The decision comes just days after the Texas governor became the first state leader to opt out of the program. The move drew a harsh rebuke from Texas’ Catholic bishops.
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.
Posted in
Health care
Three Texas towns vote in favor of “sanctuary cities for the unborn,” hoping to ban abortion
Big Spring, Colorado City and Rusk are the three latest towns to vote in favor of such ordinances, which are of contested legality and enforceability.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Michael Bloomberg announces plans to hire more than 100 Texas organizers by end of the month
The numbers give Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York City, by far the biggest formal operation in Texas ahead of the state’s March 3 primary.
Posted in
Politics
Gov. Greg Abbott, a Catholic, draws criticism over new refugee ban from Texas’ Catholic bishops
It’s not the first time Abbott has disagreed with the religious groups over state policy. He was also criticized after he made 2017’s Senate Bill 4, an omnibus, state-based immigration enforcement bill, a legislative priority.
Posted in
Politics
Analysis: A bad day for Planned Parenthood, a good one for Ken Paxton
The Texas attorney general got a political gift in the form of a friendly request for his opinion: a chance to take a swipe at a political nemesis.
Posted in
Health care
Under new Texas law, Planned Parenthood likely to be excluded from state employees’ annual charity drive
A legal opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said that facilitating state employees’ donations to Planned Parenthood falls under a 2019 state law prohibiting government entities from entering into “taxpayer resource transactions” with abortion providers or their affiliates.
Posted in
Marijuana in Texas
Austin to consider stopping arrests, tickets in low-level marijuana cases after hemp law
Four progressive members of the City Council are pushing the proposal, which needs two more votes to pass.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Warren unveils list of new Texas endorsements as presidential race heats up
The senator’s backers now include three state representatives, several Texas city council members and local political organizers.
Posted in
Politics
Appeals court rules Trump can use nearly $4 billion in military funds for border wall
The White House called the initial decision to block on the use of military funds for the border wall “illegitimate” and hailed the appeals court decision as a victory.
Posted in
Homeless in Texas
Greg Abbott blames another stabbing on Austin’s homeless policies and ramps up DPS patrols
The Texas governor said DPS will place additional patrols within two blocks of state buildings downtown and around the University of Texas.