State

State Archive

Texans Rally in Support of Open Carry

Monday morning, scores of Texans from around the state flocked to the Capitol to speak to lawmakers. With empty holsters and “Come and Take It” flags in tow, members of Open Carry Texas and other gun rights groups rallied in support of  legislation that most would not...

Faith and Family Day in Texas

The Texas legislature is back in Austin this year and a number grassroots activists are making sure that the rights of Texans are protected rather than ignored. One group, Texas Values, is preparing to host the 2015 Texas Faith and Family Day at the Texas Capitol on...

Geren’s Back Room Deal Expands Eminent Domain

Regardless of one’s ideological leanings, Texans deserve legislators who conduct themselves with the integrity their duty requires. Straus-lieutenant, Rep. Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth), has proven time and again that he’s either incapable or unwilling to do so....

Cutting Taxes And Reforming Budgets

Including $4 billion in tax cuts and a needed re-prioritization of spending, State Sen. Jane Nelson released the blueprint from which the Senate Finance Committee -- which she chairs -- will draft the state budget. The Flower Mound Republican presented her plan in the...

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Transportation Reform: Fiscal Responsibility First

Predictably, the Austin establishment is calling for higher taxes, rainy-day raids and further expansion of "regionally managed” toll lanes as a means to finance roadway expansion. But before Texans allow more money to be indiscriminately thrown at transportation, the...

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Aycock Attacks School Choice

It took less than a week, but lawmakers in the Texas House are already lining up against Texas parents and their children’s education. Thursday, presumptive House Education Committee Chair Jimmie Don Aycock took a break from attacking grassroots conservatives on...

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Patrick Releases Committee Assignments

Texas State Senators will be able to get to work quickly when they return on Monday after action by their new presiding officer. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick ended his first week in his new office by releasing his Senate committee assignments. In assigning the positions,...

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UT Gets ‘Common Core’ Regent

Coming out of the gate with appointments, the team advising Gov. Greg Abbott seems to have made an initial early misstep by appointing an advocate of “common core” to the University of Texas board of regents. This is most surprising, given the strong stance Abbott has...

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Senate Two-Thirds Rule Reformed As Promised

Conservatives around the Lone Star State rejoiced Wednesday afternoon when the Texas Senate did away with the long reviled two-thirds rule by a vote of 20–10*, with Sen. Craig Estes voting “present, not voting." A united Republican caucus joined by lone Democrat Sen....