IssuesThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Lawmakers Respond to Governor Abbott’s Latest Reopening Plans
McKenzie TaylorMay 22, 2020
This week — a look at what lawmakers are saying about Governor Greg Abbott ushering in Phase 2 of his plan to reopen Texas.
HomeTagJeff Leach | The Texan
IssuesThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Abbott Teases Permanent Alcohol-to-Go, Lawmakers Request Salon Reopening and Emergency Resources for Nursing Homes
McKenzie TaylorMay 1, 2020
This week — Governor Abbott hints alcohol-to-go permanence, legislators continue to call for salons to reopen, and nursing home resources are advocated for.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsStatewide NewsOver 5,000 Attend Texas Rally for Life at State Capitol
Daniel FriendJanuary 27, 2020
Downtown Austin was flooded with pro-life advocates on Saturday for the annual "Rally for Life," where U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and State Rep. Jeff Leach trumpeted pro-life policy advances.
Civil SocietyIssues2020 March for Life Draws Enormous Crowd in Washington, D.C.
Daniel FriendJanuary 24, 2020
March for Life, the annual pro-life rally in Washington, D.C., continued to draw enormous crowds this year, with Donald Trump becoming the first president to address the rally in-person.
86th LegislatureIssuesState HouseStatewide NewsRep. Poncho Nevárez Maintains Chairmanship Despite Calls for His Removal After Cocaine Incident
McKenzie TaylorNovember 19, 2019
Though enveloped by controversy involving cocaine, Rep. Poncho Nevarez has not been removed from his chairmanship that directly oversees law enforcement.
86th LegislatureStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingConstitutional Prohibition on State Income Tax Overwhelmingly Approved by Texas Voters
Brad JohnsonNovember 6, 2019
The constitutional prohibition on a state income tax was one of 10 ballot measures placed in front of Texas voters yesterday.
86th LegislatureIssuesState HouseState SenateStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingProposition Protecting Against a State Income Tax Becomes Flashpoint Ahead of Tuesday Vote
Brad JohnsonOctober 30, 2019
The most hotly contested ballot initiative this fall is Proposition 4, which would raise the bar on implementation of a statewide income tax.
86th LegislatureIssuesStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingTexas Cities and Counties Scramble to Increase Property Taxes Before New Law Takes Effect
Brad JohnsonOctober 15, 2019
The new property tax law, which kicks in next year, limits increases at 3.5 percent for local governments and 2.5 percent for school districts with anything above requiring voter approval.
86th LegislatureIssuesState HouseStatewide NewsHere’s a Timeline of the Bonnen, Burrows, and Empower Texans Controversy
McKenzie TaylorAugust 9, 2019
For those trying to follow what's happened in the ongoing drama over an alleged quid pro quo offered to Empower Texans by Speaker Dennis Bonnen.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020Texas State Battleground Races Take Shape with Early Fundraising
McKenzie TaylorJuly 19, 2019
Here's a rundown of how some contentious state-level campaigns are shaping up going into 2020 after the most recent fundraising numbers were released.
The governor held a signing ceremony at Parmer Lane Elementary in Austin earlier today to conclude the legislature's efforts on school finance reform.
86th LegislatureIssuesDid Your Representative Become More Liberal or Conservative this Session? Here’s a List
McKenzie TaylorJune 6, 2019
The post-session study of where state house lawmakers fall on the ideological spectrum has been released by Rice University fellow Mark Jones.
86th LegislatureIssuesState HouseState SenateHere’s Where Some of the Most Prominent Bills Stand Post-Session
McKenzie TaylorMay 28, 2019
The 86th Legislature is officially over. For those wondering where prominent bills stand, here's a cheat sheet for the session.
86th LegislatureEducationIssuesState HouseState SenateTaxes & SpendingAbbott, Patrick, Bonnen Declare “Super Bowl” Session Ahead of Sine Die
Brad JohnsonMay 23, 2019
Texas' legislative leaders took a victory lap today on the most pressing issues of the session, unveiling their property tax and school finance reform plan.
86th LegislatureIssuesState HouseState SenateHere’s Where Key Legislation Stands in the Final Week of Session
McKenzie TaylorMay 20, 2019
As the end of the 86th Legislature fast approaches, The Texan takes a look at where key legislation stands before the House and Senate adjourn.
86th LegislatureEducationHealthcareIssuesState HouseState SenateMental Health Bills Advance in House and Senate Amid Privacy Concerns
Katie FisherApril 25, 2019
Mental health bills filed in the aftermath of the Santa Fe shooting last May advance as parental rights and privacy advocates remain wary.
86th LegislatureHealthcareState HouseA Dozen House Democrats Join GOP in Approving “Born Alive Infant Protection Act”
Brad JohnsonApril 16, 2019
The GOP passed a bill protecting infant survivors of abortion with the support of 12 Democrats as the debate moves to the Senate.
86th LegislatureHealthcareIssuesState HousePro-Life Bill Abolishing Abortion Draws Line in the Sand
Brad JohnsonApril 11, 2019
Pro-life Republicans have filed a bill to abolish abortion in the state of Texas for the second session in a row.