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The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.

  • Trouble in the big tent

    by Abby Rapoport

    Those watching the Perry-Hutchison brawl for hints of the GOP's future may be looking in the wrong place. A small race for the State Board of Education gives a glimpse into the party's inner-turmoil. Full Story 

    Republicans Thomas Ratliff (left) and Don McLeroy prepare to square off for a State Board of Education primary.
    Credit: Bob Daemmrich and Elise Hu

  • The Polling Center: Our Inaugural Election Survey

    by Jim Henson and Daron Shaw

    The results of the first UT/Texas Tribune poll, which was in the field from October 20-27 and sampled 800 Texans who identified themselves as registered voters, shows Texas slowly turning their attention to the 2010 elections. Perhaps more to the point, they have become extremely skeptical about the direction of the federal government. Today we’ll focus on the election match ups and what they tell us about the state of play a little less than six months out from the March primaries. Full Story 

  • Disabled students restrained, injured in public schools

    by Emily Ramshaw

    Texas educators routinely pin down students with disabilities to control them, according to state data. Disability rights advocates say the restraints point to a crisis in special education, and that teachers are resorting to physical violence because they aren't properly trained. Full Story 

    Jennifer Howson was restrained dozens of times in her Kemp public school, often sustaining injuries like these.
    Credit: Photo courtesy of the Howson family

  • TribBlog: Permanent School Fund Rebounds. But Will Schools Benefit?

    by Brian Thevenot

    The state’s permanent school fund, which spins off money for textbooks and the like each year, has recaptured billions of dollars after a frightening downward spiral this spring. Trouble is, the increase in the fund may produce no increase at all in education spending. The real beneficiaries of the fund often are the state legislature and its priorities outside education. Full Story 

  • Rick vs. Kay: Battle of the Titans

    by Ben Philpott, KUT News

    Today is Election Day for 11 propositions on the constitutional ballot in Texas, but most of the state’s political attention is focused on next November’s gubernatorial election—and the brightest light is squarely on the Republican primary battle between incumbent Governor Rick Perry and U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. Ben Philpott, who's covering the governor’s race for Austin public radio station KUT-FM and the Tribune, reports on the battle of the titans taking place in the GOP and what its aftermath could mean for the party in power ... and the Democrats' chances next fall. Full Story 

  • Shapleigh's out and then what?

    by Brandi Grissom

    El Paso state Sen. Eliot Shapleigh's surprise announcement that he won't seek another term in the Texas Senate in 2010 set off speculation about his plans for higher office — and a vigorous fight to replace him. Full Story 

  • Keeping Count

    by Brandi Grissom

    Texas should create a committee to promote participation in the 2010 U.S. Census, state Rep. Mike Villarreal told Gov. Rick Perry in a letter Tuesday. Full Story 

  • Is there a doctor on the line?

    by Emily Ramshaw

    Emergency medical technicians and entry-level nurses could be cut out of the telemedicine equation under a proposal the Texas Medical Board is considering. The change would prohibit anyone but doctors, physicians' assistants and advanced practice nurses from presenting patients for care via long-distance videoconferencing – a move rural hospitals and prison doctors adamantly oppose. Full Story 

    Perry shakes hands after a speech in the Texas House.
    Credit: Ross Ramsey

  • Reluctantly out in front

    by Abby Rapoport

    Most elected officials greet a chairmanship with some excitement. Gail Lowe, the Lampasas Republican who recently became the chair of the State Board of Education, is approaching her new title with some apprehension. Full Story 

    Gail Lowe
    Credit: Caleb Bryant Miller

  • Too busy for a review

    by Elise Hu

    Just days before it was set to review a case in which the state has been accused of executing an innocent man, Gov. Rick Perry replaced the chairman and two other members of an independent state forensics panel. Full Story 

    Perry shakes hands after a speech in the Texas House.
    Credit: Ross Ramsey

  • State technology chief resigns

    by Emily Ramshaw

    The executive director of the state's data and information technology agency stepped down last month. Brian Rawson, who spent the last three years overseeing the state's data consolidation and telecommunications efforts for the Department of Information Resources, will run "statewide data initiatives" for the Texas Education Agency. Full Story 

    Perry shakes hands after a speech in the Texas House.
    Credit: Ross Ramsey