House panel debates state parks funding
A measure that would've guaranteed a set amount of funding to state parks was upturned in 2015. Lawmakers and advocates are hoping similar legislation will stick this session. Full Story
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![Boca Chica State Park in Brownsville, Texas.]()
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What you need to know now about the one bill Texas lawmakers must pass (video)
In less than two minutes, learn the ins and outs of the only bill that Texas lawmakers have to pass — the one that will determine how the state government is funded for the next two years. Full Story
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Analysis: How current Texas lawmakers can boss future lawmakers around
Texas legislators cannot bind future legislators by preventing them or forcing them to do something. But they can certainly make their future decisions uncomfortable. Full Story
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![The Texas House of Representatives continues the budget debate into the late afternoon Thursday on April 6, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: A high-stakes budget duel — if Texas lawmakers want one
The Senate doesn't like the House's hit on the Rainy Day Fund. The House doesn't like the Senate's delay of a deposit into the state's highway fund. Neither wants to raise taxes. But all is not yet lost — unless they want to fight about it. Full Story
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![House Appropriations Chairman John Zerwas, R-Richmond, and Senate Finance Chairwoman Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound.]()
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State's top lawyer sides with Texas Senate in budget dispute
Attorney General Ken Paxton sided with the Texas Senate Friday in a dispute among legislative budget-writers over a $2.5 billion accounting trick using state transportation funds. Full Story
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Senate budget "unambiguously" unconstitutional, House leadership says
In a letter sent Tuesday, an attorney for two House leaders urges Attorney General Ken Paxton to side against a $2.5 billion accounting trick proposed in the Texas Senate's version of the state budget. Full Story
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![State House Speaker Joe Straus on the floor as the House takes up the budget on April 6, 2017.]()
Credit: Laura Skelding for The Texas Tribune -
How do the Texas House and Senate budgets compare?
Both chambers have passed state budgets that spend around $218 billion but significant differences remain. With just a few weeks to go before the end of the session, here's a look at the key sticking points. Full Story
![House Appropriations Chairman John Zerwas, R-Richmond, and Senate Finance Chairwoman Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound.]()
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Will Abbott wield sharper veto pen in budget talks?
With some of his priorities on the chopping block this session, Gov. Greg Abbott may be eyeing his recently expanded veto authority in order to get his way. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott speaks on the first day of the 85th Legislature on Jan. 10, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar pitches overhaul of Rainy Day Fund
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar wants to reshape the state's Rainy Day Fund, aiming to get more bang for those stowed-away bucks. Full Story
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![Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar]()
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Constitutional or not? Paxton asked to weigh in on $2.5 billion Senate budget trick
Paxton’s answer to that question could shake up budget negotiations in the final weeks of session. Full Story
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The House takes up the budget: a day in pictures
After more than 15 hours of debate, the Texas House passed its budget proposal early Friday morning, 131-16. Here's the story in pictures. Full Story
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![The Texas House of Representatives takes up the budget on April 6, 2017.]()
Credit: Laura Skelding for The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: Texas budget writers have the cash, but won't let go of their tricks
The state has a Rainy Day Fund with billions of dollars in it, but Texas lawmakers would rather use accounting tricks to balance their next budget. Full Story
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House passes budget after more than 15-hour debate
After 15 and a half hours of debate on hundreds of amendments to the Texas House budget, lawmakers in the lower chamber passed the two-year, $218 billion document, with 131 votes in favor and 16 votes against. Full Story
![State House Speaker Joe Straus on the floor as the House takes up the budget on April 6, 2017.]()
Credit: Laura Skelding for The Texas Tribune -
Amid clash over procedure, Texas House moves to defund Enterprise Fund
While the Texas House on Thursday voted to defund a controversial economic development program and put the money toward services for vulnerable children, a group of Tea Party Republicans complained about the way the vote was handled. Full Story
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![As the state House debates its $218 billion budget on April 6, 2017, Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, tells a packed house that he is upset about a procedural battle that caused his voice to be silenced.]()
Credit: Laura Skelding for The Texas Tribune -
Three things to know as the Texas House kicks off a marathon budget debate
If history is any guide, the Texas House is poised for a long day with its fair share of drama as the chamber takes up a $218 billion budget that has drawn 400 proposed amendments. Full Story
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![With less than a week before lawmakers convene, preparations are underway to welcome members of the state House of Representatives for the 85th session of the Texas Legislature.]()
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O'Rourke vs. Cruz, budget and bathroom bill (podcast)
On this week's Tribcast, Aman talks to Evan Patrick and Alexa about U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke's campaign to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, the marathon House budget debate coming on Thursday, and the NCAA's stance on the bathroom bill. Full Story
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House budget amendments seek to ignite controversial topics
House lawmakers seek to force debate on controversial topics such as transgender rights, bathroom use, border security and abortion when the state's proposed two-year budget comes up on the House floor on Thursday. Full Story
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Texas House budget writers send budget to full House with massive health care cut
“I am absolutely confident that services won’t be compromised," state Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, said of the cuts. Full Story
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![Nelda Hunter, House Appropriations Committee clerk, confers with chair State Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, during a public hearing Feb. 15, 2017 on health and human services funding and border security.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Texas Senate approves its budget, shifting school costs to local taxpayers
The Texas Senate passed budget that would shift $1.8 billion in public education costs to local taxpayers. Full Story
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![Sen. Jane Nelson R-Flower Mound celebrates after the budget bill passes unanimously on March 28, 2017]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera for The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: Don’t fret — it’s too early to say Texas lawmakers will blow this
The denizens of the Texas Capitol are already talking about the possibility of a special session if lawmakers haven't finished the budget and other bills by Memorial Day. They might be worried, but you shouldn't be. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman