88th LegislatureBehemoth Bills and Bureaucracies: Texas’ Unique, Cumbersome Sunset Review Process
Brad JohnsonFebruary 2, 2023
The process is cumbersome and takes up to or more than a year to review each agency when its charter nears expiration.
HomeTagJoe Straus | The Texan
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Comptroller Jumps into House Runoff, Rinaldi Commends Abbott Border Action, Straus Calls School Curriculum Issue ‘Fake’
Brad JohnsonApril 15, 2022
This week — Hegar endorses an incumbent’s runoff challenger, Texas GOP Chair Matt Rinaldi applauds an Abbott border security more, and Joe Straus slams Texas Republicans for school curriculum criticisms.
87th LegislatureState HouseWith Opposition to GOP Ticket Items, Rep. Lyle Larson Stakes Out Antagonist Position in His Own Party
Brad JohnsonAugust 24, 2021
The San Antonio Republican has taken a position of opposition to many of the priorities championed by his fellow GOP legislators.
87th LegislatureGunsConstitutional Carry Gets Marathon Hearing in Texas House Committee
Daniel FriendMarch 26, 2021
The Homeland Security Committee heard testimony from hundreds of witnesses on several constitutional carry bills late into the night, finally gaveling out at 5:39 a.m. on Friday morning.
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Straus Hints at Future Campaign, Texas GOP Priorities Make Progress, Paxton Lobbies Against Budget Cuts
Brad JohnsonMarch 26, 2021
This week — a look at Texas politics this week as committee hearings rapidly heated up.
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 LegislatureIssuesState HouseState SenateStatewide News16 Pre-Filed Bills Worth Watching as the 87th Legislative Session Approaches
Brad JohnsonNovember 12, 2020
Pre-legislative session bill filing has begun. Check out some notable legislation submitted in the first week.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020State HouseState SenateThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Gun Control Group Targets Texas House, Straus Advocates Expanded Mail-in Ballot Use, More Campaign Spots Released
McKenzie DiLulloSeptember 18, 2020
This week — a gun control group launches new ads for Texas House candidates, a former Texas speaker weighs in on mail-in ballots, and this week’s campaign spots are compiled.
86th LegislatureEducationIssuesTaxes & SpendingAs Coronavirus Prompts Economic Downturn, Texas is Facing Fiscal Uncertainty on Two Fronts
Bill PeacockApril 8, 2020
Texas could face a significant revenue shortfall that would disrupt the ability of the state government to fund its $248 billion biennial budget.
EducationElections 2020FederalGunsHealthcareImmigration & BorderLocal NewsStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingTexas Speaker’s Race, Obamacare Battles, and School District Takeovers: Here’s What to Look for in 2020
Brad JohnsonJanuary 3, 2020
Here's a list of stories to keep an eye on in 2020 — including Obamacare court battles, the race to replace disgraced Speaker Dennis Bonnen, and a potential state takeover of Houston ISD.
86th LegislatureIssuesState HouseStatewide NewsIt’s Out: Empower Texans Releases Recording of Meeting with Speaker Dennis Bonnen
McKenzie DiLulloOctober 15, 2019
After months of drama and speculation, the recording of Speaker Dennis Bonnen's quid pro quo has been made public by Michael Quinn Sullivan.
IssuesState HouseStatewide NewsSpeaker Bonnen Apologizes for Saying ‘Terrible Things’ as Fallout from Empower Texans Recording Continues
McKenzie DiLulloAugust 6, 2019
Speaker Dennis Bonnen sent an email to House members to apologize for statements he made in a meeting with Michael Quinn Sullivan and Rep. Dustin Burrows.