The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Tapping the Rainy Day Fund has always been a political hot potato, but a debate has already started over how much of the $10 billion fund the state should use for Harvey disaster relief. Full Story
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It’s been one week since Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast. While the rainfall may be in decline, the floodwaters are only beginning to recede. Here’s what you need to know. Full Story
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A federal district judge on Wednesday ruled against the state of Texas and halted a controversial state-based immigration enforcement law just days before it was scheduled to go into effect. Full Story
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Stephanie Goodman, the Texas Department of Insurance’s deputy commissioner for public affairs, talks about what policyholders need to know about filing property damage claims before a new insurance law takes effect Friday. Full Story
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Hurricane Harvey may be on its last days in Texas, but the state — particularly Houston — has a long road to recovery ahead. Full Story
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A decision on whether Texas' state-based immigration enforcement, Senate Bill 4, will be put on hold could come later this week. But even if it's temporarily halted, the matter is far from over. Full Story
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President Donald Trump was in Texas Tuesday to see the recovery efforts underway in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Full Story
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Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Texas Coast and left Houston — the nation's fourth-largest city — grappling with unprecedented flooding. Do you need help? Or do you want to help those in need? Check out these resources. Full Story
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A new law, set to take effect Friday, aims to crack down on frivolous insurance lawsuits. But House Bill 1774 also reduces the penalty fees that insurance companies face for late payments if the policyholder files a lawsuit. Full Story
"I do not want you to run the risk of losing your life or [that of] a family member because you’re concerned about SB 4 or anything else,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Monday amid concerns a new immigration law will deter rescue efforts. Full Story
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In the hours before Hurricane Harvey hits Texas, some local leaders told residents to flee their homes, while others urged them to stay in place and wait out the storm. Full Story
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You can request anything under the state’s Public Information Act. Whether that information is up for grabs, however, is a different story. Full Story
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Amid significant pressure to rein in spending at the University of Texas System, UT Chancellor Bill McRaven announced on Thursday that the system — which oversees UT-Austin and 13 other campuses across the state — is about to get a little bit smaller. Full Story
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The Sons of Confederate Veterans has sued the University of Texas at Austin for removing several Confederate statues from its campus earlier this week. Full Story
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The evacuation ahead of Hurricane Rita in 2005 was marked by crowded roads and frustrated residents. But state officials say they're better prepared now. Read our seven-part "Road From Rita" series from 2015, done in collaboration with the Beaumont Enterprise. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott's personal Twitter inbox is a direct line for a group of about 3,000 users to reach Texas' top politician, which some have used to ask for jobs and other favors. Full Story
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The Texas Tribune is enlisting Texans to tell us about their voting experiences. We want your help. Full Story
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Trustees for the Employees Retirement System of Texas voted Wednesday to decrease earnings assumptions for its $26 billion trust fund, a rare move that could have major implications for the state budget and the retirement system’s beneficiaries. Full Story
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As part of our Lock The Vote series, we examine a key piece of Republicans’ 2011 redistricting strategy, which courts said discriminated against minorities: U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett’s curiously-shaped 35th Congressional District. Full Story
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The Employees Retirement System of Texas is considering lowering its earnings assumption for the $26 billion trust fund. Labor advocates fear the move would push lawmakers to cut benefits or require current workers to chip in more. Full Story
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