Video: The Week in Texas Politics Recap: June 6 to June 10, 2011
Want a quick recap of some of the happenings this week in the Texas Legislature? We've made it easier for you with our weekly video rundown of the action under the dome. Full Story
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Second Life: Bill Becomes Festooned Health Care Christmas Tree
In hours of debate this afternoon, House lawmakers used an omnibus health care bill as their last-ditch effort to get other medical measures that failed during the regular session passed during the special session. Full Story
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![Rep. Lois Kolkhorst R-Brenham and Rep. John Zerwas R-Simonton during amendment discussion for SB 8 on May 24th, 2011]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
The Weekly TribCast: Episode 83
In this week's TribCast, Evan, Reeve, Ben and Emily harp on health care, speculate about the special session and respond to The Reponse. Full Story
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Health Reform Bill Alters Family Planning Funding
The health reform bill House lawmakers considered today has drawn an unexpected band of supporters: abortion opponents. The measure contains a provision aimed at doing what GOP lawmakers have fought to do all year: restrict funding to Planned Parenthood. Full Story
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TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
Aaronson and Grissom on a freshman lawmaker who didn't mind making waves, Aguilar on E-Verify's new lease on life, Galbraith on the state's plodding progress toward solar power, Hamilton on Warren Chisum's exit, Philpott on the remapping of Lloyd Doggett's district, Ramsey on a proposed change to ethics laws for Texas pols, Ramshaw on efforts by the state to take control of Medicaid and Medicare, Root on why a Rick presidential bid shouldn't be underestimated, M. Smith on the unraveling of school finance legislation and Tan and Dehn on the highs and lows of the 82nd legislative session: The best of our best content from May 30 to June 3, 2011. Full Story
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Updated: Lawmakers Renew Push to Take Over Medicaid, Medicare
Texas’ long-shot efforts to take control of Medicare and Medicaid — the health programs for the elderly, the disabled and the state’s poorest children — from the feds are back on the table. Full Story
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Health Bills in Legislative Committees, Again
The Senate Finance Committee — for the second time — has passed out measures designed to make Medicaid more efficient and effective, and to open the door for medical professions and institutions to collaborate. Full Story
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![Sen. Steve Ogden R-Bryan and Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, speaks with Sen. Jane Nelson R-Flower Mound during meeting on June 2nd, 2011]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
A Health-ful Special Session
With health care front and center in Gov. Rick Perry's special session call, lawmakers have already filed several key bills addressing multiple issues, from state efforts to seize control of Medicaid and Medicare to abortion. Full Story
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Session's End Creates Graveyard of Failed Legislation
The system is meant to kill legislation: That’s the old line often heard around the Capitol. As the session's end slams the coffin door on a slew of bills, more than a few lawmakers are taking solace in the fact that their dead bills have lots of company. Full Story
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House and Senate Adjourn; Special Session to Begin Tuesday
Both the House and Senate have adjourned sine die. But without a school finance deal in the Senate, Gov. Rick Perry is expected to call a special session for 8 a.m. Tuesday. Full Story
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For Some Republicans, Federal Action is Payback
State Sen. Dan Patrick says he knows why the federal government has intervened on two key bills facing Texas lawmakers in the final days of the legislative session: “retribution.” But is it that simple? Full Story
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Kolkhorst Throws Herself a Life Raft on Heath Care Compact Bill
Rep. Lois Kolkhorst threw herself a life raft tonight, attaching her Health Care Compact bill — a measure that would seek to give Texas control of the purse strings for Medicare and Medicaid — onto a Senate health care bill that the House passed on third reading. Full Story
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![Rep. Lois Kolkhorst R-Brenham on House floor May 24th, 2011]()
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Kolkhorst Holding Nelson's Health Bill Hostage
Rep. Lois Kolkhorst is holding Sen. Jane Nelson's health reform bill hostage. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
State Efforts to Take Control of Medicaid Struggling
Texas’ efforts to take control over Medicaid, the joint state-federal health care program for poor children and the disabled, could be in trouble. Full Story
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Senate Approves Bill on Health Reform Costs
In a mixed-bag swipe at "Obamacare," the Texas Senate approved a bill today that would require state agencies to report the costs — and savings — of implementing federal health care reform. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman/The Texas Tribune -
House Gives First OK to Dewhurst's Health Reform
House lawmakers have given the first OK to a key piece of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's health reform plan, after efforts to turn the bill into a health care Christmas tree fell short. Full Story
![Rep. Lois Kolkhorst R-Brenham and Rep. John Zerwas R-Simonton during amendment discussion for SB 8 on May 24th, 2011]()
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Dewhurst, Abbott, Nelson Fire Back at Trade Commission
State lawmakers have fired back against a Federal Trade Commission letter suggesting Senate Bill 8 — a key piece of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's health reform push — violates antitrust laws. The measure is expected to come up for a vote in the House on Tuesday. Full Story
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Senate OKs Changes to Newborn Screening Program
State health officials can no longer use infant blood samples for non-approved purposes without parental consent, under a measure Senate lawmakers approved today. Full Story
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End-of-Life Bills Appear Dead
For the third session in a row, legislation covering end-of-life care in Texas appears, well, dead. Full Story
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Family Practice Residencies Take Big Budget Hit
The residency programs that train Texas family physicians will take a big hit under the education budget agreement lawmakers unveiled today. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
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