Minutes after Abbott’s announcement, state Rep. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, announced his campaign for the seat.
Drew Springer
Posted in
The 2019 Texas Tribune Festival
Watch a Texas Tribune Festival conversation about the state of agriculture
This panel features state officials and a former U.S. agriculture secretary talking about the state of agriculture in 2020 and beyond.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Critics say bill moving through Texas Legislature designed to aid GOP reelection bids
Supporters of the bill say it would expand ballot access. But some critics argue that the real goal is to make it tougher for Libertarians to get on the ballot and easier for Green Party candidates to do so.
Posted in
Higher Education
Letting researchers study plants and animals on your Texas land can get you a property tax break
A little-known and ill-defined provision in state statute offers big tax breaks to landowners who host university research on their property. Two lawmakers are trying — again — to close the “loophole.”
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
The Texas budget is up for debate in the House. Here are four things to know.
House members have proposed more than 300 amendments to the chamber’s spending plan. The proposals that pass could have major implications for hundreds of other issues regulated by the state.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Need money for property tax cuts? Ask voters first
Texas legislators are filing more property tax bills — several of which would require approval from voters. Among other things, that could shift any blame for new taxes away from lawmakers.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Here’s your property tax cut, maybe. Heads up — it’s expensive.
A new proposal to cut school property taxes in Texas perfectly outlines the political problem facing lawmakers: It’s terribly expensive, and other taxes have to be raised to pay for it.
Posted in
TribCast
Hog fights, Paxton’s change of venue and Flat Stanley (podcast)
On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Ross and Patrick about an unruly Texas budget fight, the relocation of AG Ken Paxton’s jury trial, and a warm and fuzzy photo of often-at-odds state leaders.
Posted in
Politics
Rural “school choice” letter campaign sparks confusion, accusations inside Texas Capitol
An advocacy group says thousands of letters sent to rural lawmakers suggests widespread support for legislation that would create education savings accounts. But lawmakers — and some constituents — say the letters are dubious.
Posted in
Public Education
Hot Seat: A Conversation With Duncan, Frullo and Springer
At our 10/23 Hot Seat conversation at the Texas Tech University, state Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, and state Reps. John Frullo, R-Lubbock, and Drew Springer, R-Muenster, talked about water, transportation, public education and other issues in play in the 83rd session.
