The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
In the Roundup: Lawmakers begin filing bills ahead of the 85th Legislature, Ted Cruz and President-elect Donald Trump reunite in New York and the State Board of Education rejects a new social studies book. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/111816_Still.jpg)
Winning isn't everything when it comes to party control. If it was, Texas lawmakers would have nothing to do. But they still have plenty to fight about, and Republicans in Washington, D.C., will, too. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/15/IMG_9835.jpg)
Full video of my 11/14 conversation with state Reps. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, and Andrew Murr, R-Junction, on the campus of Schreiner University in Kerrville. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/IMG_5536.jpg)
Backed by the lieutenant governor, Sen. Charles Perry filed legislation Tuesday to eliminate sanctuary cities. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/25/A_S3R6271cmsPerry.jpg)
The Texas Tribune is exploring the impact of rising tuition costs in Texas. We want your help. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/University_Tuition_Money.jpg)
It won't change the color of the leaves on the trees, but the civics seasons in Texas have changed. Say goodbye to the elections and hello to the legislative session. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-FilingBills_Tamir.Kalifa001.jpg)
Although Texas offers free tuition waivers and other benefits to ease foster youths' transition to higher education, the number of students using the resources has declined. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/11/02/Degree0002.jpg)
The makeup of the Texas Senate is poised to remain the same in 2017 after Tuesday night's election. Republicans' 20-to-11 advantage didn't change. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/10/08/TT-ingodwetrust.jpg)
A workgroup of the Texas Senate Finance Committee was willing to give Child Protective Services caseworkers $12,000 raises but balked at hiring all the new workers Commissioner Hank Whitman requested. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/07/12/__BDE4513Whitman3.jpg)
A report shows Texas leads the nation in the number of polling places that have been closed since a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down part of the Voting Rights Act. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/11/03/Early_voting_DeWitt_BD_TT.jpg)
A report issued Friday by the State Auditor’s Office painted a clearer picture of how often Texas agencies grant employees emergency leave for vague reasons. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/10/IMG_9736.jpg)
Some elections are referendums on issues, public votes that give lawmakers a good idea of what voters want. This election isn't one of those. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/21/Straus_Abbott_Patrick_TT_crop.jpg)
Endangered Republican lawmakers in Texas have strengthened their financial footing with just over a week until Election Day, according to campaign finance reports released Monday. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/08/09/South_Entrance_Capitol.jpg)
Texas Republicans are asking the state Supreme Court to reconsider a case about benefits in what appears to be an attempt to narrow the scope of the landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/04/TxTrib-GayWedding_014.JPG)
Rep. Wayne Faircloth, a Republican who's held the House District 23 seat for just one term, is hoping to thwart a comeback bid by former Rep. Lloyd Criss. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/10/26/Faircloth_Criss_TT.jpg)
Between expected high turnout and Donald Trump, Democrats see chances for modest gains in the Texas House. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/35f551ae2dd8fa9ce46d84adc9a9cf8f/BD%20INC%20Empty%20Chamber%2001%202011)
On Nov. 8, Texans will finally find out what impact Donald Trump's presidential campaign has had on their reliably Republican state. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/03/05/Voter-Wagon.jpg)
State lawmakers complain that local property taxes need to be leashed. But state lawmakers are more responsible for the increases than they let on. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/21/TxTrib-LanierClass-Sized.jpg)
An out-of-district house and a Child Protective Services vote are the topics of competing campaign materials from incumbent Republican Rep. Kenneth Sheets and his opponent, Democrat Victoria Neave. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/10/21/Neave_Sheets.jpg)
State officials would like to lower local school property taxes, but they've got a secret: Some of those local school tax revenues make it easier to balance a tight state budget. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/01/20/Olfen_TT1.jpg)