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Jasper Scherer is a politics reporter for The Texas Tribune. He previously covered Texas politics and government for Hearst Newspapers' Austin bureau, which he joined after stints covering City Hall for the Houston Chronicle and Bexar County for the San Antonio Express-News. A native of San Francisco, Jasper graduated from Northwestern University with degrees in journalism and political science. He is based in Austin.
The policy shift was announced before state senators, skeptical of the move, grilled officials with the department and courier services in a hearing on SB 28. Full Story
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The agency dismissed a campaign finance watchdog complaint after finding no evidence Cruz “solicited, directed, received, transferred, or spent the funds.” Full Story
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While the Lottery Commission says it can’t regulate sales to couriers, lawmakers want changes after two major jackpots were won using those services. Full Story
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The proposal sets a few possible points of contention between the House and Senate, including how much money should families get through the program. Full Story
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Supporters of voucher-like education savings accounts are trying to press their advantage early and build a sense of inevitability. Full Story
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There were only so many chair positions to go around, with 30 committees for 88 Republicans, making it inevitable that some would miss out on plum appointments. Full Story
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Republicans chair all committees, as promised, while Democrats will lead half of the newly created subcommittees. Full Story
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The package of bills would tighten the state's bail laws to keep more people in jail — including undocumented immigrants — while their criminal cases are pending. Full Story
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With plenty of patience and money, the industry is extending its multi-year campaign to bring legal casinos and sports betting to the state. Full Story
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Texas’ border spending exploded after Joe Biden’s election, then state leaders signaled a new willingness to reduce it when Trump won. That didn’t last long. Full Story
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