The Brief: March 30, 2015
The reviews are in for Ted Cruz's first campaign swing this weekend through New Hampshire, a key early presidential primary state. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/16/Politics_and_Eggs_Cruz_NH_TTcrop.jpg)
-
![U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz attends a "Politics And Eggs" breakfast in Manchester, N.H. on March 16, 2015.]()
Credit: Abby Livingston -
The Brief: March 25, 2015
GOP budget writers had help closing the books on the Medicaid program for the current fiscal year with help from an unlikely source — the Affordable Care Act. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/21/MedicaidMoney.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman -
$209.8 Billion Budget Plan Headed to House Floor
The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday backed a $209.8 billion two-year budget that would leave $8.4 billion on the table, along with billions more in the state’s savings account. The budget plan now goes to the full House. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A1123CMS.jpg)
![State Rep. John Otto (right) proposes a constitutional amendment to use Rainy Day Fund money to pay off state debt during a news conference on Jan. 15, 2015. At left is state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Supplemental Budget Would Cost $433 Million, House Members Learn
House budget writers intend to add $433 million to the current two-year budget with a supplemental bill laid out Thursday, though some lawmakers expressed concern with plans for millions in leftover funds from some state health programs. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/04/_KCA8357.jpg)
![State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, in the Texas House of Representatives, Feb. 8, 2011.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
In State Contracting, Failure is an Option
Texas's tendency to privatize state services has led to contracting scandals erupting regularly. But a history of cost overruns or bad performance hardly bars a company from winning future jobs. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/30/TT-Rodunda-Contract-High002.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
-
The Brief: Dec. 15, 2014
The Houston Chronicle's Theodore Schleifer has the goods on next year's mayoral election in Houston. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/23/TxTribLive-TonyGarza167TXTrib-Upload.jpg)
![State Representative Sylvester Turner at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on May 27, 2013.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
TribLive: Changing Population, Changing Health Care
Full video of our 10/6 TribLive conversation with Rice University's Vivian Ho, Elena Marks of the Episcopal Health Foundation, former State Demographer Steve Murdock, Harris County Treasurer Orlando Sanchez and state Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/TribLive-live-graphic-changing-poplulation.png)
![Article thumbnail]()
-
The Brief: July 30, 2014
Top officials at the Texas National Guard and the Department of Public Safety on Tuesday told a select House committee looking at the costs of the ongoing border operation that they did not request Guard troops. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/21/Nichols1.jpg)
![Adjutant General John Nichols of the Texas National Guard explains the Guard's role in helping secure the border as Gov. Rick Perry, l, and DPS Director Steve McCraw listen July 21, 2014.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Brief: May 27, 2014
Will Texas buck the larger national trend in Republican politics and go in deeper with support of Tea Party candidates and causes? Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TexasTea-2.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Sex Offender Agency's Presiding Board Member Quits
Amid heated controversy over the placement of dangerous sex offenders, the presiding member of a board that oversees an agency that manages civilly committed violent sex offenders resigned on Tuesday. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Jail-Prison-Bars-2.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Neil Conway -
Liveblog: Health Care at The Texas Tribune Festival
We have liveblogged each session of The 2013 Texas Tribune Festival's Health Care track, which featured panel discussions on the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, new developments coming out of Texas, and abortion and women's health. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/09/25/TTF13-liveblog-HealthCare-lead-art.png)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Ben Hasson -
Two Decades On, Turner Holds Sway in the House
Throughout his 24 years in the Texas House, state Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, has taken a pragmatic approach to politics, maintaining close ties with Republican leaders if it means a seat at the negotiating table. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/23/TxTribLive-TonyGarza170TXTrib-Upload.jpg)
![State Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, at the state Capitol on May 27, 2013.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
![State Representative Sylvester Turner at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on May 27, 2013.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
New Twist in Budget Agreement Would End System Benefit Fund
A fee paid by millions of Texans and businesses on their electric bills would be abolished in September under a deal made Friday, the Senate's budget writer said. The fee goes to a fund that helps low-income Texans with their utility bills. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/BudgetTexas.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman -
House, Senate Negotiators Reach Deal on Budget
After days of negotiations, House and Senate representatives agreed to a budget plan that would add roughly $4 billion in extra funding for public education. It also paves the way for a $2 billion fund for water infrastructure projects. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
House Democrats: Budget Deal Still Not in Place
UPDATED: Half a day after Senate budget leaders said the contours of a budget deal were in place, confusion and uncertainty reigned in the Capitol as key negotiators argued over competing proposals. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Lawmakers Advocate Ending Driver Responsibility Program
Three members of the House are pushing legislation that would end the Texas Driver Responsibility Program — a program they say has been ineffective. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/_KCA5938.jpg)
![Texas Department of Public Safety patch worn on a uniform during an April 7, 2011 graduation ceremony in Austin.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Rule Will Prescribe Fewer Potent Drugs to Kids
Children on Medicaid under the age of three will not be prescribed powerful anti-psychotic drugs without a special authorization, under new rules the state Health and Human Services Commission implemented last week. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/medicaid-pills.png)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Graphic by Jacob Villanueva -
House Gives Early Nod to Health Care Compact
House lawmakers gave early approval to a bill designed to let Texas take control of Medicaid and Medicare from the federal government after a high-decibel argument between the measure’s Republican author and Democratic lawmakers. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/_KCA0788.jpg)
![Rep. Lois Kolkhorst R-Brenham, speaks during HB5 debate on June 15th, 2011]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Video: "Pansexual" Amendment Debate
While you were sleeping last night, lawmakers in the Texas House were engaged in a passionate debate over "pansexual" politics that nearly killed the entire fiscal matters bill, which is pretty much the main reason they're having a special session. Trust us — this is must-see video. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b490036bb6809b3e08b5b14fb9bd0e1b/BD%20INC%20Williams%2001%202013%20)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c8feae955af9e8eb22b5b0aaf4dd5495/BD%20INC%20HouseAppr%2013%202013)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/9e582d208014d69ba5d2ee3c4a305d7c/BD%20INC%20Christian%20CMS%202011)