The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
In this episode of our podcast about the Texas Legislature, recorded on Jan. 15, 2021, Evan Smith interviews 25-term state Rep. Senfronia Thompson about COVID-19, race, public ed and that whippersnapper Dade Phelan. Full Story
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The state's health commission gave Planned Parenthood's Medicaid patients until Feb. 3 to find new doctors. Experts say there are limited places low-income patients can go, in part because Texas already has a shortage of doctors who accept Medicaid due to the state’s low payment rates. Full Story
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Legislating is a social enterprise. It draws crowds of Texans who want to testify, to be heard, to sightsee and to watch government in action. And it’s tailor made for spreading a contagious disease. Full Story
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Odus Evbagharu says that like many of the thousands of people employed at the Capitol, he’s nervous he might catch COVID-19. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast. Full Story
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A federal program known as the 1115 waiver helps pay for the costs of providing health care to people who are uninsured. Advocates for Medicaid expansion say it fills gaps in care that are caused by Texas’ refusal to expand coverage. Full Story
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Dr. Mark Escott, the interim medical director for Austin Public Health, told The Texas Tribune that he asked Ascension Seton hospital system “if they would be willing to vaccinate lawmakers and key staff if they had availability.” Full Story
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The FBI reportedly warned law enforcement agencies in all 50 states of possibly armed protests after the U.S. Capitol was besieged by pro-Trump rioters. Full Story
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State Sen. Charles Schwertner gave up serving as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services in 2019. This year, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick named him chair of the Committee on Administration. Full Story
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On Tuesday, some Texans will take a paid day off for a state holiday honoring Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and other leaders of the Confederate army. Full Story
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One argument for legalizing casino gambling and marijuana sales in Texas is that they would produce tax revenue for the state during the recession started by the pandemic. But a new, optimistic economic forecast for the state takes some wind out of those sails. Full Story
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The rules, which passed unanimously Thursday, will help govern the House during the Legislature’s 2021 session. Full Story
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In a lawsuit, four former Paxton aides claim they were wrongfully terminated for reporting alleged criminal behavior on his part. Paxton’s agency wants a judge to quash subpoenas and depositions, saying that as an elected official Paxton is exempt from state whistleblower protection laws. Full Story
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The resolution passed on a party-line vote. Full Story
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Paxton has individually condemned the violence on television and social media while falsely claiming the pro-Trump mob that invaded the U.S. Capitol was infiltrated by liberal antifa activists. Full Story
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In this week's episode, Matthew talks with Ross, Abby and Cassi about the siege in the U.S. Capitol and the first day of the legislative session in the Texas Capitol. Full Story
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State Rep. Charlie Geren filed legislation that would let restaurants battered by the coronavirus pandemic permanently sell alcohol to go. The measure already has backing from top state officials. Full Story
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The Texas Capitol had its defenses ready for the start of the legislative session after last week's riots in the U.S. Capitol. But opening day was nice and quiet. Full Story
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Lawmakers gathered for the start of the 140-day session Tuesday as the coronavirus continues to rage in Texas. Full Story
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Twenty-eight coronavirus vaccination hubs will receive most of the state's next shipment of COVID-19 vaccines this week, with 158,825 doses shipping to providers able to manage large-scale efforts as more doses arrive in the state. Full Story
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Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar estimated that lawmakers have $113 billion to spend when they write the next two-year budget. Full Story
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