State news in Texas
State
House Rules Debate Comes Late as GOP Seeks End to Democrat Chairs
The last time the rules were voted on this late was in 2009, the first session of former Speaker Joe Straus.
Meet the Freshmen: Keresa Richardson
A homeschooling advocate, Richardson emphasized the importance of giving parents more control over their children’s education.
Democrat Coalition Propels Dustin Burrows to Speaker of the Texas House
More Democrats than Republicans voted for Burrows’ speakership.
State Sen. Brandon Creighton Named President Pro Tempore as Session Begins
Creighton was sworn in on the same Bible his ancestor was sworn in on when he represented his district over 120 years ago.
State Archive
Critical Vote on Republican Primary Ballot Propositions
When Republicans go to the polls for the primary election on March 6th, they won’t just be asked to elect candidates. They will also vote on eleven ballot propositions dealing with issues ranging from property taxes, to illegal immigration, to toll roads. At...
Parker, Huberty Hijack House Caucus to Fight Abbott
The Texas House Republican Caucus is using its financial muscle to defend liberal lawmakers opposed by grassroots conservatives and the governor. On Monday, the Texas House GOP tweeted its support for pro-abortion State Rep. Sarah Davis (R–West University Place) as...
Granny Tax Apologists and Outright Lies
Lawmakers who supported the “Granny Tax” during the 2017 legislative session have taken to social media to defend the bill and in one case paint criticism as “outright lies.” But their protests don’t hold up to scrutiny. Those supporters of the tax, which was...
NAFTA Negotiations: The Texas Factor
During his campaign, then-candidate Donald Trump signaled that as President he’d withdraw the United States from the North American Free Trade Agreement, referring to it as “a disaster.” Leaning on advisers friendly toward economic nationalism, Trump threatened to...
State Senator Carlos Uresti’s Trial Drags On
State Sen. Carlos Uresti (D-San Antonio) has spent much of his 2018 not working on legislation, but rather in the court room. Uresti was featured in the Daily Beast’s bombshell report, along with State Sen. Borris Miles (D-Houston), after they were accused of sexually...
Bombshell Report Reveals Lawmaker’s Massive Conflict of Interest
An investigative report in Houston reveals State Rep. Jim Murphy (R–Houston) is profiting heavily from his role in managing tax-funded special purpose districts, and the method of his compensation only enhances the apparent conflicts of interest. According to an...
TSRA Misfires on Endorsements
Citizens across the Lone Star State would be shocked to learn that while there are some candidates campaigning for office who are more pro-gun than Republican incumbents, the TSRA has so far taken a pass on endorsing them. Over the past few years, conservative...
Nursing Home PAC Endorses “Granny Tax” Supporters
A Texas Health Association PAC recently released its list of 2018 primary endorsees, primarily based on their vote for a rate-increase scheme on the backs of nursing home residents and taxpayers. The Texas Health Care Association proclaims itself as “the largest...
Texas Senate Eyes Reform of Campus Free Speech Policies
SAN MARCOS, Texas—A committee of the Texas Senate met today at Texas State University to consider reforms to protect and preserve free speech at Texas' public universities. After Texas Southern University officials removed State Rep. Briscoe Cain from a speaking...