The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
UPDATED: Insurance Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman replied to a letter from a Texas legislator urging her to reopen an investigation of State Farm over its handling of homeowners' claims after Hurricane Ike, saying the department will continue to monitor the company. Full Story
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For this week's nonscientific survey of insiders in state government and politics, we asked about the November race for U.S. Senate, whether Democrats will recover faster if Romney or Obama wins, about the GOP's weak spots and about whether the voters are as conservative as the people they've elected. Full Story
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One of the House's most conservative members said Friday he is "pretty dismayed" about redistricting conversations revealed in a stern letter to House Speaker Joe Straus from a top Democratic legislator. Full Story
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The top 10 homeowners insurers in Texas paid out more than $270 million in claims related to last year's Bastrop wildfires, according to a new report. But that is still much less than some other catastrophes, like Dallas' April hailstorms, which led to $2 billion in insurance losses. Full Story
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New Texas Education Agency Commissioner Michael Williams will get a salary bump of about $29,000 over his predecessor, the governor's office confirmed Friday. Full Story
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Texas Insurance Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman has been the subject of concerns raised by lawmakers and consumer advocacy groups. But she deflects the criticism, saying her focus is only on how to best serve Texas consumers. Full Story
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At this morning's TribLive conversation, GOP state Reps. and Texas Senate hopefuls Kelly Hancock, Ken Paxton and Larry Taylor came out against the state's policy of offering in-state tuition to the children of undocumented persons. Full Story
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At this morning's TribLive conversation, GOP state Reps. and Texas Senate hopefuls Kelly Hancock, Ken Paxton and Larry Taylor discussed two key procedural matters related to the 83rd Legislative Session. Full Story
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Texas plans to join the more than 30 states that have already asked for a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind Act's requirements, according to a letter new state Education Commissioner Michael Williams sent school districts Thursday. Full Story
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A top Democratic leader in the Texas House, in a letter Wednesday, accused staffers in House Speaker Joe Straus' office of leading discriminatory conduct that got the Texas redistricting maps thrown out. Full Story
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State officials this month will consider privatizing a state hospital. But the plan faces pushback from state lawmakers worried about potential conflicts of interest and other sticking points. Full Story
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At its first open forum, the Coastal Windstorm Task Force on Wednesday discussed potential legislative solutions to rising premiums and the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association’s financial challenges. Full Story
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As solitary confinement grows in the national spotlight, Texas lawmakers and advocates are concerned about the re-entry of prisoners held for years without much human contact. For many, it's a matter of public safety. Full Story
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The state's top lawyer has filed a pile of lawsuits against the federal government. Two decisions last week — on redistricting maps and the state's voter ID law — went against Attorney General Greg Abbott and the state. Full Story
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This week on the Newsreel: Redistricting maps tossed, Dewhurst runs for re-election, and the Senate's committees are being reorganized. Full Story
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In San Antonio, officials want to make Alamo Plaza appealing to both tourists and residents, but there isn't a consensus on the best way to do that. Some want vendors on the premises, but others say that would be disrespectful. Full Story
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A month after Republican voters rebuffed his U.S. Senate bid, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst says he will seek re-election in 2014. His choices for empty spots on Senate committees will start to reveal any change in his political direction. Full Story
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The Texas Department of Transportation will decide soon whether to grant a new stretch of toll road the fastest speed limit in the country. More than just bragging rights are at stake. Full Story
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State senators on Thursday took advantage of a committee hearing on cross-state health coverage to question Insurance Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman on her controversial decision to delay previously-approved consumer protections. Full Story
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As the 2012 Republican National Convention continues, the 2014 race for Texas lieutenant governor is already heating up. Candidates confirm their political intentions this week in Florida. Full Story
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