Analysis: For Budget Writers, Tax Cuts Are Spending Decisions
Lawmakers have a hard job when money is tight and they're writing state budgets. It's even harder when they have all the money they need. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/04/07/BudgetSurplus-Capitol.jpg)
-
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Stuart Seeger -
A Year After West Explosion, Lawmakers Vetting Reforms
A year after the disastrous fertilizer explosion in West, some state leaders are beginning to consider reforms — measures in regulation-averse Texas that they hope lawmakers will find "passable." Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/West_Explosion.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
-
Property Tax Lending Under Review Again
Facing an interim charge to review a bill regulating property tax loans in Texas, lawmakers are taking a closer look at the controversial industry. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/PropertyTax.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Video: Leticia Van De Putte Rally in Austin
Here's full video of Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Leticia Van De Putte's rally Monday at the University of Texas at Austin, as she wrapped up a statewide bus tour. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/VDP_rally_UT.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
-
Report: Texas Ranks Among Leaders in Spending Transparency
Texas ranks highly when it comes to letting taxpayers know how state government spends its money, according to a new report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/23/Capitol-Money-Salary.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Barron Fujimoto -
Interactive: TexasOne Contribution Network
A Tribune investigation of contributions to TexasOne, Gov. Rick Perry's chief Texas marketing tool, found that representatives from some of the largest contributors are often prolific donors to Perry's campaigns. Explore the connections. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/04/07/PerryOne-1-Closer.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Bob Daemmrich / Nina Chantrasmi -
Davis Addresses Volunteers Ahead of Canvassing Efforts
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis highlighted her efforts to mobilize Texas voters at volunteer summit in Austin on Saturday. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/03/24/_F5U7206.jpg)
![Wendy Davis listens to a press question at Scholtz Garden on March 24, 2014 following an equal pay rally.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
After Rise in Foster Care Deaths, DFPS Approves New Regulations
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services approved a set of new regulations Friday that are meant to provide more protection for foster children. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Child-Wall.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: David Garzon -
The Polling Center: Texans Aim for Self-Defense in Gun Control Debate
To the extent that Wednesday's Fort Hood shooting prompts a renewed discussion of guns in Texas, discussion will almost certainly be dominated by talk of increasing access to guns, not curtailing it. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/04/04/AFortHoodFr0003CMS.jpg)
![The Guns Galore shop in Killeen where alleged Fort Hood shooter Ivan Lopez purchased the handgun used in the April 2, 2014 mass slaying.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Special Prosecutor: Perry's Veto of Integrity Unit Funds "Concerning"
A special prosecutor, who is investigating whether Gov. Rick Perry abused his authority when he eliminated state funding of the Texas public integrity unit, told the Austin American-Statesman and KVUE that what he’s found so far is “concerning.” Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/11/19/D54H9860_1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg)
![Texas Governor Rick Perry attends groundbreaking ceremony for Teletón USA CRIT children's rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas, on August 6th, 2013.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Craft Brewers Seek Further Reforms From Lawmakers
The 2013 legislative session was viewed by many observers as a watershed moment for craft brewers in Texas. But at a Thursday hearing, the House Economic Development Committee was encouraged to do more for the industry. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/03/11/BeerPint.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Richard Carter -
Willingham Won't Get Posthumous Pardon
UPDATED: The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has voted not to recommend a posthumous full pardon for Cameron Todd Willingham, who was executed a decade ago after being convicted of setting a fire that killed his daughters. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/09/26/TxTrib-Willingham-001.jpg)
![September 17, 2010 - Activist Jamie Bush attends the Texas Forensic Science Commission board meeting on September 17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas.]()
Credit: Tom Pennington -
Drug Testing for Unemployed Texans is Still Months Away
It will be months before the state can begin drug testing certain unemployment insurance benefit applicants, and some Texas lawmakers and business leaders are frustrated with the delay. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/23/D54H8962.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
TribLive: A Conversation With Kacal, Raney and Schwertner
Full video of my 3/27 TribLive conversation at Texas A&M University in College Station with state Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, and state Reps. Kyle Kacal, R-College Station, and John Raney, R-College Station. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/AM_Triblive.Still001.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
-
TribLive: Friedman on Legalizing Marijuana
At our 3/20 TribLive conversation, Kinky Friedman, a Democratic candidate for Texas agriculture commissioner in 2014, talked about why he wants to legalize marijuana — and what it would mean for the state. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Kinky097_1.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
-
Taxing Districts Create a Rift Among Conservatives
In 2013, developer Don Huffines and state Sen. Ken Paxton backed the expansion of a taxing district in North Texas — a practice that isn’t uncommon, but that has exposed a fiscal rift among conservatives. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/03/19/MUD-Development-2.jpg)
![Don Huffines, a North Texas developer who is running for state Senate, and state Sen. Ken Paxton, who is running for attorney general.]()
Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Calie Richmond / Patt Williams -
Gubernatorial Hopeful's Wife Might Make History
Cecilia Abbott has been a regular at her husband's side as he travels across the state for his campaign for governor. She could become the first Latina to be the first lady of Texas. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/03/14/TexTrib-Abbott-005.jpg)
![Cecelia Abbott hugs her husband, Attorney General Greg Abbott after he announces his plans to run for governor of Texas during a campaign event at LaVillita in San Antonio.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Tone of Races Could Grow Nastier During Runoffs
Candidates in several races came out swinging during the primary season, and that is not expected to ebb during the runoff campaign — particularly in the GOP races for lieutenant governor and attorney general. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/03/05/Dew-Patrick-BranchPaxton.jpg)
![Pictured are (clockwise, from top left) Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, state Sen. Dan Patrick, state Rep. Dan Branch and state Sen. Ken Paxton.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato / Daniel Kramer / Callie Richmond -
TribLive: A Conversation With Southeast Texas Lawmakers
Full video of my 2/19 TribLive conversation at Lamar University in Beaumont with state Reps. Joe Deshotel, D-Beaumont; Allan Ritter, R-Nederland; and James White, R-Woodville. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Event-1.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
-
Video: In Beaumont, Cruz Touts Energy Bill
During a stop Wednesday at the Spindletop Museum in Beaumont, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz pitched his energy policy bill. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Ted_Cruz-2_1.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()