Galveston County alone is home to 22 refineries and chemical plants. Their level of emergency preparedness varies widely.
State Government
Stay informed on Texas state government with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth coverage of the governor, Legislature, state agencies, and policies shaping the future of Texas.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott calls for ban on data center development in rural Texas neighborhoods
Abbott previously outlined a broad regulatory framework around data centers amid backlash from rural communities around their impact on residential neighborhoods.
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State Government
Dallas will furlough 4,200 city employees amid budget gap
Dallas has seen a $30 million budget shortfall driven by slower sales tax revenue and higher-than-expected overtime costs for police and firefighters.
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Immigration
Bo French says Texas shouldn’t recognize babies born to undocumented parents as American citizens
The GOP nominee for the state’s oil and gas commission said Texas should not recognize babies born to immigrant parents as citizens.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
San Marcos becomes the first Texas city to ban data centers, testing its local control
As Texas counties have faced hurdles to curb the rapid growth of data center developments, cities could have more success with banning them through their zoning laws, land experts say.
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Public Education
Texas education board member threatens to sue colleagues over posts calling her “Marxist”
A Democratic board member says colleagues harassed her in social media posts during Texas’ debate over how history is taught. The GOP members deny any bullying.
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Health care
Maternal health ‘deserts’ endanger some Texas women, babies
Of the more than 200 rural counties in Texas, about 70% have no hospital at all or have hospitals that don’t have facilities for delivering babies.
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Politics
Texas Democrats welcome Bernie Sanders and plunge into kitchen-table politics
In speeches and conversations throughout their convention, Texas Democrats embraced affordability and anti-corruption themes championed by the independent senator from Vermont.
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Politics
Kendall Scudder wins race to lead Texas Democratic Party into critical midterms
Texas Democrats overwhelmingly elected Scudder, the incumbent, to a full term as party chair at their state convention Saturday.
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Public Education
Mandated Bible stories in reading lists, revamped history for Texas public schools approved
The State Board of Education approved the reading lists and K-8 social studies changes after months of debates.
