The Texas House gave tentative and unanimous approval Thursday to a measure that would partially reverse a controversial cut to disabled children’s therapy services that was ordered by the 2015 Legislature.
Sarah Davis
Posted in
State Government
Key lawmaker wants ethics reform on special session agenda
State Rep. Sarah Davis will ask Gov. Greg Abbott to put ethics reform on the agenda of the ongoing special session and said focusing on ethics would restore trust in the Legislature at time when it’s diminishing.
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Health care
Gov. Greg Abbott’s top health appointee draws bipartisan fire at hearing
Both Republican and Democratic members of a key legislative oversight committee unloaded on Gov. Greg Abbott’s top health appointee Thursday, putting him and others on the hot seat for hours about alleged contracting abuses.
Posted in
Politics
Analysis: Season of speculating on Trump effect in Texas is over
We’ve reached the eve of the election, with many political fortune-tellers predicting big changes in Texas. Here’s a way to measure it, if it happens.
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Criminal Justice
2015 Tribune Festival: Audio From the Open Government Track
The Open Government track at The 2015 Texas Tribune Festival featured a panel discussion on public integrity and state government and a conversation over ethics. We also featured a conversation with Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar.
Posted inState Government
Abbott Vetoes Spousal Loophole
Gov. Greg Abbott has vetoed legislation that would have opened up a new loophole allowing elected officials to cloak assets held by a spouse. State Rep. Sarah Davis, whose bills contained the controversial amendment, said she wound up adding her voice to those calling for a veto.
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State Government
Huffman Stands by Push for “Spousal Loophole”
State Sen. Joan Huffman is facing criticism after authoring a measure allowing elected officials and bureaucrats to disclose less information about their spouses’ property and financial activity. She says the change was needed to clarify an “unclear” Texas Ethics Commission rule.
Posted inState Government
Abbott Gets Bill Limiting Ethics Disclosures
Gov. Greg Abbott wanted to “dedicate this session to ethics reform,” and now must decide whether to sign a bill limiting the information he and other elected officials must disclose information about their spouses’ property and finances.
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State Government
Ethics Reform: A Guide to What’s Still Alive
Now that the massive overhaul contained in Senate Bill 19 has gone on life support, a few targeted efforts to shine the light on conflicts of interest and enhance transparency remain. Here’s a guide to what’s moving and what’s not.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 22, 2015
Four large donors to the nonprofit currently documenting Texas lawmakers this session are well-known backers of conservative causes.