The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
With the support of 80 percent of Texas voters, Proposition 1 is expected to add billions to the state highway fund without raising taxes or fees. For lawmakers, state officials and local stakeholders, now the real work begins. Full Story
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Little known outside the halls of Texas government, Daniel Hodge has become one of its more powerful behind-the-scenes figures. That's only becoming more true: He's expected to serve a key role in the new governor's administration. Full Story
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Nothing better demonstrates San Antonio's distinction as a political springboard for Hispanic Democrats than the political turnover triggered when Mayor Julián Castro left to join the Obama administration. Full Story
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As the numbers mount in favor of House Speaker Joe Straus' reelection, the establishment wing of the Republican Party in Texas appears to be prevailing over activists who insist the state is more conservative than its Legislature. Full Story
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Two weeks after losing her bid for lieutenant governor, state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte announced that she was running for mayor of San Antonio and would not finish her term at the Texas Capitol. Full Story
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The special prosecutor pressing criminal charges against Gov. Rick Perry will not be disqualified from the case over questions around the oath of office he took. A judge ruled Tuesday that the prosecutor was properly sworn into office. Full Story
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A new batch of statewide officeholders is preparing to take over Texas government, throwing the "who you know" politics of the Capitol into turmoil. But the biggest change is the Legislature's chance to reassert its traditional power. Full Story
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State Sen. Glenn Hegar sent a letter to Gov. Rick Perry Friday resigning his Senate seat as of Dec. 5. The Katy Republican will be sworn in as comptroller in January. A Dec. 6 special election for his seat was announced later Friday. Full Story
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State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte's losing campaign for lieutenant governor might have set the stage for a bid for mayor of San Antonio — a prospect she is considering now. Sometimes losing can set up the next campaign. Full Story
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Seven Republican members of the Texas House issued a joint statement late Thursday claiming Speaker Joe Straus has the support of nearly the entire Republican caucus for the next legislative session. Full Story
A special election has yet to be called for the vacant House District 123 seat, but two San Antonio Democrats are already lining up to replace state Rep. Mike Villarreal, who stepped down to run for mayor of the city. Full Story
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Gov.-elect Greg Abbott’s pick for Texas secretary of state voted for a local resolution last year endorsing the expansion of Medicaid — a central tenet of the federal Affordable Care Act that Abbott fiercely campaigned against. Full Story
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The ongoing tension between Texas legislators and the University of Texas System Board of Regents looks likely to bleed into the 2015 legislative session. Full Story
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Saying Wednesday that low-income Texas women will no longer wonder how to find out about state-provided health services, Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner Kyle Janek unveiled a new information website. Full Story
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Two months ahead of the first day of the 84th legislative session, eager lawmakers on Monday filed bills addressing issues including guns, texting while driving, health, transportation and much more. Full Story
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State Reps. Trey Martinez Fischer and José Menéndez both said Monday they will consider running for Leticia Van de Putte’s seat in the Texas Senate if she leaves it behind for the top spot in San Antonio. Full Story
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After a mistrial was declared Monday in the case of state Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City, a new trial was scheduled to start Jan. 5. Reynolds is accused of illegally offering legal services to accident victims within 30 days of their incidents. Full Story
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After the winners of Tuesday’s elections are sworn in, there will be only seven white Democrats left in the Texas Legislature. Full Story
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During a phone call Friday, President Obama congratulated Gov. Rick Perry and other Texas officials on reaching a major milestone in the state's fight against Ebola. Full Story
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Watch Gov. Rick Perry, his defense attorneys and the special prosecutor in Perry's felony indictment speak Thursday to news outlets following a pre-trial hearing in Perry's abuse-of-power case. Perry's attorneys argued that the prosecutor was improperly sworn in. Full Story
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