The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Perry gave brief statements before and after he entered Austin's Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center, where he was booked on two felony charges related to his threat to veto funding for the state’s public integrity unit. Full Story
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After being booked on two felony counts — a process that took less than 10 minutes — Gov. Rick Perry again stood by his veto of public integrity unit funding and called his indictment "a chilling restraint on the right of free speech." Full Story
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In an ad featuring clips of Travis County DA Rosemary Lehmberg's conduct during her 2013 drunken driving arrest, Gov. Rick Perry's federal political action committee defends the Texas governor's veto of funding for the state's public integrity unit. Full Story
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The defense attorneys representing Gov. Rick Perry, who faces an indictment related to his veto of funding for the state’s public integrity unit, said Monday that the governor acted "perfectly within the bounds and scope of his job." Full Story
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Michael McCrum, the special prosecutor who secured an indictment against Gov. Rick Perry on Friday, is described by colleagues as faithful and aggressive. One thing they don't call him is partisan. Full Story
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We're livestreaming Texas Tribune CEO and Editor-in-Chief Evan Smith's discussion on the future of health care in Texas with state Reps. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, and John Zerwas, R-Simonton. Full Story
There is a lot we don't know about how the prosecution of Gov. Rick Perry will take shape. In the meantime, here are five things to remember about this case and its history as things move forward. Full Story
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A grand jury indicted Rick Perry on Friday, alleging he abused his power by threatening to veto funding for the state's anti-corruption unit unless Travis County DA Rosemary Lehmberg, who had pleaded guilty to drunk driving, stepped down. Full Story
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State Sens. Dan Patrick and Leticia Van de Putte have taken to promoting their business credentials while campaigning to become the state's lieutenant governor in a race that influential groups say should be good for business. Full Story
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Here's full video of Gov. Rick Perry addressing Texas National Guard troops at Camp Swift in Bastrop County. Perry is deploying 1,000 National Guard troops in an operation to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Full Story
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While recommendation letters sent directly by lawmakers to UT-Austin's president have been a source of controversy there, similar letters sent to Texas A&M's leaders are not raising the same type of alarm. Full Story
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As the trial over ambulatory surgical center requirements for abortion facilities wrapped up Wednesday, the presiding judge questioned a key standard being used in the case. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday portrayed the deployment of the Texas National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border as a critical security measure, saying troops “now are the tip of the spear protecting Americans from these cartels and gangs.” Full Story
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UPDATED: Attorneys in the trial over ambulatory surgical center requirements for abortion facilities wrapped up their closing arguments Wednesday morning. Full Story
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At a state Senate Finance Committee hearing Tuesday, senators debated the merits and tactical strategies of Gov. Rick Perry’s decision to send Texas National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. Full Story
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In an unexpected uproar, gun rights organizations are pushing back against a proposed Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission rule change that would allow the sale of alcohol at some gun shows. Full Story
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Speaking at the RedState Gathering in Fort Worth on Friday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said “time will tell” whether he would launch a bid for president, but he encouraged those thinking of running for president in 2016 to "stand up and lead." Full Story
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Last week, state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, shot down speculation she was considering a run for San Antonio mayor. The rumors could hurt her prospects on multiple fronts. Full Story
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In an unexpected move, the Texas Water Development Board on Thursday punted a final decision on the controversial Marvin Nichols Reservoir a few months down the road. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry has issued at least 221 pardon proclamations since taking office in December 2000. We've made our existing searchable database easier to navigate by name, issuance year, crime type and/or pardon type. Full Story
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