State news in Texas
State
Analysis, State, Year in Review
A Year of Controversy and Scrutiny for the Texas Lottery
The Texas Lottery Commission’s latest scandals include rigged jackpots, online ticket sales, and questionable foreign ties.
Meet the Freshmen: Matt Morgan
Morgan has identified several priorities for the upcoming session, including border security, property tax relief, government spending, and insurance reform.
Texas on Track To Crack Down on Chinese Influence
Gov. Abbott has already been addressing foreign influence in the state, and lawmakers are expected to take additional action.
School Choice Plans Gain Energy in 2025
Lt. Gov Dan Patrick says the Republican-majority Legislature is poised to pass school choice in 2025.
State Archive
House Budget Conference Committee Members Appointed
On Wednesday afternoon, the House released the names of its five members who will serve on the conference committee for the state budget bill HB 1. Speaker of the House Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) appointed Reps. John Otto (R-Dayton), Sylvester Turner (D-Houston),...
Tyranny in the Texas House
When he was selected to serve as a figurehead Speaker of the Texas House by an insurgent faction of Democrats and liberal Republicans, Joe Straus promised to deliver a “member-driven” House. But Straus has proven throughout his tenure in the Speaker’s chair that he is...
Despite Gun-Jam, Open Carry Advances in Texas
Gun rights in the Lone Star State took a major step forward Monday as the Texas House passed open carry legislation. House Bill 910, by State Rep. Larry Phillips (R-Sherman) would remove the requirement that Concealed Handgun License holders conceal their weapons in...
Grumbling… At Getting Caught
The grumbling you hear coming from the Capitol? That’s the sound of the establishment acknowledging that taxpayers are winning! And members of the Texas House are mad – mad that their leadership has been caught slow-boating reform measures. Earlier this week we let...
Mayor Price, Judge Whitley Oppose Property Tax Reform
Self-described "conservative" local politicians joined forces with liberals last week to oppose lower taxes and limits on government growth. Leading the charge against the taxpayers of Tarrant County were Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and County Judge Glen Whitley who...
Abbott Continues Calls for Tax Relief
Speaking at a small business in North Austin on Tax Day, Gov. Greg Abbott took time to brag on the many economic accomplishments of the Lone Star State. Abbott noted that while many Americans are dreading this day, it should be noted that in Texas lawmakers are...
Reforms, Budget Pass Senate
On Tuesday afternoon, the Senate passed its budget for the 2016-17 biennium. At $211.4 billion, the Senate budget is slightly larger (by a margin of roughly $1.5 billion) than its House counterpart. However, the increase is not due to more spending, but may be...
Senators Seek to Stop Subsidizing Unions
On Thursday, the State Affairs Committee of the Texas Senate considered legislation that would strike a major blow to public-sector unions in the Lone Star State. Senate bill 1968, authored by State Sens. Joan Huffman (R-Brazoria) and Bob Hall (R-Canton), would...
Kel Seliger, Chris Turner Receive Anti-Taxpayer Award
State Sen. Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) and State Rep. Chris Turner (D-Arlington) were recently named “Legislators of the Month” by the Texas Municipal League for vocally opposing pro-taxpayer reforms, placing the interests of local politicians and bureaucrats ahead of...