It is happening — a special legislative session, that is. Gov. Greg Abbott, ended the speculation Tuesday when he announced he was calling the Texas Legislature back for a special session starting July 18.
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
Higher Education
In a year of cuts, the Texas Legislature boosted financial aid for college students
Lawmakers voted to increase funding for the state’s top college financial aid program by 10 percent. That means the share of students who qualify for the program but don’t get it due to a lack of funding will be cut in half.
Posted in
Politics
City leaders, advocates criticize Abbott for special session agenda
Some urban officials say the governor’s list of priorities for a summer session will harm the state’s economy and undercut local Texans’ abilities to influence their communities.
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State Government
Here’s everything you need to know about the must-pass “sunset” bills
Several must-pass sunset bills didn’t make it to the governor’s desk. We’ve compiled an overview of what it could mean for the state if these agencies are not reauthorized.
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State Government
Gov. Abbott signs statewide ban on texting while driving
Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday signed into law a bill that creates a statewide ban on texting while driving.
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State Government
Analysis: A governor taking back the spotlight
Gov. Greg Abbott snatched the spotlight from his rivals with a long, long list of priorities for a special legislative session — one that takes care of must-do legislation and buries everything else.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: Is a special legislative session around the corner? We may find out today.
As speculation over a potential special legislative session has mounted this past week, Gov. Greg Abbott may be calling one later today. The governor is holding a press conference Tuesday afternoon at the Capitol.
Posted inEconomy, Health care, Public Education, State Government
Take a closer look at the budget Texas lawmakers just passed
Did the Texas Legislature boost funding for border security? What about public education? Did they dip into the Rainy Day Fund? Here’s a wide-angle look at what’s in the $217 billion budget the two chambers ultimately settled on.
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State Government
Abbott cites property tax “shortcoming” as potential special session looms
As speculation looms of a special session, Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday that state lawmakers didn’t adequately address the issue of property tax relief.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: We asked for hurricane vulnerability documents. 18 months later, this is what arrived.
Nearly two years after The Texas Tribune and ProPublica first started trying to understand how a massive hurricane could affect the city of Houston, a lot of uncertainty remains.
