State news in Texas
Statewide Texas News
State Rep. Harrison Calls for End to UT Gender Studies Dept. After Attending ‘Transgender Conference’
Harrison said that he will advocate for ending all UT Austin state funding unless the school terminates the department.
19 GOP County Chairs Urge Support for Closed Primary Legislation
The chairs represent some of the largest counties in Texas.
State Issues Cease-and-Desist to Islamic Group Over Funeral Violations
The announcement comes after Abbott revealed that a dozen state agencies are investigating potential illegal activity tied to the controversial EPIC City project.
Groups Warn Texas Ethics Commission Is Chilling Citizen Speech
The Institute for Free Speech warned that Texas’ interpretation of lobbying could have ensnared the Founding Fathers themselves.
State Archive
Governing Like California: Insult or Aspiration for Straus?
Is Speaker Joe Straus trying to run the Texas House like a Californian? Sounds like a silly question. He’s a Texan after all. And pointing out the all the mistakes our West Coast neighbors have made over the years has virtually become our unofficial state pastime. Any...
Serve The People
Legislation filed by State Sen. Van Taylor of Plano is designed to discourage legislators from monetizing public service. Calling SB 555 the "Serve the People, Not the Lobby Act,” Taylor's legislation would prohibit a registered lobbyist from being eligible to be a...
The Basic Mechanics of Tax Relief
The Senate base budget plan has received much attention since it was released on January 25, 2015, primarily for its provisions for $4 billion in tax relief for property and business owners. Conservatives have applauded this measure, while moderates have decried it as...
Senate Aims to Expand Gun Rights
Gun rights took center stage on Thursday as the Senate State Affairs Committee conducted hearings on legislation that would expand the rights of Texans. After hearing testimony throughout the entire day, the Senate State Affairs Committee voted on a party line of 7-2...
Property Tax Limits Terrify Local Politicians, Lobbyists
While tax cuts are dismissed as “gimmicks” in the Straus-lead House, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick continues his push for property tax reform in the Senate. Consequently, county and local governments are terrified that their ability to indiscriminately grow government is...
Capitol Cover-Up Unravels
This morning brings sad revelations that House Speaker Joe Straus has undoubtedly participated in what is one of the most disgusting cover-ups in Texas' modern history. This is, of course, referring to Straus' attempt to bully, threaten and intimidate...
Straus Attacks Abbott Agenda
Throwing what can best be described as a wide-ranging temper tantrum in the face of unease among his inner-circle, House Speaker Joe Straus on Wednesday lashed out at many of Gov. Greg Abbott's marquee proposals and attacked the conservative Senate led by Lt. Gov. Dan...
Lawmakers “Force Fed” Pay Raise, Both Literally and Figuratively
The Texas Ethics Commission is poised to give Texas lawmakers a raise they never even asked for. To add insult to injury, the proposal would also further allow lobbyists and special interests to wine and dine legislators without reporting the expenses. While the Texas...
Establishment to Conservatives: Play the Game or Get Played
In attempts to defend those in power, Texas’ political media establishment often portrays members of the conservative movement – especially those critical of House Speaker Joe Straus – as extremists, seeking to turn Austin into a Washington, D.C.–style polarized...