The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Through a program at the Harris County Jail, 20 women are working to avoid returning to a life of prostitution. The program is led by a woman who knows only too well the struggles they face. Full Story
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The co-chairs of the select committee considering the impeachment of UT System Regent Wallace Hall have formally asked that all relevant documents be preserved and all potential witnesses be free from "adverse employee action." Full Story
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In place of this week's Newsreel, we've got the story of the week — and of the political year so far: the debate and filibuster and verbal melee that marked the last day of the first special session. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Legislature closer to transportation funding deal; Republicans fire more criticism at Obama administration over voting rights move; federal court sides against Texas in EPA case Full Story
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Throughout his 24 years in the Texas House, state Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, has taken a pragmatic approach to politics, maintaining close ties with Republican leaders if it means a seat at the negotiating table. Full Story
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Stalled negotiations over a transportation deal have pushed the Legislature to the brink of yet another special session. Full Story
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State Sen. Wendy Davis' filibuster against abortion legislation gave Democrats across the country a rare red-state rallying point, and some of them responded by opening their checkbooks. Full Story
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Since state Sen. Wendy Davis' June 25 filibuster, organizations on both sides of the abortion debate say they have seen a surge in donations as well as increased engagement on social media. Full Story
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Greg Abbott has everything he needs to run for governor: organization, loads of cash and opponents who don't yet have traction. So what will make him explain his positions on the full range of issues facing the state? Full Story
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A new study has found that Texas businesses pay 61.5 of the total tax revenue collected by the state — 20 percent more than the national average. Full Story
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The House voted 108-25 for a measure that would boost funding for the Texas Department of Transportation without raising taxes or fees, but lawmakers said they expect the Senate to make changes to the proposal. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry signed House Bill 2 — the omnibus abortion legislation — into law Thursday morning. Full Story
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UPDATED: The Texas House approved a resolution Thursday to posthumously award a special medal to a Texas-born World War II hero after efforts to issue it earlier this year fell apart. Full Story
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With a few dozen protesters chanting outside and a Capitol auditorium full of supporters, Gov. Rick Perry signed House Bill 2 — the omnibus abortion legislation — into law Thursday morning. Full Story
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Led by Attorney General Greg Abbott, Texas has fought the federal government for control over various issues, including environmental regulation and oversight of voting laws. Use this interactive to look at the current legal battles. Full Story
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After announcing his candidacy for governor in San Antonio on Sunday, Attorney General Greg Abbott began a tour that is scheduled to have him cover 10 cities over five days. This slideshow looks at some of the stops he has made so far. Full Story
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After announcing his candidacy for governor in San Antonio on Sunday, Attorney General Greg Abbott began a tour that is scheduled to have him cover 10 cities over five days. This slideshow looks at the stops he has made so far. Full Story
Attorney General Greg Abbott spoke to supporters Monday at a popular Houston restaurant about why he's seeking to become the state's next governor. Full Story
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Attorney General Greg Abbott launched his campaign for governor Sunday in San Antonio. Here's full video of his speech. Full Story
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The Texas Capitol has been full of protesters and demonstrators off and on for the last month as lawmakers considered abortion legislation. And activists on both sides fight have put some R-rated signs in the hands of children. Full Story
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