With the debate over gun rights still raging in Texas and across the nation, the head of one Texas agency, the Railroad Commission, is pushing to provide training for employees so they can carry concealed handguns on the job.
Politics
Stay informed with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth political coverage, including Texas elections, state government, policy debates, and the leaders shaping the future of the state.
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Politics
The Brief: Jan. 28, 2013
The immigration debate about to descend on Washington has already pushed U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz into the spotlight.
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Bidness As Usual
Legislators Can Carry Bills That Benefit Them? Yep.
The common practice of lawmakers carrying bills or serving on committees that could directly affect their lives or livelihoods is permitted, so long as their efforts benefit all others in similar circumstances. But it still has vocal critics.
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Politics
The Evening Brief: Jan. 25, 2013
Your evening reading: Republicans challenge group hoping to turn Texas blue; White House to begin immigration push next week; conservative groups come out against school security bill
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Health care
Abbott Announces “Choose Life” Advisory Committee
Attorney General Greg Abbott announced on Friday the creation of the Choose Life Advisory Committee, a group that will make recommendations for spending money generated by “Choose Life” license plates.
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Politics
Race for SD-6 Seat Heads Toward Final Stretch
Slightly more than 8,200 voters cast their ballots during the early voting period in the special election to replace the late state Sen. Mario Gallegos. Election day is Saturday in the race, which is likely to head to a runoff.
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Politics
TribLive: A Conversation with David Dewhurst
Full video of my January 24 TribLive conversation with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.
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Energy
At Railroad Commission, a Push to Modernize
The Texas Railroad Commission regulates one of the most advanced industries in the world — oil and gas drilling. Yet the commission’s software systems, many of its rules and even its name are from another era. But change is coming.
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Politics
National Group Aims to Turn Texas Blue
Texas Democrats have been fighting an uphill battle against Republicans for almost two decades, but a new Washington-based group wants to invest tens of millions of dollars to turn Texas blue.
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Politics
The Brief: Jan. 25, 2013
A new group may provide Texas Democrats with an answer to their long-ignored prayers for a political comeback.