GOVERNMENT | The Texas Tribune

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href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/join/"> Support Us </a> </li> </ul> </nav> <div class="ad last"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/join/" title="Contribute Today" style="display: block; padding-top: .5em"> <div style="background:url(//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/membership/TT-support-us-front-page-btn120x60.jpg) no-repeat; width: 120px; height:60px; background-size: 120px 60px;"></div> </a> </div> <div class="below_nav"> <h1 id="logo"><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/common/images/logo.png" alt="The Texas Tribune"></a></h1> <time datetime="2015-06-07T09:52:15.171421">Sunday, June 7, 2015</time> </div> </header> </div> <div class="wrapper content-wrapper"> <div id="site_content" class="content index"> <header class="alt_header"><h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/government/">GOVERNMENT</a><a class="subsection_toggle"><i class="icon-caret-down"></i></a></h1><ul class="subsection_menu"><li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/government/governors-office/">Governor's Office</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/government/legislature/">Legislature</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/government/state-agencies/">State Agencies</a></li></ul><script> $(window).load(function () { $('.subsection_toggle').click(function(e){ e.preventDefault(); $('.subsection_menu').slideToggle('fast', function() {}); }); }); </script></header> <section class="topstory grid"> <article class=""> <div class="media large"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/07/minorities-houston-san-antonio-mayoral-races/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/02/HoustonRace_jpg_474x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Clockwise from upper left: Former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, state Rep. Sylvester Turner, former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, interim San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/02/HoustonRace_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Clockwise from upper left: Former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, state Rep. Sylvester Turner, former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, interim San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Clockwise from upper left: Former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, state Rep. Sylvester Turner, former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, interim San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/07/minorities-houston-san-antonio-mayoral-races/">Minorities in Forefront of Big City Mayoral Races</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 7 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-07 06:00"> June 7, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>As Texas' major cities continue their decades-long evolution to minority-majority populations, tracking minority and female ascension to mayoral firsts has almost reached the complexity of a political trivia game.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/07/minorities-houston-san-antonio-mayoral-races/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> <aside class="related"> <header class="smallcaps"> <h2>Related</h2> </header> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/10/turners-departure-leaves-democrats-less-clout/">Sylvester Turner's Exit Leaves Void for Democrats</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/11/21/san-antonio-emerges-epicenter-hispanic-democrats/">In San Antonio, Ambitions Rise for Hispanic Democrats</a></li> </ul> </aside> </div> </article> </section> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-8 main_column"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> <article class=" item_1"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/05/Trillium_Natural_Gas_Pump_JPG_231x1000_q100.JPG" alt="A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/05/Trillium_Natural_Gas_Pump_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Stephen Spillman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/">Despite Early Momentum, Energy Legislation Flames Out at End of Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 6 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-06 06:00"> June 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Who killed the House and Senate's top energy bills? Their autopsy evokes the names of T. Boone Pickens and Koch Industries and involves plenty of squabbling between the chambers. </span><span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/05/analysis-ethics-session/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/12/Abbott-Press_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to reporters at the Security Operations Center at the Department of Public Safety on May 12, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/12/Abbott-Press_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to reporters at the Security Operations Center at the Department of Public Safety on May 12, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Eva Hershaw</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to reporters at the Security Operations Center at the Department of Public Safety on May 12, 2015.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/05/analysis-ethics-session/">Analysis: Taking Stock of the Ethics Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 5 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-05 06:00"> June 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/05/analysis-ethics-session/comments/"><span class="value">12</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>The governor asked lawmakers to put ethics reform at center stage this year. They filed bills. They even voted in favor of some strong restrictions on lobbyists' and officeholders' official behavior. But most of it never got to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>'s desk.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/05/analysis-ethics-session/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/video-a-conversation-with-dan-patrick/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A7631_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A7631_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/video-a-conversation-with-dan-patrick/">Video: A Conversation With Dan Patrick</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 17:36:21 -0500" title="2015-06-04 17:36"> June 4, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>Full video of my 6/4 conversation with Lt. Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dan-patrick/">Dan Patrick</a>. Among the topics discussed: 84th session accomplishments, conservative criticism, the Senate vs. the House, the 2016 presidential race and why he's not running against Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/video-a-conversation-with-dan-patrick/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="show-for-medium-down"> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/">Despite Early Momentum, Energy Legislation Flames Out at End of Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 6 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-06 06:00"> June 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/05/Trillium_Natural_Gas_Pump_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/05/Trillium_Natural_Gas_Pump_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Stephen Spillman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Who killed the House and Senate's top energy bills? Their autopsy evokes the names of T. Boone Pickens and Koch Industries and involves plenty of squabbling between the chambers. </span><span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/05/analysis-ethics-session/">Analysis: Taking Stock of the Ethics Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 5 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-05 06:00"> June 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/05/analysis-ethics-session/comments/"><span class="value">12</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/05/analysis-ethics-session/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/12/Abbott-Press_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to reporters at the Security Operations Center at the Department of Public Safety on May 12, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/12/Abbott-Press_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to reporters at the Security Operations Center at the Department of Public Safety on May 12, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Eva Hershaw</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to reporters at the Security Operations Center at the Department of Public Safety on May 12, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The governor asked lawmakers to put ethics reform at center stage this year. They filed bills. They even voted in favor of some strong restrictions on lobbyists' and officeholders' official behavior. But most of it never got to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>'s desk.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/05/analysis-ethics-session/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/video-a-conversation-with-dan-patrick/">Video: A Conversation With Dan Patrick</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 17:36:21 -0500" title="2015-06-04 17:36"> June 4, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/video-a-conversation-with-dan-patrick/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A7631_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A7631_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Full video of my 6/4 conversation with Lt. Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dan-patrick/">Dan Patrick</a>. Among the topics discussed: 84th session accomplishments, conservative criticism, the Senate vs. the House, the 2016 presidential race and why he's not running against Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/video-a-conversation-with-dan-patrick/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 gap hide-for-medium-down left_rail"> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab data"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Data</h1> <h2> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/government-employee-salaries/">Government Salary Database Updated</a> </h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a>, Noah Seger and Gerald Rich </li><li><time datetime="Tue, 9 Oct 2012 06:00:00 -0500" title="2012-10-09 06:00"> Oct. 9, 2012 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/government-employee-salaries/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Capitol-Money-SalarayUpdate_1_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Capitol-Money-SalarayUpdate_1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Steven Leggett</cite> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/"><span>+</span> More Data</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <aside class="ad_container sidebar_block"> <div class="sponsor_image_holder"> <div class="ad adunit tablet standard" data-dimensions="300x250" data-adunit="TexasTribune_Content_Home_BTF_LeftRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/statute-limitations-may-be-expanding-paxton-securi/">Prosecutors Could Have More Time in Paxton Securities Case</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/matthew-watkins/">Matthew Watkins</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 16:55:20 -0500" title="2015-06-04 16:55"> June 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/statute-limitations-may-be-expanding-paxton-securi/comments/"><span class="value">3</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/statute-limitations-may-be-expanding-paxton-securi/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/21/UP9A8603_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at Texas Public Policy Foundation's grand opening of new building on April 21st, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/21/UP9A8603_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at Texas Public Policy Foundation's grand opening of new building on April 21st, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at Texas Public Policy Foundation's grand opening of new building on April 21st, 2015</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>As an inquiry broadens into whether Texas Attorney General <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ken-paxton/">Ken Paxton</a> violated securities law, a special prosecutor involved in the investigation indicated Thursday that he might have more time to pursue the issue than previously expected.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/statute-limitations-may-be-expanding-paxton-securi/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/rick-perry-announces-hes-running-president/">"It's Time," Perry Says in Announcing Candidacy</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/matthew-watkins/">Matthew Watkins</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 12:33:13 -0500" title="2015-06-04 12:33"> June 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/rick-perry-announces-hes-running-president/comments/"><span class="value">37</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/rick-perry-announces-hes-running-president/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/04/_S3R7970Perry2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""This will be a 'show me, don't tell me' election, where voters look past the rhetoric to the real record," Perry said at his official campaign kickoff."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/04/_S3R7970Perry2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title=""This will be a 'show me, don't tell me' election, where voters look past the rhetoric to the real record," Perry said at his official campaign kickoff." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">"This will be a 'show me, don't tell me' election, where voters look past the rhetoric to the real record," Perry said at his official campaign kickoff.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Standing in front of a big white cargo plane with a new "Perry for President" logo, former Texas Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a> made official what he has been hinting for some time: He's running for president in 2016. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/rick-perry-announces-hes-running-president/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/ethics/">Catch Up on What Happened With Ethics Issues This Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jay-root/">Jay Root</a> and <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-04 06:00"> June 4, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/ethics/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/84lege-leadart-ethics_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/84lege-leadart-ethics_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Emily Albracht</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Gov. Greg Abbott's call for meaningful ethics reform prompted heated debates this session on secret recordings, "dark money" and the lawmaker-to-lobbyist <span style="line-height: 1.35;">"revolving door." See <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/ethics/" target="_blank">what happened to ethics reform</a> using our <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://txlege.texastribune.org/" target="_blank">Texas Legislative Guide</a>. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/ethics/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://apps.texastribune.org/perry-legacy/">A Look Back at Rick Perry's Impact in Texas</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca Aaronson</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-04 06:00"> June 4, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://apps.texastribune.org/perry-legacy/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/19/_0004_perrylegacy-share_homepage_2.png_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/19/_0004_perrylegacy-share_homepage_2.png_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>T</span><span>ake a look back at our 10-part series on the impact of Rick Perry, Texas' longest-serving governor. See<span> what he will probably be most remembered for, and his impact in various policy areas.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://apps.texastribune.org/perry-legacy/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 hide-for-medium-down mid_rail"> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/">Fracked Again, Denton Says Fight Isn't Over</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 1 Jun 2015 22:16:11 -0500" title="2015-06-01 22:16"> June 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/comments/"><span class="value">30</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/EDIT_6-1-15_Fracking_5857_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Vantage Energy on June 1, 2015 resumed hydraulic operations on a pad site on the western outskirts of Denton. It was the first company to frack within city limits after the Texas Legislature overturned the Denton鈥檚 ban on the process."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/EDIT_6-1-15_Fracking_5857_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Vantage Energy on June 1, 2015 resumed hydraulic operations on a pad site on the western outskirts of Denton. It was the first company to frack within city limits after the Texas Legislature overturned the Denton鈥檚 ban on the process." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Cooper Neill</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Vantage Energy on June 1, 2015 resumed hydraulic operations on a pad site on the western outskirts of Denton. It was the first company to frack within city limits after the Texas Legislature overturned the Denton鈥檚 ban on the process.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Seven months after a rag-tag group of local activists scored a surprising victory over the state’s powerful oil and gas industry when Denton voted to ban hydraulic fracturing, a natural gas company Monday resumed operations under a state law passed to overturn Denton's ban.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/video/">Video: Wrapping Up the 84th Legislature</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/justin-dehn/">Justin Dehn</a> and <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/rocha-alana/">Alana Rocha</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 1 Jun 2015 18:21:47 -0500" title="2015-06-01 18:21"> June 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/video/comments/"><span class="value">3</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/video/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/SineDie046gavel_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/SineDie046gavel_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Lawmakers in the State Capitol spent the final day of the 84<sup>th</sup> Legislature making speeches and saying farewell to colleagues who aren’t seeking another term. But before Monday, there was plenty of debate and bills passed on issues that impact every Texan.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/video/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/abbott-opposes-curbs-dark-money/">Abbott Opposes Curbs on Dark Money</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jay-root/">Jay Root</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 1 Jun 2015 16:36:51 -0500" title="2015-06-01 16:36"> June 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/abbott-opposes-curbs-dark-money/comments/"><span class="value">35</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/abbott-opposes-curbs-dark-money/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/28/7C2A5636_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott signs HB4, which adds funding for pre-K, into law at the Anita Uphaus Early Childhood Center in Austin Texas May 28, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/28/7C2A5636_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gov. Greg Abbott signs HB4, which adds funding for pre-K, into law at the Anita Uphaus Early Childhood Center in Austin Texas May 28, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gov. Greg Abbott signs HB4, which adds funding for pre-K, into law at the Anita Uphaus Early Childhood Center in Austin Texas May 28, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Republicans went to war with one another over the idea of disclosing dark money. But they probably needn't bother. Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a><span> told reporters Monday that he thinks the idea is unconstitutional. Proponents of shining a light on it disagree.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/abbott-opposes-curbs-dark-money/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/bills-beef-contract-oversight-headed-abbott/">Contracting Measure Goes to Abbott; Another Made It Into Budget</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 1 Jun 2015 14:07:26 -0500" title="2015-06-01 14:07"> June 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/bills-beef-contract-oversight-headed-abbott/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/bills-beef-contract-oversight-headed-abbott/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/20/OttoNelson1CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, and Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, are shown at a joint budget hearing on May 20, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/20/OttoNelson1CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, and Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, are shown at a joint budget hearing on May 20, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, and Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, are shown at a joint budget hearing on May 20, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Lawmakers sent a bill aimed at beefing up contracting oversight to Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a><span> on Sunday, while another died but will still largely be implemented through a budget rider. <span><br/></span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/bills-beef-contract-oversight-headed-abbott/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/patrick-im-not-running-against-abbott-2018/">Patrick: I'm Not Running Against Abbott in 2018</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/matthew-watkins/">Matthew Watkins</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 1 Jun 2015 12:58:35 -0500" title="2015-06-01 12:58"> June 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/patrick-im-not-running-against-abbott-2018/comments/"><span class="value">29</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/patrick-im-not-running-against-abbott-2018/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/7C2A6926_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick spoke to reporters after the Texas Senate wrapped up the 84th legislative session on June 1, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/7C2A6926_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick spoke to reporters after the Texas Senate wrapped up the 84th legislative session on June 1, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick spoke to reporters after the Texas Senate wrapped up the 84th legislative session on June 1, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Immediately after wrapping up the legislative session Monday, Lt. Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dan-patrick/">Dan Patrick</a> said that he would never run against <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> for governor. <span>"This will be my last position," the lieutenant governor said.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/patrick-im-not-running-against-abbott-2018/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/farias-not-returning-to-texas-house/">State Rep. Farias Won't Seek Another Term in the House</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 1 Jun 2015 12:08:31 -0500" title="2015-06-01 12:08"> June 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/farias-not-returning-to-texas-house/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/farias-not-returning-to-texas-house/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/_BDA5206Farias_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Joe Farias announces his retirement in front of the Texas House on June 1, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/_BDA5206Farias_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Joe Farias announces his retirement in front of the Texas House on June 1, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Joe Farias announces his retirement in front of the Texas House on June 1, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>After five sessions in the Texas House, Democratic state Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joe-farias/">Joe Farias</a> of San Antonio announced Monday that he will not seek re-election. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/farias-not-returning-to-texas-house/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 show-for-medium-down"> <ul class="mobile_headlines"> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/statute-limitations-may-be-expanding-paxton-securi/">Prosecutors Could Have More Time in Paxton Securities Case</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/rick-perry-announces-hes-running-president/">"It's Time," Perry Says in Announcing Candidacy</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/ethics/">Catch Up on What Happened With Ethics Issues This Session</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://apps.texastribune.org/perry-legacy/">A Look Back at Rick Perry's Impact in Texas</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/straus-files-re-election/">Straus Files for Another Term as Speaker</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/fraser-decides-against-running-re-election/">Sen. Fraser Decides Against Running for Re-election</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/abbott-vetoes-overdose-defense-bill/">Abbott Vetoes Overdose Defense, Emergency Detention Bills</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/more-conservative-legislature-few-abortion-bills-s/">In a More Conservative Legislature, Few Anti-Abortion Bills Passed</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/health-care-budget-leaner-defers-costs-later/">Health Budget Kicks Can Down Road, Experts Say</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/look-final-2016-17-budget/">A Closer Look at the Final 2016-17 State Budget</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/">Fracked Again, Denton Says Fight Isn't Over</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/video/">Video: Wrapping Up the 84th Legislature</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/abbott-opposes-curbs-dark-money/">Abbott Opposes Curbs on Dark Money</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/bills-beef-contract-oversight-headed-abbott/">Contracting Measure Goes to Abbott; Another Made It Into Budget</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/patrick-im-not-running-against-abbott-2018/">Patrick: I'm Not Running Against Abbott in 2018</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/farias-not-returning-to-texas-house/">State Rep. Farias Won't Seek Another Term in the House</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class=" cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <aside id="" class="featurebox "> <header class="featurebox-header"> <h1><span>Trib</span>pedia</h1> </header> <div class="featurebox-content "> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/1997-memorial-day-massacre/">1997 Memorial Day Massacre</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2011-budget-shortfall/">2011 Budget Shortfall</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2013-house-speaker-race/">2013 House Speaker Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2015-speakers-race/">The 2015 Speaker's Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2015-speakers-race/">The 2015 Speaker's Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2016-presidential-election/">2016 Presidential Election</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/82nd-legislative-session/">82nd Legislative Session</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/82nd-session-transcripts/">82nd Session Transcripts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/83rd-legislative-session/">83rd Legislative Session</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/previewing-the-84th-legislature/">Previewing the 84th Legislature</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/previewing-the-84th-legislature/">Previewing the 84th Legislature</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/84th-legislature/">The 84th Legislature</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/84th-legislature/">The 84th Legislature</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/84th-legislature/">The 84th Legislature</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/abortion-sonogram-bill/">Abortion Sonogram Bill</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/aging-and-disability-services/">Aging And Disability Services</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/bidness-as-usual/">Bidness As Usual Project</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/budgetline/">Budgetline</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/budgetline/">Budgetline</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/cancer-prevention-and-research-institute-of-texas-cprit/">Cancer Prevention And Research Institute Of Texas (CPRIT)</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/child-protective-services/">Child Protective Services</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/state-contracts/">State Contracts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/state-contracts/">State Contracts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/state-contracts/">State Contracts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/craddick-ds/">Craddick D's</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/data-consolidation/">Data Consolidation</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/department-of-agriculture/">Department Of Agriculture</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/department-of-public-safety/">Department Of Public Safety</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/department-of-state-health-services/">Department of State Health Services</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/dept-of-assistive-and-rehabilitative-services/">Dept Of Assistive And Rehabilitative Services</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/division-of-workers-compensation/">Division Of Workers' Compensation</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/eagle-ford-shale/">The Eagle Ford Shale</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/employee-retirement-system/">Employee Retirement System</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/gaminggambling/">Gaming/gambling</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/gang-of-11/">Gang Of 11</a></li> <li><a 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href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/racing-commission/">Racing Commission</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/rainy-day-fund/">Rainy Day Fund</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/redistricting/">Redistricting</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/secession-controversy/">Secession Controversy</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/secretary-of-state/">Secretary Of State</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/sharpstown-stock-scandal/">Sharpstown Stock Scandal</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/speaker-of-the-house/">Speaker Of The House</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/special-sessions/">Special Sessions</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/state-auditor/">State Auditor</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/state-board-of-education/">State Board Of Education</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/state-preservation-board/">State Preservation Board</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/sunset-advisory-commission/">Sunset Advisory Commission</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/teacher-retirement-system/">Teacher Retirement System</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-affordable-housing-corporation/">Texas Affordable Housing Corporation</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-board-of-pardons-and-paroles/">Texas Board Of Pardons And Paroles</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-commission-on-environmental-quality-tceq/">Texas Commission On Environmental Quality (TCEQ)</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-commission-on-the-arts/">Texas Commission On The Arts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-comptroller-of-public-accounts/">Texas Comptroller Of Public Accounts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-department-of-criminal-justice/">Texas Department Of Criminal Justice</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-department-of-insurance/">Texas Department Of Insurance</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-department-of-rural-affairs/">Texas Department Of Rural Affairs</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-education-agency/">Texas Education Agency</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-ethics-commission/">Texas Ethics Commission</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-film-commission/">Texas Film Commission</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-forensic-science-commission/">Texas Forensic Science Commission</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-forest-service/">Texas Forest Service</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-historical-commission/">Texas Historical Commission</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/texas-house-of-representatives/">Texas House of Representatives</a></li> <li><a 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href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/video-a-conversation-with-dan-patrick/">Video: A Conversation With Dan Patrick</a></h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 17:36:21 -0500" title="2015-06-04 17:36"> June 4, 2015 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="/2015/06/04/video-a-conversation-with-dan-patrick/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A7631_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A7631_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/straus-files-re-election/">Straus Files for Another Term as Speaker</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 3 Jun 2015 14:21:41 -0500" title="2015-06-03 14:21"> June 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/straus-files-re-election/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/straus-files-re-election/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/_BDA5246Straus_laugh_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="House Speaker Joe Straus, right, with state Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, on June 1, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/_BDA5246Straus_laugh_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="House Speaker Joe Straus, right, with state Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, on June 1, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">House Speaker Joe Straus, right, with state Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, on June 1, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Texas House Speaker <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joe-straus/">Joe Straus</a> has filed the paperwork to officially seek another term presiding over the lower chamber. If he wins, it will be his fifth.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/straus-files-re-election/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/fraser-decides-against-running-re-election/">Sen. Fraser Decides Against Running for Re-election</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 2 Jun 2015 15:27:12 -0500" title="2015-06-02 15:27"> June 2, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/fraser-decides-against-running-re-election/comments/"><span class="value">13</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/fraser-decides-against-running-re-election/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/23/7C2A8801_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Sen. Troy Fraser R-Horseshoe Bay on floor April 23"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/23/7C2A8801_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Sen. Troy Fraser R-Horseshoe Bay on floor April 23" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Sen. Troy Fraser R-Horseshoe Bay on floor April 23</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>State Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/troy-fraser/">Troy Fraser</a>, R-Horseshoe Bay, announced Tuesday he is not running for re-election, bringing to a close a 27-year tenure at the Capitol.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/fraser-decides-against-running-re-election/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/abbott-vetoes-overdose-defense-bill/">Abbott Vetoes Overdose Defense, Emergency Detention Bills</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 2 Jun 2015 09:44:08 -0500" title="2015-06-02 09:44"> June 2, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/abbott-vetoes-overdose-defense-bill/comments/"><span class="value">34</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/abbott-vetoes-overdose-defense-bill/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Pharma_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Pharma_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"><span>Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a><span> </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB225" target="_blank">vetoed two bills </a><span>on Monday, including one aimed at encouraging people to call 911 during drug overdoses, even if they are in possession of illegal substances themselves. </span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/abbott-vetoes-overdose-defense-bill/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/more-conservative-legislature-few-abortion-bills-s/">In a More Conservative Legislature, Few Anti-Abortion Bills Passed</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 2 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-02 06:00"> June 2, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/more-conservative-legislature-few-abortion-bills-s/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/more-conservative-legislature-few-abortion-bills-s/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/22/Protesters-Split_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/22/Protesters-Split_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Todd Wiseman / Callie Richmond</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p dir="ltr">Two years after passing some of the strictest abortion regulations in the country, Republican lawmakers are leaving their 2015 session having passed just one piece of anti-abortion legislation.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/more-conservative-legislature-few-abortion-bills-s/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/health-care-budget-leaner-defers-costs-later/">Health Budget Kicks Can Down Road, Experts Say</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/edgar-walters/">Edgar Walters</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 2 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-02 06:00"> June 2, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/health-care-budget-leaner-defers-costs-later/comments/"><span class="value">27</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/health-care-budget-leaner-defers-costs-later/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/Medicaid-Capitol-3_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/Medicaid-Capitol-3_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>On balance, health care for the neediest Texans didn't fare well this session. </span>Departing lawmakers leave behind a Medicaid budget that most experts agree is too low, and they predict it will spawn a hole in the state budget that will have to be filled later.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/health-care-budget-leaner-defers-costs-later/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/look-final-2016-17-budget/">A Closer Look at the Final 2016-17 State Budget</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca Aaronson</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 2 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-02 06:00"> June 2, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/look-final-2016-17-budget/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/look-final-2016-17-budget/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/BudgetTexas_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607145217/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/BudgetTexas_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Here’s a look at how the Texas House and Senate budget proposals compared and what the two chambers ultimately settled on, using information from the Legislative Budget Board.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607145217/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/02/look-final-2016-17-budget/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a 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