The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Ahead of a Texas House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Wednesday to discuss Medicaid therapy rate cuts and the state’s Early Childhood Intervention program, some providers are considering ending services due to financial struggles. Full Story
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Without an infusion of new money to cover mounting liabilities, Hegar warned, credit agencies are likely to downgrade Texas’ credit rating, which would make it more expensive for the state to borrow money — and perhaps damage the state's business climate. Full Story
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The bomb explosions in Austin and Schertz left two people dead and several others injured. Wednesday morning, police say the man they believe is responsible detonated a bomb and killed himself. Full Story
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A fifth package has exploded in Texas outside of San Antonio. Federal officials say the explosion is likely linked to the "serial bomber" that has been planting packages in Austin. Full Story
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Texas is among several states that will bar teachers, dentists, nurses and other professional license holders from renewing their licenses if they are in default on their student loans. Critics say the practice is counterproductive, since it impedes Texans’ ability to work and pay back those loans. Full Story
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Most University of Texas System schools will see increases in the 1 percent to 7 percent range, adding hundreds of additional dollars to students’ tuition bills. Full Story
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The commission said Uresti improperly disclosed income from FourWinds Logistics, the Ponzi scheme that earned him 11 felony convictions last month. Full Story
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Education advocates and some officials who have received cease-and-desist letters and open records requests from the state's top lawyer say the actions are politically motivated. Full Story
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A lawsuit filed in El Paso County on Thursday alleges fraud in the Democratic primary race for Texas' 16th Congressional District. Full Story
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Angela Paxton is the favorite to win a Texas Senate seat and have a vote on the state budget, which includes funding for her husband’s office. Legal experts and ethics lawyers weigh in on how such a situation is addressed in Texas law. Full Story
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As the case over Senate Bill 4 plays out, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that most of the immigration enforcement legislation can remain in effect. Full Story
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According to the chairman of the Texas House committee where the bathroom bill died in 2017, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott "did not want that bill on his desk." Full Story
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Nearly a year after a series of self-inflicted wounds led to a purge of the agency's upper management, a new commissioner and new executive director have launched a series of reforms — and the businesses they regulate say they've seen a big change. Full Story
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The Tea Party group sent out mailers under the name "Texas Ethics Disclosure Board" to attack state Rep. Charlie Geren. Now it's asking a federal judge to shield it from state prosecutors' possible investigations. Full Story
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Gutierrez is running for Texas Senate District 19, a Democratic-leaning San Antonio district that overlaps with his own and is held by a senator who was recently convicted of 11 felonies. Full Story
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As part of our ongoing efforts to engage people directly affected by policy issues, we want to learn more about what measures, if any, young Texans think should be taken to address mass shootings and school safety. Full Story
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Dozens of candidates for elective office across Texas won't face major-party opposition in the fall. Check out our list here. Full Story
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The Houston mayor accused Land Commissioner George P. Bush's agency of "hogging" federal Harvey relief money and associated administrative fees. The land office called Turner's complaints "disingenuous." Full Story
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If no candidate in a primary election receives a majority of the vote, the top two vote-getters go head-to-head in a runoff. Here's everything you need to know about how they work and how to vote. Full Story
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El Paso Democratic U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke was the heavy favorite to win this week's Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate. So why did he lose some border counties to a relative unknown? Full Story
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