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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.
After Rick O’Donnell, Now What?
One week ago, Rick O’Donnell’s employment at the University of Texas System came to an abrupt end after 50 days marked by tension and confusion in the higher education community — especially at the University of Texas at Austin. So what happens now that he’s gone?
Outside Groups Lobby Texas Budget Writers
With the Senate set to debate the state budget this week, Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports that several outside groups want to shape the conversation.
Former Candidate Schieffer Called to Save L.A. Dodgers
Tom Schieffer is back in the spotlight, this time as the guy who’ll oversee day-to-day operations of the Los Angeles Dodgers on behalf of Major League Baseball, which seized control of the team last week.
Video: Conservative Coalition Expands Ad Campaign (UPDATE)
One day after the Senate passed its version of the budget for the next biennium, the Texas Public Policy Foundation expanded its media campaign for a “conservative budget.” They produced a series of new ads now running on statewide television. The timing appears to be strategic, as the Senate and House prepare to reconcile their spending plans in conference committee.
Combs Hasn’t Mastered Fine Art of Eating Crow
The comptroller of public accounts has been ducking responsibility ever since revealing that her agency had put the names and Social Security numbers of 3.5 million people in a publicly available spot on its website.
TribLive: Cornyn on Taxes
At Monday’s TribLive conversation, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, explained why President Obama’s proposed tax increase on the wealthiest Americans is a “nonstarter.”
Doggett Dismayed by Redistricting Plan
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, reacts to the proposed split of his current district.
In Politics, Size Doesn’t Always Matter
Redistricting can change the odds in legislative and congressional races, but in statewide races, it’s all about turnout.
From Texas to D.C., Debate Over Medicaid Funding Rages
If congressional Republicans’ proposed solution to cutting health care costs — giving states block grants to fund Medicaid — sounds familiar, it’s because it is.



