Past Contributions

• "No fist fights. No gun threats." Lawmakers give 86th Texas Legislature high marks

  By Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria and Woojae Julia Song June 6, 2019

  Members of the Texas House and Senate wasted little time touting the never-ending "kumbaya" feeling that enabled them to reform school finance and property taxes. For those who covered the Capitol, a substantive, successful session meant a "boring" one. Full Story 

• Many marijuana and pro-LGBTQ bills died this legislative session. Expect to see them back in 2021.

  By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song May 27, 2019

  While lawmakers in the 86th Texas Legislature advanced measures on some controversial issues, they know it often takes several sessions to pass bills and say they intend to refile them next time. Full Story 

• "I'm honestly still stunned that I work here": Meet the staffers who keep Texas lawmakers in check under the dome

  By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song May 14, 2019

  Behind the 181 members of the Texas Legislature, thousands of people work to keep the Capitol humming during legislative sessions. The work isn't always glamorous, but many view their small roles in helping state government function as an honor. Full Story 

• It's crunch time: Texas bills are going to start dying

  By Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman, Justin Dehn and Richard Loria April 30, 2019

  Is paid sick leave on life support? Did "constitutional carry" advocates shoot themselves in the foot? With just weeks to go in the session, lawmakers are handling the pressure to get their bills across the finish line in different ways. Full Story 

• Hurricane Harvey destroyed every apartment in Rockport, Texas. Some residents are still waiting for help from lawmakers.

  By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song April 18, 2019

  This is the first legislative session since the storm devastated the Texas Gulf Coast in August 2017. Several measures are afoot to aid in recovery and mitigate the effects of future disasters. Full Story 

• "We're all afraid to go to school": After Santa Fe, Texas seeks to make students safer

  By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song April 15, 2019

  Almost a year after the massacre at Santa Fe High School, state lawmakers are considering ways to make students and teachers feel safe in the classroom again. Full Story 

• Meet the advocates lobbying Texas lawmakers for more money and support this session

  By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song April 1, 2019

  During the Texas legislative session, the Capitol sees a rush of advocates. Our latest "Under the Dome" episode features two people lobbying on issues they are all too familiar with. Full Story 

• What the “wave of women” elected in 2018 looks like in the 2019 Texas Legislature

  By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song March 18, 2019

  This freshman class of female legislators is young, diverse and — thanks to the women who came before them — treated as equals in the traditionally male-dominated chambers. Full Story 

• The top places Texas lawmakers go to wine, dine and deal during legislative session

  By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song Feb. 28, 2019

  Not everyone in the Texas Legislature gets deals done under the dome. Some lawmakers are drawn to bars, clubs and restaurants around the state Capitol for the quiet or the queso. Full Story 

• The state of Gov. Greg Abbott’s emergency items: Will property tax and school finance get reformed?

  By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song Feb. 14, 2019

  The governor has laid out his legislative priorities. In our latest "Under the Dome" episode, we look at the challenges lawmakers face in addressing the issues of property taxes and school finance. Full Story