The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Calling on the federal government to improve health care services for veterans, Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday said that decreasing the wait times for veterans seeking medical attention should be a national priority. Full Story
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One of a Texas governor's powers is a soft one — the power of persuasion. It's all Greg Abbott really has when he wants to rein in an agency like the Texas Lottery Commission. Full Story
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The committee will review and make recommendations on substance abuse, care for veterans, identifying illnesses early and improving delivery of mental health care. Full Story
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Texas lawmakers have designed a congressional district too slippery for either political party to control, making it impossible for anyone to stay in office long enough to build up the clout needed to get things done for the folks at home. Full Story
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Texas ranked 38th out of 50 in the latest State Integrity Investigation, an assessment of government accountability and transparency. That suggests that the state may be heading in the wrong direction when it comes to ethics. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott is planning to release a set of issues he would like Republican primary voters to prioritize next year. Full Story
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick revealed Friday he tried to draft state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, to run for lieutenant governor last year before he decided to enter the race. Full Story
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A pending set of gubernatorial appointments could end the current round of brinksmanship over what kinds of gambling are allowed in Texas, but it won’t solve the long-term problem facing the state's troubled racing industry. Full Story
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A state appeals court ruled Thursday that conservative activist Michael Quinn Sullivan lives in Austin despite his claims otherwise, so his dispute with the state Ethics Commission will play out in Travis County. Full Story
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About 430,000 more Texans voted Tuesday than in the 2013 constitutional election. Hear more about turnout and see how many Texans voted — by county — on Proposition 7, which directed more money to the state highway fund. Full Story
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House Speaker Joe Straus issued more than 150 interim charges Wednesday, directing committees to study issues such as the effectiveness of border security operations and the impact of the plummeting cost of oil on the local economy. Full Story
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If lawmakers do nothing to restore the budget of the Texas Racing Commission, the agency will shut down. If it shuts down, the tracks around the state are barred from conducting any wagering. They can sell sodas, but not much else. Full Story
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Voters overwhelmingly favored seven changes to the Texas constitution, including measures that will cut property taxes, boost funding for road projects beginning in 2017 and let state officeholders live outside of Austin. Full Story
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After more than a decade at the job, State Auditor John Keel plans to retire as of Jan. 4, his office confirmed Monday. Full Story
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has taken to starting interviews by saying he won't run for governor against Greg Abbott. But it is a question, in part, because of the two men, Patrick often acts more like the governor than the governor does. Full Story
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Along a disputed stretch of the Red River, one Clay County farmer got his land back from the federal government. Can his neighbors follow suit? Full Story
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The Health Care track at the 2015 Texas Tribune Festival featured panel discussions on the Legislature, the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. We also featured a conversation with Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Chris Traylor. Full Story
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The Justice track at the 2015 Texas Tribune Festival featured panel discussions on criminal justice reform, the Legislature, open carry, and gay rights and states' rights. There was also a conversation with several Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judges. Full Story
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The Transportation track at the 2015 Texas Tribune Festival included panel discussions on high-speed rail, transportation planning, urban mobility and the Legislature. Listen to audio from each session. Full Story
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The Timothy Cole Exoneration Review Commission Thursday paid tribute to its namesake – who was wrongfully convicted in a 1985 rape case – and began setting a vision for its role in prevent further wrongful convictions in Texas. Full Story
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