Full video of my 4/7 conversation with state Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, and state Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso — the chairmen, respectively, of the Senate and House Transportation Committees.
84th Legislative Session
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State Government
The Playlist: Hog Heaven
After a marathon 17-plus hour debate that started just after noon last Tuesday, the House finally gave its preliminary nod to its version of the state budget, so we start this week’s playlist of the week’s news with “For the Love of Money” by The O’Jays.
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Contract High
Details Murky on State’s Largest Contracts
The Tribune asked more than 20 state agencies for basic information on their largest contracts with private vendors. Most knew, but the embattled health commission, which believes it has $60 billion or so in contracts, couldn’t provide key details.
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Politics
Houston, Dallas Would Be Largest Cities to Allow Open Carry
A Tribune analysis of gun laws nationwide shows passing “open carry” legislation would make Texas an outlier among states with large urban populations. Many of the nation’s biggest cities are located in states that prohibit it.
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State Government
Roundup: The House Budget Marathon and Cruz’s Campaign
In the Roundup: The House debates hundreds of budget amendments, and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz raises money and moves up in the polls in his first couple of weeks as a 2016 presidential contender.
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State Government
Analysis: Two Tax Plans, but Only One Comes With a Distinct Sales Pitch
The Texas Senate has touted its plans for cuts to property and business taxes publicly. The House has some alternatives, but it is way behind in the race to build public support.
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State Government
Video: After Budget Passage, Rep. Otto Looks Ahead
The Texas House passed a $210 billion budget early Wednesday, 18 hours after it started debate. House Appropriations Chairman John Otto said he was very proud of what lawmakers accomplished — but knows nothing is final yet.
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Politics
A Closer Look at Local Texting-and-Driving Bans
A bill that would enact a statewide texting-while-driving ban is advancing in the Texas Legislature, and it could affect some local ordinances already in place. Here’s a look at which municipalities currently have restrictions.
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Demographics
Efforts to Divert Border Security Funding Mostly Fall Flat in Budget Debate
House Democrats tried — and mostly failed — to divert funds allotted for border security and the Texas Department of Public Safety to other departments during Tuesday’s budget debate.
Posted in
Politics
Texas House Avoids Voucher Vote in Budget Debate
The Texas House was poised to take a vote banning private school vouchers as it adopted the state budget Tuesday. But about nine hours into the debate, the lawmaker carrying the measure withdrew it from consideration.