The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Political parties, interest groups, trade associations and others regularly compile scorecards for legislative votes, comparing and ranking lawmakers based on their decisions on issues. Now it's your turn. Full Story
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Midsummer doldrums have been replaced by a little suspense — about the governor's plans, a court's decisions and the Legislature's protracted debate over abortion law. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: With Gov. Rick Perry announcing that he won't seek a fourth term, GOP candidates are quickly making plans to try to move up the statewide political ladder. Full Story
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Abortion opponents took to the Capitol on Monday night to endorse bills moving through the Legislature that would dramatically curtail the procedure. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry announced Monday that he will not run for re-election next year, making Attorney General Greg Abbott the instant favorite to replace him. So what does the future hold for the longest-serving Texas governor? Full Story
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Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and several high-profile figures joined an anti-abortion rally on the eve of the House's scheduled vote on omnibus abortion legislation. Meanwhile, abortion rights advocates led a march from the Capitol to protest the legislation. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry announced Monday that he will not run for re-election next year, creating the first open race for Texas governor since 1990 and making Attorney General Greg Abbott the instant favorite to replace him. Full Story
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While abortion legislation is drawing all the attention in this second special session, lawmakers are also trying for the third time this year to find some extra money for the Texas Department of Transportation. Full Story
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Rick Perry has been governor for so long and has consolidated so much power that it's easy to forget a basic tenet of Texas government: It's designed to keep its governors weak. Full Story
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This week in the Texas Weekly Newsreel: Texas legislators are back for a second special session and another round of the debate on the state's abortion laws. Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Perry will announce "exciting future plans" in San Antonio. Full Story
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Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst currently enjoys the unenviable status of being the least popular of the major statewide Republican elected officials in Texas, according to an analysis of his approval numbers and standing in election matchups. Full Story
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Rather than displaying the swagger of Gov. Rick Perry, Attorney General Greg Abbott comes off as cautious and measured. Those who know him say he is very methodical, a trait that could be to his advantage in a potential race for governor. Full Story
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Over the course of the 83rd legislative session, we produced more than 60 articles on ethics and transparency among the state's elected officials. We've turned the "Bidness as Usual" project into a free e-book. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry has sent an email to close friends saying he will announce his "exciting future plans" on Monday in San Antonio. Full Story
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Thousands rallied at the state Capitol on Monday — most of them in opposition to legislation that would further restrict access to abortions in Texas. Take a photographic tour of the day's protests. Full Story
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All eyes are on the Texas Legislature as a second special session is under way. For lawmakers and others running for office, it's a good time — or a bad one — to show their stuff. Here's a look at who stands to gain or lose. Full Story
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After an end-of-session debate killed three bills, including a controversial abortion bill that prompted a filibuster, Gov. Rick Perry is calling lawmakers back for more. They started Monday. Full Story
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The second special session has begun — and so has lawmakers' bill-filing. Check out the legislation that's been filed so far, and track the bills as they progress through both chambers or die on the vine. Full Story
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Republican lawmakers say that no matter how many women show up to the Capitol to protest an abortion bill, they have the votes to pass it and will in this session. Full Story
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Before lawmakers gaveled in for the second special legislative session on Monday afternoon, abortion rights advocates sang their own rendition of "Amazing Grace" in the Capitol rotunda. Full Story
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