A reinvented Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas says its darkest hour has passed, but the agency faces new conservative lawmakers unconvinced more money should be devoted to the agency.
Jane Nelson
Posted in
Health care
The Brief: Feb. 26, 2015
Senate budget writers directed their displeasure at the Texas Racing Commission during a contentious hearing on Wednesday in which the head of the finance committee declared herself “livid.”
Posted inState Government
This Time, Lawmakers Want Property Tax Cut That Folks Notice
The last time lawmakers cut property taxes, it barely registered with most voters because appraisal increases and local tax hikes overwhelmed the savings. This year’s cut will be smaller, but Republican leaders hope people will feel richer for it.
Posted in
Politics
Senate Leaders Propose $4.6 Billion in Tax Breaks
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced a slate of bills he says will provide lasting tax relief to businesses and homeowners in Texas — to the tune of $4.6 billion. But there are signs he could face some opposition within his own party.
Posted in
Energy
The Brief: Feb. 24, 2015
This month’s University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll explored registered voters’ views on carrying handguns in public, finding a strong plurality of 45 percent supporting the current legal framework of licensed concealed carry.
Posted in
Energy
The Brief: Feb. 13, 2015
The Kroll report, which looked into the admissions process at UT-Austin and whether some well-connected people had too much influence on that process, surfaced on Thursday.
Posted in
Health care
Drug Testing for Welfare Benefits Back on the Table
After a few failed legislative attempts, Republican lawmakers are once again working to make drug testing mandatory for some Texans who receive state welfare benefits.
Posted in
Energy
The Brief: Feb. 4, 2015
The ability of Austin tech firm 21CT to secure a $20 million Medicaid fraud software contract through a no-bid program run by the state’s Department of Information Resources drew intense scrutiny from Senate budget writers on Tuesday.
Posted inState Government
Senators Grill Agency Head Over Contracting Scandal
Senate budget writers on Tuesday described the state’s growing contracting scandal as “embarrassing” and “out of control” while the head of an agency at the center of the scandal defended its procurement policies.
Posted in
Politics
The Brief: Jan. 28, 2015
A judge’s decision on Tuesday not to dismiss two indictments against Rick Perry has both legal and political implications.
