The Brief: Feb. 2, 2015
The weekend saw more lengthy stories on problems in the way the state contracts out services. Full Story
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Abbott: Common Core Users Experiencing "Buyer's Remorse"
On Fox News Sunday, Gov. Greg Abbott and former U.S. Education Secretary Bill Bennett debated Common Core – standards overseen by the National Governors Association that Texas lawmakers refuse to use. Full Story
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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Playlist: Thursday
There was no shortage of news coming out of the Capitol this week, but last Thursday was so singular that we built our entire playlist around the events of that day. Kicking things off: Wes Montgomery’s cover of “A Day In The Life” by The Beatles. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by John Jordan -
Lawmakers Want to Expand Screening for Illegal Workers
Just before leaving office, Rick Perry ordered state agencies to start using E-Verify, the federal employment verification system, to make sure job applicants can legally work. But some lawmakers say that mandate isn't enough. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Brendon Anthony to Head Texas Music Office
Gov. Greg Abbott has tapped Brendon Anthony, known for playing fiddle in singer-songwriter Pat Green's band, to head the Texas Music Office. Full Story
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Abbott: "Civil Discourse" Needed on Religious Freedom
A day after state Rep. Molly White, R-Belton, came under fire for instructing staff to ask Muslim visitors to her office to pledge their allegiance to the U.S., Gov. Greg Abbott called for civil discussions "so that everyone has the opportunity to weigh in on their beliefs." Full Story
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![Students take the Pledge of Allegiance as protesters shout on Jan. 29, 2015.]()
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The Brief: Jan. 30, 2015
In a week where the news was driven to a large degree by rallies on the Capitol grounds — from open carry activists to anti-Muslim protesters — it's perhaps fitting that the week closes with another one. Full Story
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Abbott: Replace Business Incentive With University Fund
Gov. Greg Abbott wants to eliminate an incentive program for technology startups in favor of a new program that would make payments to universities that recruit prestigious faculty. Full Story
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![Gov.-elect Greg Abbott gives a speech at a Texas Public Policy Foundation conference on Jan. 8, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Brief: Jan. 29, 2015
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gave the green light Wednesday on a push for open carry legislation in the Senate, a day after he indicated in a Texas Tribune interview that the votes weren't there for passage. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, left, with State Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, sponsor of the resolution that changed Senate voting rules on Jan. 21, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Amid Uncertain Future for TexasOne, a New Recruiting Effort Emerges
While it's still to be seen how Gov. Greg Abbott will move forward with the state's economic development tools, a team made up of a coalition of municipal economic development organizations is announcing a new effort to recruit businesses to Texas. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman -
The Brief: Jan. 27, 2015
Guns were a big topic of conversation inside the Capitol and outside of it on Monday. Full Story
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![Chris Way and his son Ryan, 2, participate in an open carry march on March 12, 2014 during the South by Southwest festival. The event was led by the Austin chapter of Come and Take It.]()
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Abbott to Deliver State of the State Address on Feb. 17
The Texas House officially approved a resolution on Monday inviting Gov. Greg Abbott to deliver his State of the State address before a joint session of the Texas Legislature on Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. Full Story
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![Greg Abbott talks to reporters at the Texas Capitol on Nov. 5, 2014, the day after he was elected governor.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Inside Texas Politics: A Quiet One and a Loud One
On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the personal styles of Texas' new governor and lieutenant governor. Full Story
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Cecilia Abbott, George P. Bush Headline Anti-Abortion Rally
Texas' new first lady, Cecilia Abbott, and land commissioner, George P. Bush, headlined an anti-abortion rally at the state Capitol on Saturday. A nearby counter rally drew a smaller crowd. Full Story
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![Texas first lady Cecilia Abbott and Land Commissioner George P. Bush at a Texas Alliance for Life rally at the Texas Capitol on Jan. 24, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Playlist: On a Clear Day
Marking a new era in Texas politics, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick were sworn in on a bright sunny Tuesday, so we ease into this week’s playlist off the news with pianist Bill Evans' solo rendition of “On a Clear Day.” Full Story
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Roundup: Perry, Pomp and Patrick's Senate
In the Roundup: Rick Perry performs one of his last acts as governor, the inauguration of Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick brings thousands to Austin, and the Senate votes to do away with a 70-year-old tradition. Full Story
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The Brief: Jan. 23, 2015
More news reports are highlighting growing questions about 21CT's activity at various state agencies. Full Story
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The Brief: Jan. 22, 2015
From state agencies paying employees' tuition to House budget writers sending a shot across the UT System's bow, here are two good reads to start your day. Full Story
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Abbott Names New HHSC Watchdog
In one of his first moves as governor, Greg Abbott has tapped Stuart Bowen Jr., the special inspector general who oversaw the reconstruction of Iraq, to be the chief watchdog at the state's embattled health agency. Full Story
![Gov.-elect Greg Abbott gives a speech at a Texas Public Policy Foundation conference on Jan. 8, 2015.]()
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First Texas Execution of 2015 Carried Out
A New Mexico man convicted for a drug-fueled triple murder in San Antonio in 1993 was executed on Wednesday, the first Texas inmate to be put to death under Gov. Greg Abbott. Full Story
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