State

State Archive

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Straus v The Truth (And Perry)

Numerous reports came in last week and over the weekend from activists saying that the calcium-challenged supporters of Joe Straus — knowing their man has been categorically rejected by GOP and conservative activists around the state — are now actually telling...

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Texas Citizens: “We’ll Be Watching You”

What happens in Austin no longer stays in Austin, with Texans more engaged than ever in their government. And those citizens have a simple message for those in public office: "we'll be watching you." Lyrics: Every hand you shake, Every cent you take, Every vow you...

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Straus to Whistleblower: Resign or be Indicted

In a stunning revelation of potentially illegal influence peddling, House Speaker Joe Straus promised that an indictment effort and other actions against whistleblowing UT Regent Wallace Hall Jr. could be stopped if Hall just resigned office and dropped his...

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How Straus Secretly Killed Campus Carry

In Austin, as it is in Washington, DC, there is an overriding, cynical culture that suggests campaign promises are merely a tool one uses to get elected, to be tossed aside at the first convenience. But while those who are more interested in self-promotion than...

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When Moderates Win, Democrats Win

Democrats are lamenting their setbacks in a recent election that witnessed a clear mandate for conservative leadership. One of their biggest complaints: the loss of moderate Republicans. A major example outside of Texas sheds light on how Democrats rely on...

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Speech Regulation at the Eleventh Hour

During the most recent legislative session, lawmakers passed a bill – SB 1773 – requiring a joint committee of senators and state representatives to examine our state’s so-called ethics laws and determine whether they are fulfilling their purposes or in need of...

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An End to Government by Sleight of Hand

The contrasting words and actions of two establishment moderates and two rising conservative stars surrounding Monday’s meeting of the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) perfectly summed up our current legislative zeitgeist: Texans are experiencing an end to government by...

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Time to End the Two-Thirds Rule

An infamous parliamentary procedure historically ingrained into the rules of the Texas Senate, the two-thirds rule is used in modern times as a political tool to stifle good legislation. Instead of members of the majority passing bills advancing commonsense reform,...