The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
On the campaign trail, Greg Abbott suggested government should get "out of the business of picking winners and losers.” But his office strongly supports the taxpayer-funded incentives Texas uses to lure in businesses. Full Story
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All of us have to watch our mouths — particularly politicians. State Rep. Jonathan Stickland is under political fire for past online comments. He's apologized, but time is the enemy here for the Bedford Republican, who's facing a primary challenge. Full Story
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Texas' elected leaders lashed out Tuesday at President Obama's executive orders prompting more background checks during gun purchases. But those officials offered no specifics on how they planned to fight Obama's actions. Full Story
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Intervening in what could be a landmark decision, the Obama administration, state and federal lawmakers and medical experts are among those who filed amicus briefs urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Texas’ 2013 abortion law. Full Story
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Some of the most important debates in government and politics are complicated — and boring. That gives the combatants some safety from voters who are preoccupied with battles that are easier to understand. Full Story
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During the first half of 2015, the Texas Legislature and new statewide leaders dominated the headlines in Texas news. But there was plenty attention on Rick Perry, Ted Cruz and other major story lines in the later months. Full Story
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Take a look at the top Texas Tribune images of 2015, which show everything from Greg Abbott being sworn in as governor to Capitol rallies supporting and opposing Planned Parenthood to the vibrant landscapes of Texas. Full Story
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On Christmas, we couldn't think of a better gift for you, our generous readers, than our ambitious coverage plans for 2016. Hear from beat reporters, editors, developers, producers and the boss himself on what we've got in store for the coming year. Full Story
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During the 2015 legislative session, the Tribune kept you updated daily on the various policy debates and legislative votes at the Texas Capitol. Use our Texas Legislative Guide to see that coverage, discover the fate of every bill and learn even more about the session. Full Story
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In 2015, Sandra Bland's death jolted a conversation about inmate safety and mental health, while high-profile murder cases continued and Texas was criticized for the lengths it reportedly went through to find execution drugs for death row inmates. Full Story
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In August, we featured 31 ways in which Texans' lives would change starting Sept. 1, when many bills passed by the Legislature — including the budget — took effect. Take a look back at our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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The fantasy sports industry wants its Texas customers to sign petitions urging Attorney General Ken Paxton to leave sites like FanDuel and DraftKings alone, claiming they can legally operate in Texas. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott was well within his powers when he vetoed more than $200 million in funds approved by the Texas Legislature this year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office wrote in an opinion issued Monday. Full Story
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Texas universities would be violating the state's new campus carry law if they banned guns in dormitories, Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a non-binding opinion issued Monday afternoon. Full Story
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Revisit our Paid to Prosecute project, a six-month Texas Tribune/Austin American-Statesman investigation that revealed a chummy and unusual financial arrangement between Texas Mutual Insurance and the Travis County DA's office. Full Story
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College campuses always seem to attract controversy, but in 2015 Texas universities seemed to have more than their normal share. Full Story
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Chris Harris, a smart and gruff former state legislator from Tarrant County, died early Saturday morning. He was 67. Full Story
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Southern Methodist University in Dallas has joined the growing list of private colleges in Texas opting out of the state's new campus carry law. Full Story
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If non-Texans were still unsure how much the state's Republican lawmakers oppose President Obama's immigration and border security policies, 2015 likely cleared that up. Full Story
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Now that the political candidates have filed, some of the races in the 2016 election cycle have come to an end. It's not that the elections are over, but 75 federal and state lawmakers don't have any major-party opponents. Full Story
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