healthy debate, but to not let “that debate tear us apart.”
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Bidness As Usual
T-Squared: It’s Only Bidness
Twenty journalists have spent nine months researching the personal financial interests of members of the 83rd Legislature. Eyebrows — and hackles — may be raised, but this kind of transparency is good for Texas.
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Bidness As Usual
News App: Exploring Lawmakers’ Personal Financial Interests
The Lawmaker Explorer is a first-of-its-kind interactive tool that gives Texans a window into the personal interests of their state legislators. It is the linchpin of the Tribune’s Bidness as Usual project, a session-long look at ethics and transparency in the Texas Legislature.