Analysis: Finding out exactly what the election winners have in mind
It won't change the color of the leaves on the trees, but the civics seasons in Texas have changed. Say goodbye to the elections and hello to the legislative session. Full Story
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![Monday was the first day lawmakers could pre-file legislation for the upcoming 83rd Texas Legislative Session.]()
Credit: Tamir Kalifa -
Texas foster youth struggle to get college degrees
Although Texas offers free tuition waivers and other benefits to ease foster youths' transition to higher education, the number of students using the resources has declined. Full Story
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![Briana Dovi, who graduated from University of Texas at Arlington, is one of the few foster youths in Texas that has taken advantage of the free tuition waiver provided by the state.]()
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Status quo holds in the Texas Senate
The makeup of the Texas Senate is poised to remain the same in 2017 after Tuesday night's election. Republicans' 20-to-11 advantage didn't change. Full Story
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![A look at the dais on the Texas Senate floor on Oct. 8, 2015.]()
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Senate panel proposes $75.3 million to start fixing Child Protective Services
A workgroup of the Texas Senate Finance Committee was willing to give Child Protective Services caseworkers $12,000 raises but balked at hiring all the new workers Commissioner Hank Whitman requested. Full Story
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![Hank Whitman, former head of the Texas Rangers and new chief of the Texas Dept. of Family and Protective Services, speaks to a guest at the House Committee on Human Services meeting July 12, 2016 prior to his plans for the troubled agency's future.]()
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Report: Texas has closed most polling places since court ruling
A report shows Texas leads the nation in the number of polling places that have been closed since a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down part of the Voting Rights Act. Full Story
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![During the first week of early voting for the 2016 presidential elections, civil rights lawyers took issue with this sign outside of a polling place in Cuero. It did not mention options for casting a ballot without photo ID.]()
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Senator: New report underscores need to clarify emergency leave law
A report issued Friday by the State Auditor’s Office painted a clearer picture of how often Texas agencies grant employees emergency leave for vague reasons. Full Story
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Analysis: An election without a mandate for Texas lawmakers
Some elections are referendums on issues, public votes that give lawmakers a good idea of what voters want. This election isn't one of those. Full Story
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![From left: Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are shown on May 21, 2015.]()
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In Texas House races, vulnerable Republicans bolster financial standing
Endangered Republican lawmakers in Texas have strengthened their financial footing with just over a week until Election Day, according to campaign finance reports released Monday. Full Story
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![The south entrance of the Texas Capitol.]()
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Texas Republicans want to narrow scope of same-sex marriage ruling
Texas Republicans are asking the state Supreme Court to reconsider a case about benefits in what appears to be an attempt to narrow the scope of the landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. Full Story
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![Couples embrace at the conclusion of the "Big Gay Wedding" ceremony on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol on July 4 after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in June.]()
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Familiar names spar in Galveston-area state House race
Rep. Wayne Faircloth, a Republican who's held the House District 23 seat for just one term, is hoping to thwart a comeback bid by former Rep. Lloyd Criss. Full Story
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![State Rep. Wayne Faircloth, (l) R-Galveston, and his Democratic challenger, former state Rep. Lloyd Criss.]()
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Democrats hoping to pick up Texas House seats
Between expected high turnout and Donald Trump, Democrats see chances for modest gains in the Texas House. Full Story
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In Texas, early voting begins in extraordinary election season
On Nov. 8, Texans will finally find out what impact Donald Trump's presidential campaign has had on their reliably Republican state. Full Story
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![Campaign signs outside a polling place at Zilker Elementary School in Austin on March 4, 2014.]()
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Analysis: High property taxes start in Austin, not in school districts
State lawmakers complain that local property taxes need to be leashed. But state lawmakers are more responsible for the increases than they let on. Full Story
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Warring ads turn up heat on competitive Dallas County House race
An out-of-district house and a Child Protective Services vote are the topics of competing campaign materials from incumbent Republican Rep. Kenneth Sheets and his opponent, Democrat Victoria Neave. Full Story
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![Democrat Victoria Neave is challenging state Rep. Kenneth Sheets, R-Dallas in House District 107.]()
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Analysis: Rising local school property taxes ease state budget woes
State officials would like to lower local school property taxes, but they've got a secret: Some of those local school tax revenues make it easier to balance a tight state budget. Full Story
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![Ramon Cavazos teaches a middle school business class in the Olfen Independent School District in Rowena, Texas, on Jan. 20, 2016.]()
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick doubles down on school choice fight
Days after a House hearing in which lawmakers gave the issue skeptical treatment, Patrick made clear private school choice topped his list of legislative priorities. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick offers a preview of the 85th legislative session at a Dallas Chamber of Commerce event at the Belo Mansion on Oct. 20, 2016.]()
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Candidate offers, then rescinds, polo match invitation to state lawmakers
“Unfortunately you were provided with 4 tickets which were not intended for your office,” read the letter slipped under legislators’ doors. Full Story
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![September 15, 2016 Conversation event Kyle Biedermann R-New Braunfels]()
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Dan Patrick offers faith-based plan to ease foster care crisis
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants faith-based communities to help find foster and adoptive homes for kids in need. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick assures the audience at the Freedom, Faith and Fellowship event May 12, 2016 that he will uphold conservative principles as leader of the Texas Senate in 2017.]()
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Despite boasts, state has not blocked Planned Parenthood funds
Gov. Greg Abbott and other state officials are largely silent on why they haven't fulfilled their vow to cut off funds to women's health programs offered to poor Texas women by Planned Parenthood. Full Story
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Analysis: A lavish benefit for Texas lawmakers could get even bigger
Regulators are deciding how much lobby wining and dining Texas lawmakers can accept without revealing their names. Hint: It's a lot. Full Story
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![State senators and staff listen to testimony at a Senate Committee on State Affairs hearing reviewing current ethics laws governing public officials and employees on Oct, 5, 2016.]()
Credit: Qiling Wang for The Texas Tribune
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