The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
A federal program known as the 1115 waiver helps pay for the costs of providing health care to people who are uninsured. Advocates for Medicaid expansion say it fills gaps in care that are caused by Texas’ refusal to expand coverage. Full Story
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Dr. Mark Escott, the interim medical director for Austin Public Health, told The Texas Tribune that he asked Ascension Seton hospital system “if they would be willing to vaccinate lawmakers and key staff if they had availability.” Full Story
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The FBI reportedly warned law enforcement agencies in all 50 states of possibly armed protests after the U.S. Capitol was besieged by pro-Trump rioters. Full Story
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Both Cruz and Cornyn confirmed that they will be at Biden’s inauguration next week, even as Cruz continues to spread false claims casting doubt on Biden’s victory. Full Story
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State Sen. Charles Schwertner gave up serving as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services in 2019. This year, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick named him chair of the Committee on Administration. Full Story
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The Beaumont Republican saw a flood of campaign cash in the weeks before he was elected speaker on Tuesday. Full Story
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State Rep. Joe Deshotel, D-Beaumont, told The Texas Tribune he tested positive Thursday — three days after lawmakers gaveled in for this year’s legislative session Full Story
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The rules, which passed unanimously Thursday, will help govern the House during the Legislature’s 2021 session. Full Story
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In a lawsuit, four former Paxton aides claim they were wrongfully terminated for reporting alleged criminal behavior on his part. Paxton’s agency wants a judge to quash subpoenas and depositions, saying that as an elected official Paxton is exempt from state whistleblower protection laws. Full Story
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The resolution passed on a party-line vote. Full Story
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Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo announced Thursday that the 18-year veteran of the department had resigned. Full Story
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Paxton has individually condemned the violence on television and social media while falsely claiming the pro-Trump mob that invaded the U.S. Capitol was infiltrated by liberal antifa activists. Full Story
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Texas Democrats have been unanimous in their support for impeachment. Many Republicans from the state have been opposed. Full Story
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State Rep. Charlie Geren filed legislation that would let restaurants battered by the coronavirus pandemic permanently sell alcohol to go. The measure already has backing from top state officials. Full Story
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The historic vote underscores the scale of anger at President Donald Trump for his role in last week's deadly insurrection at the United States Capitol. Full Story
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President Trump on Tuesday visited the Rio Grande Valley in what's likely his last Texas appearance as commander-in-chief. Full Story
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Phelan’s election to the gavel was one of the House’s first order of business Tuesday, when the Legislature kicked off the 2021 legislative session. Full Story
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In the latest episode of our podcast about the Texas Legislature, Evan Smith talks politics, policy, priorities and the pandemic with Dade Phelan, the presumptive speaker of the Texas House. Full Story
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During the 2021 legislative session, The Texas Tribune is streaming the Texas House and Senate chambers, which you can watch here. The session runs from Jan. 12 to May 31. Full Story
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Much about the session — including how it will be conducted during a pandemic — remains uncertain. Full Story
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