GOVERNMENT | The Texas Tribune

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datetime="2015-04-08T00:28:07.673306">Wednesday, April 8, 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/20150408053123/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/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/government/governors-office/">Governor's Office</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/government/legislature/">Legislature</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150408053123/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/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/business-association-comes-out-against-religious-f/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/010709_hammon_bill_2_jpg_474x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Bill Hammond is the CEO of the Texas Association of Business."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/010709_hammon_bill_2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Bill Hammond is the CEO of the Texas Association of Business." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Bill Hammond is the CEO of the Texas Association of Business.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/business-association-comes-out-against-religious-f/">Business Group Blasts Religious Freedom Proposals</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/edgar-walters/">Edgar Walters</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 17:14:27 -0500" title="2015-04-07 17:14"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/business-association-comes-out-against-religious-f/comments/"><span class="value">27</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span><span>Two proposed constitutional amendments designed to safeguard religious liberty would "devastate" economic development and set Texas on the ill-fated path Indiana just travelled, a leading business group said Tuesday.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/business-association-comes-out-against-religious-f/"> <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/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/21/gay-rights-activists-find-unlikely-ally-republican/">Gay Rights Activists Find Unlikely Ally in Republican</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/24/equal-rights-ordinance-battle-goes-statewide/">Nondiscrimination Ordinance Battle Goes Statewide</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/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/report-texas-lawmaker-threatened-paxtons-dps-detai/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Miles1784CMS_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Borris Miles, D-Houston, raises a point of order on HB400 that sends the bill back to the House Education Committee on April 26, 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Miles1784CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Borris Miles, D-Houston, raises a point of order on HB400 that sends the bill back to the House Education Committee on April 26, 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Borris Miles, D-Houston, raises a point of order on HB400 that sends the bill back to the House Education Committee on April 26, 2011.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/report-texas-lawmaker-threatened-paxtons-dps-detai/">Report: State Lawmaker Threatened Paxton's DPS Detail</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 16:52:27 -0500" title="2015-04-07 16:52"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/report-texas-lawmaker-threatened-paxtons-dps-detai/comments/"><span class="value">30</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>State Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/borris-miles/">Borris Miles</a> threatened to "beat up" a plainclothes DPS trooper while the lawman was guarding Attorney General <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ken-paxton/">Ken Paxton</a> during a meeting at an Austin steakhouse, according to a report obtained by the Tribune.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/report-texas-lawmaker-threatened-paxtons-dps-detai/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-democrats-push-raising-minimum-wage/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/CapitolMoney-TexasSpending_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/CapitolMoney-TexasSpending_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Jon Wiley</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-democrats-push-raising-minimum-wage/">House Democrats Push Minimum Wage Hike</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 16:22:52 -0500" title="2015-04-07 16:22"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-democrats-push-raising-minimum-wage/comments/"><span class="value">19</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>A handful of Democrats on Tuesday asked the House Business and Industry Committee to support a package of bills that would increase the minimum wage in Texas.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-democrats-push-raising-minimum-wage/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/perry-says-dream-act-repeal-state-legislators/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/05/Rick_Perry_WaPo_Interview_2_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry in a video interview in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 5, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/05/Rick_Perry_WaPo_Interview_2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry in a video interview in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 5, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Washington Post</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry in a video interview in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 5, 2015.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/perry-says-dream-act-repeal-state-legislators/">Asked About In-State Tuition Law, Perry Defers to Legislators</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 15:26:03 -0500" title="2015-04-07 15:26"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/perry-says-dream-act-repeal-state-legislators/comments/"><span class="value">23</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>Former Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a> on Tuesday deferred to state lawmakers on whether they want to repeal Texas' in-state tuition law, a measure he signed into law in 2001 and has defended to varying degrees ever since.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/perry-says-dream-act-repeal-state-legislators/"> <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/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/report-texas-lawmaker-threatened-paxtons-dps-detai/">Report: State Lawmaker Threatened Paxton's DPS Detail</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 16:52:27 -0500" title="2015-04-07 16:52"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/report-texas-lawmaker-threatened-paxtons-dps-detai/comments/"><span class="value">30</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/report-texas-lawmaker-threatened-paxtons-dps-detai/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Miles1784CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Borris Miles, D-Houston, raises a point of order on HB400 that sends the bill back to the House Education Committee on April 26, 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Miles1784CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Borris Miles, D-Houston, raises a point of order on HB400 that sends the bill back to the House Education Committee on April 26, 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Borris Miles, D-Houston, raises a point of order on HB400 that sends the bill back to the House Education Committee on April 26, 2011.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>State Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/borris-miles/">Borris Miles</a> threatened to "beat up" a plainclothes DPS trooper while the lawman was guarding Attorney General <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ken-paxton/">Ken Paxton</a> during a meeting at an Austin steakhouse, according to a report obtained by the Tribune.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/report-texas-lawmaker-threatened-paxtons-dps-detai/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-democrats-push-raising-minimum-wage/">House Democrats Push Minimum Wage Hike</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 16:22:52 -0500" title="2015-04-07 16:22"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-democrats-push-raising-minimum-wage/comments/"><span class="value">19</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-democrats-push-raising-minimum-wage/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/CapitolMoney-TexasSpending_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/CapitolMoney-TexasSpending_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Jon Wiley</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A handful of Democrats on Tuesday asked the House Business and Industry Committee to support a package of bills that would increase the minimum wage in Texas.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-democrats-push-raising-minimum-wage/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/perry-says-dream-act-repeal-state-legislators/">Asked About In-State Tuition Law, Perry Defers to Legislators</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 15:26:03 -0500" title="2015-04-07 15:26"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/perry-says-dream-act-repeal-state-legislators/comments/"><span class="value">23</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/perry-says-dream-act-repeal-state-legislators/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/05/Rick_Perry_WaPo_Interview_2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry in a video interview in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 5, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/05/Rick_Perry_WaPo_Interview_2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry in a video interview in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 5, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Washington Post</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry in a video interview in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 5, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Former Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a> on Tuesday deferred to state lawmakers on whether they want to repeal Texas' in-state tuition law, a measure he signed into law in 2001 and has defended to varying degrees ever since.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/perry-says-dream-act-repeal-state-legislators/"> <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/20150408053123/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/20150408053123/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/20150408053123im_/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/20150408053123/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/20150408053123/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/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-panel-weigh-private-property-gun-rights/">House Panel Weighs Property, Gun Rights</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 14:29:17 -0500" title="2015-04-07 14:29"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-panel-weigh-private-property-gun-rights/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-panel-weigh-private-property-gun-rights/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Gun-Holstered_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Gun-Holstered_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span><strong>UPDATED:</strong> Business groups are weighing in on gun legislation, trying to preserve a business owner's rights to ban guns from private property. A House committee took up the question up Tuesday.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-panel-weigh-private-property-gun-rights/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/proposed-bill-aims-prevent-another-fertilizer-blas/">Lawmaker's Bill Aims to Prevent Another Fertilizer Plant Blast</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 11:30:09 -0500" title="2015-04-07 11:30"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/proposed-bill-aims-prevent-another-fertilizer-blas/comments/"><span class="value">14</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/proposed-bill-aims-prevent-another-fertilizer-blas/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/18/West-TX-1_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="A vehicle near the remains of a fertilizer plant burning after an explosion in West, Texas, near Waco."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/18/West-TX-1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="A vehicle near the remains of a fertilizer plant burning after an explosion in West, Texas, near Waco." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Mike Stone / Bay Area News</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A vehicle near the remains of a fertilizer plant burning after an explosion in West, Texas, near Waco.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>State Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kyle-kacal/">Kyle Kacal</a> has introduced legislation that he hopes would prevent another accident like the </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/west-texas-explosion/">explosion of a West fertilizer plant </a><span>in 2013 that killed 15 and injured more than 200.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/proposed-bill-aims-prevent-another-fertilizer-blas/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/">Video: A Conversation With Nichols and Pickett</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 09:27:38 -0500" title="2015-04-07 09:27"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/ttevent_Nichols_and_Pickett_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/ttevent_Nichols_and_Pickett_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Full video of my 4/7 conversation with state Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/robert-nichols/">Robert Nichols</a>, R-Jacksonville, and state Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joe-pickett/">Joe Pickett</a>, D-El Paso — the chairmen, respectively, of the Senate and House Transportation Committees.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/amid-criticism-uncertainty-lingers-over-health-com/">Uncertainty Haunts Commissioner Kyle Janek</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/edgar-walters/">Edgar Walters</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-07 06:00"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/amid-criticism-uncertainty-lingers-over-health-com/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/amid-criticism-uncertainty-lingers-over-health-com/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/14/Sunset084_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek whispers to an aide at a hearing of the Sunset Advisory Commission on Jan. 14, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/14/Sunset084_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek whispers to an aide at a hearing of the Sunset Advisory Commission on Jan. 14, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek whispers to an aide at a hearing of the Sunset Advisory Commission on Jan. 14, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Two reports have criticized Health Commissioner Kyle Janek’s leadership. Three state lawmakers have called for his resignation. And a contract awarded to a vendor on his watch is under investigation. What's a new governor to do? </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/amid-criticism-uncertainty-lingers-over-health-com/"> <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/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/perry-prosecutors-fight-keep-invoices-secret/">Perry Prosecutors Fight to Keep Invoices Secret</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 3 Apr 2015 16:48:21 -0500" title="2015-04-03 16:48"> April 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/perry-prosecutors-fight-keep-invoices-secret/comments/"><span class="value">40</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/perry-prosecutors-fight-keep-invoices-secret/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/06/_S3R6519McCrum_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Prosecutor Michael McCrum gathers his thoughts as testimony continues in Travis County District Court on the Gov. Rick Perry case on Nov. 6, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/06/_S3R6519McCrum_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Prosecutor Michael McCrum gathers his thoughts as testimony continues in Travis County District Court on the Gov. Rick Perry case on Nov. 6, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Prosecutor Michael McCrum gathers his thoughts as testimony continues in Travis County District Court on the Gov. Rick Perry case on Nov. 6, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A public records request has added another twist to the Rick Perry legal saga, with special prosecutors now suing Attorney General Ken Paxton to keep confidential detailed invoices that would show who they interviewed while building their case.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/perry-prosecutors-fight-keep-invoices-secret/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/">The Tribune's Local Debt Explorer Gets an Update</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a>, <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/annie-daniel/">Annie Daniel</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 3 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-03 06:00"> April 3, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/04/LocalDebtExplorer-Lead_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/04/LocalDebtExplorer-Lead_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Use our Local Debt Explorer to find out how much tax-supported debt is held by your city, county and school district. <span>The data is collected by the </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.brb.state.tx.us/lgs/lgspubs2014.aspx">Texas Bond Review Board</a><span> and reflects each entity’s debt load as of August 2014.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/roundup-house-budget-battle-cruz-climbs/">Roundup: The House Budget Marathon and Cruz's Campaign</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/rocha-alana/">Alana Rocha</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/justin-dehn/">Justin Dehn</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 3 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-03 06:00"> April 3, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/roundup-house-budget-battle-cruz-climbs/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/040315_Roundup_Still_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/040315_Roundup_Still_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>In the Roundup: The House debates hundreds of budget amendments, and <span>U.S. Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ted-cruz/">Ted Cruz</a> raises money and moves up in the polls in </span>his first couple of weeks as a 2016 presidential contender.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/roundup-house-budget-battle-cruz-climbs/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/analysis-two-tax-cuts-only-one-sales-pitch/">Analysis: Two Tax Plans, but Only One Comes With a Distinct Sales Pitch</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 3 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-03 06:00"> April 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/analysis-two-tax-cuts-only-one-sales-pitch/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/analysis-two-tax-cuts-only-one-sales-pitch/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/24/_S3R0030_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces the filing of SB1 with a series of property and business tax cuts for Texans on Feb. 24, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/24/_S3R0030_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces the filing of SB1 with a series of property and business tax cuts for Texans on Feb. 24, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces the filing of SB1 with a series of property and business tax cuts for Texans on Feb. 24, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Texas Senate has touted its plans for cuts to property and business taxes publicly. The House has some alternatives, but it is way behind in the race to build public support. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/analysis-two-tax-cuts-only-one-sales-pitch/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/state-audit-operational-defects-led-21ct-deal/">State Auditor: "Operational Defects" Led to 21CT Deal</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 2 Apr 2015 13:30:05 -0500" title="2015-04-02 13:30"> April 2, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/state-audit-operational-defects-led-21ct-deal/comments/"><span class="value">17</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/state-audit-operational-defects-led-21ct-deal/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/09/JanekStick_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas Health and Human Services Commission Kyle Janek and former HHSC chief counsel, Jack Stick."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/09/JanekStick_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas Health and Human Services Commission Kyle Janek and former HHSC chief counsel, Jack Stick." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas Health and Human Services Commission Kyle Janek and former HHSC chief counsel, Jack Stick.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A scathing state investigative report of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's $20 million deal for fraud tracking software has revealed "operational defects" within the agency's procurement process. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/state-audit-operational-defects-led-21ct-deal/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/pette-gallego-will-run-against-will-hurd-again/">Gallego to Seek Rematch With U.S. Rep. Hurd</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 2 Apr 2015 09:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-02 09:00"> April 2, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/pette-gallego-will-run-against-will-hurd-again/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/pette-gallego-will-run-against-will-hurd-again/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/10/15/GallegoHurd-CD23_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego (left) was ousted by Republican Will Hurd, right, in the 2014 CD-23 contest."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/10/15/GallegoHurd-CD23_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego (left) was ousted by Republican Will Hurd, right, in the 2014 CD-23 contest." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego (left) was ousted by Republican Will Hurd, right, in the 2014 CD-23 contest.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>As expected, former U.S. Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/pete-gallego/">Pete Gallego</a>, D-Alpine, will run for Congress in a rematch against Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/will-hurd/">Will Hurd</a>, R-San Antonio. Hurd ousted Gallego in 2014 by a 2-point margin. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/pette-gallego-will-run-against-will-hurd-again/"> <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/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-panel-weigh-private-property-gun-rights/">House Panel Weighs Property, Gun Rights</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/proposed-bill-aims-prevent-another-fertilizer-blas/">Lawmaker's Bill Aims to Prevent Another Fertilizer Plant Blast</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/">Video: A Conversation With Nichols and Pickett</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/amid-criticism-uncertainty-lingers-over-health-com/">Uncertainty Haunts Commissioner Kyle Janek</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/bill-would-put-agency-budgets-under/">Bill Would Put Agency Budgets Under Closer Scrutiny</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/bill-would-untangle-messy-hair-care-regulations/">House Bill Would Untangle Hair Braiding Rules</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/a-special-tribcast-series-on-the-texas-budget/">Budgetline: The Spending Cap</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/analysis-lawmakers-looking-fresh-antagonists/">Analysis: Moving Integrity Unit Won't Curb Conflicts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/05/gop-push-gun-measures-could-backfire-minorities/">GOP Gun Measures Could Backfire With Minorities</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/04/bathroom-bills-pit-transgender-community-against-g/">"Bathroom Bills" Pit Transgender Texans Against the GOP</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/perry-prosecutors-fight-keep-invoices-secret/">Perry Prosecutors Fight to Keep Invoices Secret</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/">The Tribune's Local Debt Explorer Gets an Update</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/roundup-house-budget-battle-cruz-climbs/">Roundup: The House Budget Marathon and Cruz's Campaign</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/analysis-two-tax-cuts-only-one-sales-pitch/">Analysis: Two Tax Plans, but Only One Comes With a Distinct Sales Pitch</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/state-audit-operational-defects-led-21ct-deal/">State Auditor: "Operational Defects" Led to 21CT Deal</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/pette-gallego-will-run-against-will-hurd-again/">Gallego to Seek Rematch With U.S. Rep. Hurd</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/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/1997-memorial-day-massacre/">1997 Memorial Day Massacre</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2011-budget-shortfall/">2011 Budget Shortfall</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2013-house-speaker-race/">2013 House Speaker Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2015-speakers-race/">The 2015 Speaker's Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2015-speakers-race/">The 2015 Speaker's Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2016-presidential-election/">2016 Presidential 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href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/"> <span>+</span> View All </a> </footer> </aside> <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_RightRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab video"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Video</h1> <h2><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/">Video: A Conversation With Nichols and Pickett</a></h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 09:27:38 -0500" title="2015-04-07 09:27"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/ttevent_Nichols_and_Pickett_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/ttevent_Nichols_and_Pickett_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/bill-would-put-agency-budgets-under/">Bill Would Put Agency Budgets Under Closer Scrutiny</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by Ben Philpott, KUT News </li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 05:59:00 -0500" title="2015-04-07 05:59"> April 7, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/bill-would-put-agency-budgets-under/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HBOne189_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, carries literature laying out House Bill 1 as he prepares to discuss the appropriations bill on the House floor March 31, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HBOne189_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, carries literature laying out House Bill 1 as he prepares to discuss the appropriations bill on the House floor March 31, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, carries literature laying out House Bill 1 as he prepares to discuss the appropriations bill on the House floor March 31, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Texas Legislature has spent much of the current session scrutinizing state agency budgets. A bill up in the House on Tuesday would add an additional layer of review to make sure state revenue is being spent correctly. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/bill-would-put-agency-budgets-under/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/bill-would-untangle-messy-hair-care-regulations/">House Bill Would Untangle Hair Braiding Rules</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 6 Apr 2015 18:05:51 -0500" title="2015-04-06 18:05"> April 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/bill-would-untangle-messy-hair-care-regulations/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/bill-would-untangle-messy-hair-care-regulations/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/09/30/Braiding_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/09/30/Braiding_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>For nearly two decades, the state of Texas has been trying to shut down Isis Brantley's hair braiding business. Prodded by a federal court, state lawmakers are now considering exempting hair braiders from regulation and leaving Brantley alone.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/bill-would-untangle-messy-hair-care-regulations/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/a-special-tribcast-series-on-the-texas-budget/">Budgetline: The Spending Cap</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a>, <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/twiseman/">Todd Wiseman</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 6 Apr 2015 11:14:22 -0500" title="2015-04-06 11:14"> April 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/a-special-tribcast-series-on-the-texas-budget/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/a-special-tribcast-series-on-the-texas-budget/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/10/Budgetline-podcast-lead-art-final_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/10/Budgetline-podcast-lead-art-final_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>In this episode of Budgetline, an occasional TribCast series on the Texas Budget, Aman and Ross explore the state's fuzzy limits on how fast the state budget can grow, what counts and what doesn't, and how the politics work.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/a-special-tribcast-series-on-the-texas-budget/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/analysis-lawmakers-looking-fresh-antagonists/">Analysis: Moving Integrity Unit Won't Curb Conflicts</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 6 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-06 06:00"> April 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/analysis-lawmakers-looking-fresh-antagonists/comments/"><span class="value">13</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/analysis-lawmakers-looking-fresh-antagonists/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/03/HuffmanKing_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/03/HuffmanKing_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Legislators frustrated and angry with public corruption prosecutions in Travis County want to move them somewhere else. But the problems are likely to tag along: It's always hard to prosecute the people who pay for the prosecutors.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/analysis-lawmakers-looking-fresh-antagonists/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/05/gop-push-gun-measures-could-backfire-minorities/">GOP Gun Measures Could Backfire With Minorities</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 5 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-05 06:00"> April 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/05/gop-push-gun-measures-could-backfire-minorities/comments/"><span class="value">93</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/05/gop-push-gun-measures-could-backfire-minorities/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/03/Open_Carry_March_Erika_Rich_03_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Gun rights supporters participate in an open carry march through South by Southwest led by the Austin chapter of Come and Take It on Wednesday, March 12, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/03/Open_Carry_March_Erika_Rich_03_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gun rights supporters participate in an open carry march through South by Southwest led by the Austin chapter of Come and Take It on Wednesday, March 12, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Erika Rich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gun rights supporters participate in an open carry march through South by Southwest led by the Austin chapter of Come and Take It on Wednesday, March 12, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Republican lawmakers backing open carry and guns on campus are heading in the wrong direction for many black and Hispanic Texans who would prefer stricter gun laws, polling shows. It's another disconnect with minorities the GOP might regret.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/05/gop-push-gun-measures-could-backfire-minorities/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/04/bathroom-bills-pit-transgender-community-against-g/">"Bathroom Bills" Pit Transgender Texans Against the GOP</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/edgar-walters/">Edgar Walters</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 4 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-04 06:00"> April 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/04/bathroom-bills-pit-transgender-community-against-g/comments/"><span class="value">182</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/04/bathroom-bills-pit-transgender-community-against-g/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/02/IMG_9622_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Caomh谩n 脫 Raghallaigh, a transgender advocate, visits with Sarah Byers, left, in the Capitol office of Sen. Kirk Watson, right."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053123/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/02/IMG_9622_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Caomh谩n 脫 Raghallaigh, a transgender advocate, visits with Sarah Byers, left, in the Capitol office of Sen. Kirk Watson, right." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Caomh谩n 脫 Raghallaigh, a transgender advocate, visits with Sarah Byers, left, in the Capitol office of Sen. Kirk Watson, right.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>A set of </span><span class="il">bills</span><span> from conservative lawmakers would make it illegal for people to use the </span><span class="il">bathroom</span><span> other than the one designated for their gender assigned at birth. Members of the transgender community say the legislation specifically targets them and even places a bounty on their heads.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/04/bathroom-bills-pit-transgender-community-against-g/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/government/all/" title=""><span>+</span> More News</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper-r"> <footer id="site_footer" class="wrapper-r"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> </div> <div id="footer" class="grid"> <dl id="staff_writers" class="cell w-3"> <dt>Writers</dt> <div class="cell w-6"> <dd> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca Aaronson</a> </dd> <dd> <a href="/web/20150408053123/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/julian-aguilar/">Juli谩n Aguilar</a> </dd> <dd> <a 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