87th LegislatureState HouseStatewide NewsTexas House Committee Assignments Feature Notable Shifts in Chairmanships
Brad JohnsonFebruary 4, 2021
Here's a list of the newly announced Texas House committee chair and vice chair appointments.
HomeTagDennis Bonnen | The Texan
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyState HouseTexas State Rep. Shelby Slawson Resurrects ‘Heartbeat Bill’
Isaiah MitchellFebruary 2, 2021
The proposal would ban abortions after a heartbeat is detected. In 2019, the legislation died in a committee chaired by a Democrat.
87th LegislatureState HouseFirebrand Roots Contrast Legislative Hopes as the Texas Freedom Caucus Enters Third Session
Brad JohnsonFebruary 2, 2021
Though the Freedom Caucus' roster has changed since its inception in 2017, the group enters another legislative session with its founding goal in mind.
87th LegislatureStatewide NewsThe Texas Capitol Will Reopen on January 4, State Leaders Announce
Isaiah MitchellDecember 21, 2020
Quelling some fears of a completely virtual or closed session, state leaders announced that the capitol will open eight days before session begins.
87th LegislatureState HouseTexas House Members Call on Presumptive Speaker to Appoint Only Republicans to Pivotal Committee Chairmanships
Brad JohnsonDecember 18, 2020
The ability of the Texas Republican Party to pass its legislative priorities during the upcoming session may hinge on who oversees the committees through which they must pass.
86th Legislature87th LegislatureState HouseRep. Matt Krause Announces Bid for Texas House Republican Caucus Chair
Isaiah MitchellDecember 3, 2020
Rep. Matt Krause will campaign to lead Texas House Republicans, replacing Rep. Stephanie Klick.
87th LegislatureState HouseState SenateThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Senator Calls Out DSHS, Allen West at Odds with Bonnen, Lawmaker Says to ‘Open the Capitol’
McKenzie TaylorNovember 13, 2020
This week — a senator calls out a state agency, GOP leaders go to blows, and a legislator weighs in on COVID-19 protocols and the upcoming legislative session.
87th LegislatureState House‘The Race is Over:’ Rep. Dade Phelan Says He Has the Votes to Become Texas House Speaker
Brad JohnsonNovember 4, 2020
Rep. Dade Phelan announced he all but secured the Texas House speakership the day after Republicans maintained their majority in the chamber.
87th LegislatureElections 2020State HouseThe Back MicThe Back Mic: A Timeline of the Race for Texas House Speaker
McKenzie TaylorOctober 30, 2020
This week — a detailed look at the plot points in the race to replace outgoing Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen.
Civil SocietyCriminal JusticeLocal NewsStatewide NewsAbbott Brings Back the Blue Pledge to Houston in Wake of Officer’s Death
Isaiah MitchellOctober 29, 2020
Formed as a response to growing calls to defund the police, Abbott brought his "Back the Blue" pledge to Houston.
State HouseRep. Biedermann Exits Texas Freedom Caucus, Citing the Group’s Speaker Candidate List
Brad JohnsonOctober 28, 2020
With Biedermann's resignation, the conservative caucus will be down to eight returning members for the 87th Legislative Session.
State HouseDemocrat Senfronia Thompson First to Enter Race for Texas House Speaker
McKenzie TaylorOctober 23, 2020
Thompson is the longest-serving woman in the Texas House and the first candidate of either party to enter the race for the speakership.
Elections 2020State HouseStatewide NewsThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Democrats Take Aim at New Congressional Districts, Lawmakers Decry Budget Cuts, Abbott Appoints New Judges
McKenzie TaylorAugust 28, 2020
This week — The DCCC adds three new districts to its list of targets, state leaders come under fire for budget cuts, and Abbott appoints new judges.
Criminal JusticeStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingState Leaders Announce Cities Which Defund Police May Have Tax Revenue Frozen
Kim RobertsAugust 18, 2020
“Defunding puts the residents in danger and invites lawlessness into our communities. This is a legislative proposal that will discourage defunding,” said Abbott.
Elections 2020IssuesCody Vasut Will Succeed Retiring Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen in House District 25
Brad JohnsonJuly 16, 2020
After an overwhelming win in Tuesday's runoff, former Angleton City Councilman Cody Vasut will become the next representative for House District 25.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020Taxes & SpendingThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Eric Holder Endorses in Texas, Watchdog Group Highlights TxDOT Spending, Sid Miller Makes 10 Percent Budget Cuts
McKenzie TaylorMay 29, 2020
This week — endorsements from a group headed by a former U.S. attorney general, the “Texas Wastebook’s” first highlight, and an agency commissioner announcing budget cuts.
IssuesTaxes & SpendingTexas Leaders Seek Savings as April Tax Revenue Drops by Nearly $1 Billion
Bill PeacockMay 28, 2020
State leaders called on some Texas agencies to trim budgets by 5 percent after numbers from the comptroller’s office showed tax revenue down $989 million this April compared to 2019.
IssuesStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingState Leaders Request Most Texas State Agencies to Cut Budgets by Five Percent
Daniel FriendMay 20, 2020
The request sent to most state agencies anticipates a shortfall in the state's revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic and government-mandated lockdown.
IssuesStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingGovernments Slow to Match Sacrifices Texans are Making During the Coronavirus Lockdown
Bill PeacockApril 29, 2020
While businesses are having to make cuts to stay afloat, many governmental entities have not followed suit despite an impending revenue shortfall.
Elections 2020Local NewsTwo Local Officials Face-Off in South Texas Republican Primary Runoff
McKenzie TaylorMarch 19, 2020
A tax assessor-collector and a city councilman will face-off in the race to replace outgoing Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen.