The Brief: May 20, 2013
With a budget deal struck, the spotlight now shifts to Gov. Rick Perry. Full Story
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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Budget, Ethics and 2014
In this edition of the Newsreel: Will lawmakers finish the budget? Will the governor call for a special session? And when this is over, who will be running for office in 2014? Full Story
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Measure Allowing Driver's Permits for Undocumented Immigrants Stalls
An amendment that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to obtain a permit to legally drive and purchase insurance in Texas was derailed Friday on a point of order. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Jacob Villanueva -
Agenda Texas: Daily Drama at the Capitol
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: A look at how quickly things can change in the waning days of a Texas legislative session. Full Story
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![Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie speaks with Rep. Todd Hunter R-Corpus Christi and Rep. Abel Herrero D-Robstown on House floor before voting on HB 10 February 21st, 2013]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
"Merry Christmas Bill" Heads to Governor
The Senate passed a House bill that would allow teachers and other public school staff to use holiday greetings like "Merry Christmas” and "Happy Hanukkah" and to display Christmas trees, menorahs and other cultural icons of winter celebrations. Full Story
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Slideshow: Sen. John Carona Through the Years
Take a photographic trip through Sen. John Carona's career in the Texas Legislature, from his swearing in as a freshman House member in 1991 to his chairmanship of the powerful Senate Committee on Business & Commerce. Full Story
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How Lawmakers' Pensions Would Grow Under Proposed Budget
The proposed state budget would increase state judge's base salaries by 12 percent — and would do the same thing to state legislators' pensions. Check out the added benefit by member. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman -
Gonzalez Says She Will Seek Re-election
State Rep. Naomi Gonzalez, D-El Paso, said on Friday she intends to seek another term in the Texas House, despite her pending drunk driving case. Full Story
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House, Senate Clash Over Dutton Bill Resolved
UPDATED: Friday morning's clash between the House and Senate appears to be water under the bridge. Lawmakers in the upper chamber said it was a tussle over a local Houston matter — but that they're working to resolve it. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
TribLive: A Conversation About Ethics in the Lege
Full video of Ross Ramsey's 5/16 TribLive conversation about ethics in the Texas Legislature with former Assistant Travis County District Attorney Mindy Montford, campaign finance lawyer Randall "Buck" Wood, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and former state Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores, D-Palmview. Full Story
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For 83rd Lege, More Civility Than Drama
Texas lawmakers have 10 days left in the regular session. They haven't embarrassed themselves, spent much time in bitter fights or generated the sorts of headlines that have made voters think so little of Washington. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
The Brief: May 17, 2013
Another day of seesaw negotiations over the state budget ended without a deal, but an agreement — once again — appears within reach. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Video: Montford on Prosecutors and Enforcing Ethics Laws
At Thursday's TribLive conversation, former Assistant Travis County District Attorney Mindy Montford talked about ethics investigations and the deterrent effect of prosecution. Full Story
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Cause of West Explosion Remains Unclear
The cause of the West fertilizer plant explosion that killed 15 people on April 17 has been ruled “undetermined,” officials announced at a press conference in the town's high school parking lot on Thursday. Full Story
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![State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy spoke during the West press conference at West High School and announced that the cause of the explosion is still undetermined.]()
Credit: Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor -
Agenda Texas: Busted Budget Negotiations
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Several twists and turns marked Thursday's budget negotiations, and major sticking points remain. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie K Cotera -
The Evening Brief: May 16, 2013
Your evening reading: budget negotiations back in limbo; Perry signs Michael Morton Act; senator says Kitzman unlikely to win confirmation Full Story
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![Appropriations Chairman State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, l, listens as State Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, grills state auditors on CPRIT matters on Feb. 6, 2013]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Senator Says Innocence Commission Bill is in Trouble
Two days after an advocate for a bill establishing a commission to review wrongful convictions lashed out at a state senator who voiced opposition to the bill, the measure's Senate sponsor says he doesn't have the votes to move the legislation forward. Full Story
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TribLive: Capriglione and Wood on Disclosing Donors
At Thursday's TribLive conversation, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and ethics and campaign finance lawyer Randall "Buck" Wood talked to the Tribune's Ross Ramsey about transparency in political giving. Full Story
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Irony Abounds in Debate Over Ethics Proposals
In this session's ethics battles, watchdogs say there’s more contradiction than conviction. Full Story
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New Regent Requirements Head to Governor's Desk
UPDATED: After the Senate concurred with amendments in the House, a bill adding restrictions and requirements for regents of the state's university systems is on its way to the governor's desk. Full Story
Credit: Illustration by Marjorie Kamys Cotera / Bob Daemmrich
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