A growing number of Republicans across the country are working to repeal their states’ income tax, using Texas’ economic success to make their case. Inside Texas, however, the state’s tax system is not universally beloved. Full Story
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Whether they have a longstanding interest or are branching into new territory, some of the state's top political donors advocate for education issues. Use our interactive to track contributions to lawmakers who make decisions affecting Texas schools. Full Story
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Who is really in power in state government? According to the calendar, the clout is days away from moving firmly to the governor's office. Full Story
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The legislative session adjourns Monday, but if Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst gets his way, lawmakers may have to stick around. Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela praised a think tank report on border security released Thursday for moving beyond using apprehensions of people crossing illegally as a measurement. Full Story
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After two days of deliberations that culminated Thursday evening with a closed-door meeting with Capitol lobbyists and staff from the governor's office, it appears leaders in the House and Senate have reached a deal on two high-priority education bills. Full Story
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Altered versions of amendments attached to the budget in the House specifically limiting the authority of the University of Texas System regents survived the conference committee process and remain in the final report on Senate Bill 1. Full Story
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UPDATED: Gov. Rick Perry has condemned the decision by Boy Scouts of America's national leadership on Thursday to admit openly gay scouts. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Budget negotiators may have hit another speed bump, and we answer your questions about the session. Full Story
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Your evening reading: fight breaks out in House over attempt to expand gun rights for lawmakers; Railroad Commission in peril; Democrat takes issue with electric-bill refunds in budget deal Full Story
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The House on Thursday knocked down a nonbinding motion to instruct conferees to keep an “anti-Medicaid expansion” amendment when they meet with Senate members to work out the final language of Senate Bill 7. Full Story
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UPDATED: House Higher Education Dan Branch, R-Dallas, has opted not to concur with significant changes made by the Senate to a bill requiring universities to offer incoming students optional four-year fixed tuition plans. Full Story
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Many self-proclaimed gun enthusiasts in the Texas House aren't ready to expand their own gun rights if they can't do the same for their constituents. Full Story
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At Thursday's TribLive conversation, state Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, addressed the rumors that he plans to run for attorney general in 2014. Full Story
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At Thursday's TribLive conversation, state Reps. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, and Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, talked about the Legislature's resistance to expanding Medicaid. Full Story
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UPDATED: If lawmakers don't do something quickly, the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates oil and gas in the state, could disappear. Full Story
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At Thursday's TribLive conversation, state Reps. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, and Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, talked about why the Legislature has made so little progress on transportation funding — and what happens now. Full Story
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The budget deal that took a step closer to passage Wednesday evening would spend $3.9 billion from the state's Rainy Day Fund. That would leave more in the fund than many lawmakers or Gov. Rick Perry had earlier proposed. Full Story
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This session, the Texas Association of Business put a focus on legislation related to criminal justice, as it advocated for bills aimed at helping ex-offenders get jobs. Here's a look at legislation that the group backed. Full Story
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After days of postponement and behind-the-scenes negotiations, lawmakers on Wednesday approved measures to advance funding for Texas' state water plan. But the plan still faces several hurdles, including a statewide vote. Full Story
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