Guides

Gov. Rick Perry has said the Rainy Day Fund should be preserved as an insurance policy against natural disasters, but Texas can't actually dip into it until the next legislative session — in 2013. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Why does the Texas Constitution have so many amendments? The way it's written makes it both fairly easy to amend and highly restrictive in the powers it grants, making frequent and often highly specific changes necessary. Full Story 

Texans for Rick Perry, his state campaign committee, listed $2.1 million in cash on hand at the end of June, according to its most recent filing. But Perry can't touch it for his just-launched presidential campaign. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Gene Powell, the chairman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, is out raising money for Perry's presidential campaign. Is that okay? Full Story 

In the wake of well-documented budget woes, the state Legislature took a more than 9 percent chunk out of higher education in the recent session. Some institutions have now raised tuition, and others may soon do the same. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Who becomes governor if both Rick Perry and David Dewhurst are elected to other offices? Citizens, meet state Sen. Mike Jackson. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: What are the State Comptroller’s Events Trust Funds, and how do they work? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: How much does the Texas Capitol recycle during a legislative session? During this session, 72 tons of paper, plastic and aluminum, bringing in $12,000 to the fund that maintains state buildings. Full Story 

Hey Texplainer: What happens to the bills that Perry doesn't sign or veto? Gov. Rick Perry has vetoed and signed a multitude of bills this year, but to date there have been 27 he allowed to become law by default. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Does the Texas Windstorm Industry Association have enough money for this year's hurricane season? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Is is true that sex acts are being taught to college students at state-funded gender and sexuality centers? Full Story 

Gov. Rick Perry is not shy when it comes to using his veto pen. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Can the Lege override the governor's veto of legislation passed in the regular session — once the regular session is over? The governor says no. But it's murky. Two expert opinions offer somewhat conflicting views. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Can Texas really stop the TSA from touching my privates when I go through airport security? Short answer: No. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: How does a special session work? And how is it different from the regular session? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: What's all the talk about deadlines at the Legislature this week? Aren't there three weeks left in the session? Full Story 

The first reading is just an introduction, the second reading is when the action happens, and the third reading is for final passage. Full Story 

As the wildfires have worsened, costs have mounted at a rate of over $1 million per day. The state will pay the majority, though local governments and the feds will also pay a share. Full Story 

With gasoline costing $1 more than a year ago, budget planners can add fuel expenditures to their list of worries. However, it's also true that oil companies will also pay more in taxes to the state as they beef up their drilling operations. Full Story 

With more than 3,000 bills and only 140 days to pass them, somebody's got to set priorities and make a schedule. Those somebodies are on the calendars committees. Full Story