The latest Dan Patrick news from The Texas Tribune.
The ability of Austin tech firm 21CT to secure a $20 million Medicaid fraud software contract through a no-bid program run by the state's Department of Information Resources drew intense scrutiny from Senate budget writers on Tuesday. Full Story
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On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics with host Jason Whitely, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy and Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey talk about U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, who's showing all the signs that he's gearing up for a presidential run. Full Story
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UPDATED: State Sen. Donna Campbell and Land Commissioner George P. Bush were among the speakers who addressed a gathering of school choice supporters Friday just outside the Texas Capitol. Full Story
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In the Roundup: Rick Perry comments on the rejection of his bid to dismiss criminal charges, there was a moment of uncertainty surrounding open carry legislation in the Senate, and Texas Muslim Capitol Day draws loud protests. Full Story
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In a week where the news was driven to a large degree by rallies on the Capitol grounds — from open carry activists to anti-Muslim protesters — it's perhaps fitting that the week closes with another one. Full Story
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Allowing concealed weapons to be carried on college and university campuses would create "less safe" environments, University of Texas System Chancellor William McRaven wrote in a letter to legislative leaders on Thursday. Full Story
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gave the green light Wednesday on a push for open carry legislation in the Senate, a day after he indicated in a Texas Tribune interview that the votes weren't there for passage. Full Story
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The session has barely begun, and the prospect of a new law allowing Texans to openly carry handguns first appeared to be inevitable, then dead, then alive again. Oddly, it's the idea's supporters who keep scrambling its political fate. Full Story
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A judge's decision on Tuesday not to dismiss two indictments against Rick Perry has both legal and political implications. Full Story
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At our 1/27 conversation, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick talked about why open carry legislation isn't necessarily going to pass in the 84th session. Full Story
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At our 1/27 conversation, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick talked about vouchers — and whether the 84th session's outcome on the issue might differ from that of the 83rd. Full Story
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Nearly two weeks after the House's base budget was released, Senate Finance Chairwoman Jane Nelson presented the Senate's plan, which she said sets aside $3 billion for "meaningful" property tax relief for Texas homeowners. Full Story
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At our 1/27 conversation, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick talked about the possibility of tax relief as a component of the budget that will be passed by the 84th Legislature. Full Story
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Full video of my 1/27 conversation with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who talked about the change in Senate rules, vouchers, tax relief, transportation funding, open carry and more. Full Story
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Guns were a big topic of conversation inside the Capitol and outside of it on Monday. Full Story
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has formed a new advisory board to focus on border security, education reform and tax relief. Its members? Tea Party leaders from across the state. Full Story
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The Tribune's Abby Livingston has the details on how Rick Perry spent the rest of his weekend in Iowa following his high-profile appearance at Saturday's Iowa Freedom Summit. Full Story
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On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the personal styles of Texas' new governor and lieutenant governor. Full Story
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Marking a new era in Texas politics, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick were sworn in on a bright sunny Tuesday, so we ease into this week’s playlist off the news with pianist Bill Evans' solo rendition of “On a Clear Day.” Full Story
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's office on Friday announced new committee members. Among the new chairs: State Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, who will lead the Senate Education Committee. Full Story
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