GOVERNMENT | The Texas Tribune

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Tribune"></a></h1> <time datetime="2015-03-05T18:55:50.879799">Thursday, March 5, 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/20150306005553/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/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/government/governors-office/">Governor's Office</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/government/legislature/">Legislature</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150306005553/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/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/judge-removed-ethics-case-against-conservative-act/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/01/FriRPT1329cms_jpg_474x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Republican activist Michael Quinn Sullivan visits at the State Republican Convention trade show on June 6, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/01/FriRPT1329cms_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Republican activist Michael Quinn Sullivan visits at the State Republican Convention trade show on June 6, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Republican activist Michael Quinn Sullivan visits at the State Republican Convention trade show on June 6, 2014.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/judge-removed-ethics-case-against-conservative-act/">Judge Removed in Case Against Conservative Activist</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 5 Mar 2015 15:43:52 -0600" title="2015-03-05 15:43"> March 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/judge-removed-ethics-case-against-conservative-act/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>A visiting judge has ordered the removal of the current judge overseeing conservative activist Michael Quinn Sullivan's challenge against the Texas Ethics Commission.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/judge-removed-ethics-case-against-conservative-act/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </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/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/supporters-statewide-texting-ban-testify-capitol/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/09/TextandDrive_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/09/TextandDrive_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/supporters-statewide-texting-ban-testify-capitol/">"Texting is the King of Distraction," Lobbyist Tells Panel</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 5 Mar 2015 13:57:17 -0600" title="2015-03-05 13:57"> March 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/supporters-statewide-texting-ban-testify-capitol/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>Doctors, law enforcement officers, and family members of crash victims gathered Thursday at the Capitol to testify in support of a statewide texting-while-driving ban. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/cellular-phone-use-and-texting-while-driving-laws.aspx">Forty-four states</a><span> now ban text messaging while driving.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/supporters-statewide-texting-ban-testify-capitol/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/jeb-bush-picks-major-east-texas-fundraiser/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/25/JebBush-2_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Jeb Bush"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/25/JebBush-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Jeb Bush" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: World Affairs Council of Philadelphia</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Jeb Bush</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/jeb-bush-picks-major-east-texas-fundraiser/">Jeb Bush Picks Up Major East Texas Fundraiser</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 5 Mar 2015 10:41:44 -0600" title="2015-03-05 10:41"> March 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/jeb-bush-picks-major-east-texas-fundraiser/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush just picked up a serious GOP fundraiser in East Texas. Gaylord Hughey Jr., the top GOP bundler of East Texas, said in an interview with the Tribune that he is backing Bush, should he follow through on a presidential run. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/jeb-bush-picks-major-east-texas-fundraiser/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/analysis-fear-spending-even-extends-tax-cuts/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/27/UP9A9547_JPG_231x1000_q100.JPG" alt="State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at a budget press conference on Jan. 27, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/27/UP9A9547_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at a budget press conference on Jan. 27, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at a budget press conference on Jan. 27, 2015.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/analysis-fear-spending-even-extends-tax-cuts/">Analysis: Fear of Spending Even Extends to Tax Cuts</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 5 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-03-05 06:00"> March 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/analysis-fear-spending-even-extends-tax-cuts/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>Lawmakers want to send voters a tax cut but fear spending the money the cut requires without asking voters for permission. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/analysis-fear-spending-even-extends-tax-cuts/"> <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/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/supporters-statewide-texting-ban-testify-capitol/">"Texting is the King of Distraction," Lobbyist Tells Panel</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 5 Mar 2015 13:57:17 -0600" title="2015-03-05 13:57"> March 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/supporters-statewide-texting-ban-testify-capitol/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/supporters-statewide-texting-ban-testify-capitol/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/09/TextandDrive_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/09/TextandDrive_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Doctors, law enforcement officers, and family members of crash victims gathered Thursday at the Capitol to testify in support of a statewide texting-while-driving ban. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/cellular-phone-use-and-texting-while-driving-laws.aspx">Forty-four states</a><span> now ban text messaging while driving.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/supporters-statewide-texting-ban-testify-capitol/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/jeb-bush-picks-major-east-texas-fundraiser/">Jeb Bush Picks Up Major East Texas Fundraiser</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 5 Mar 2015 10:41:44 -0600" title="2015-03-05 10:41"> March 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/jeb-bush-picks-major-east-texas-fundraiser/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/jeb-bush-picks-major-east-texas-fundraiser/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/25/JebBush-2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Jeb Bush"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/25/JebBush-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Jeb Bush" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: World Affairs Council of Philadelphia</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Jeb Bush</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush just picked up a serious GOP fundraiser in East Texas. Gaylord Hughey Jr., the top GOP bundler of East Texas, said in an interview with the Tribune that he is backing Bush, should he follow through on a presidential run. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/jeb-bush-picks-major-east-texas-fundraiser/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/analysis-fear-spending-even-extends-tax-cuts/">Analysis: Fear of Spending Even Extends to Tax Cuts</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 5 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-03-05 06:00"> March 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/analysis-fear-spending-even-extends-tax-cuts/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/analysis-fear-spending-even-extends-tax-cuts/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/27/UP9A9547_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at a budget press conference on Jan. 27, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/27/UP9A9547_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at a budget press conference on Jan. 27, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at a budget press conference on Jan. 27, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Lawmakers want to send voters a tax cut but fear spending the money the cut requires without asking voters for permission. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/05/analysis-fear-spending-even-extends-tax-cuts/"> <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/20150306005553/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/20150306005553/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/20150306005553im_/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/20150306005553/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/20150306005553/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/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/committee-passes-second-chance-bill-seniors/">Committee Passes Second Chance Bill For Failing Seniors</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 4 Mar 2015 17:14:50 -0600" title="2015-03-04 17:14"> March 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/committee-passes-second-chance-bill-seniors/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/committee-passes-second-chance-bill-seniors/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/21/Patrick_Seliger_2_CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has a chat with Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, after calling a recess in the Senate on Jan. 21, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/21/Patrick_Seliger_2_CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has a chat with Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, after calling a recess in the Senate on Jan. 21, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has a chat with Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, after calling a recess in the Senate on Jan. 21, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Texas public high school seniors who failed the state's mandatory exams might still get to graduate this May under a bill pushed by state Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kel-seliger/">Kel Seliger</a>. The Senate Education Committee approved the measure Wednesday. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/committee-passes-second-chance-bill-seniors/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/house-dripping-springs-wedding-capital-texas/">House: Dripping Springs the "Wedding Capital of Texas"</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 4 Mar 2015 15:11:29 -0600" title="2015-03-04 15:11"> March 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/house-dripping-springs-wedding-capital-texas/comments/"><span class="value">33</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/house-dripping-springs-wedding-capital-texas/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/03/07/_KCA8409_1_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the House floor, February 8, 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/03/07/_KCA8409_1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the House floor, February 8, 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the House floor, February 8, 2011.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Texas House said “I do” to a proposal Wednesday by Republican <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/jason-a-isaac/">Jason Isaac</a> to designate Dripping Springs as the state wedding capital.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/house-dripping-springs-wedding-capital-texas/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/">Senate Approves Funneling Car Sales Tax to Highways</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 4 Mar 2015 14:23:41 -0600" title="2015-03-04 14:23"> March 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib_ConstructionWorkers_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Wokers along stretch of highway at US290/US 183 April 2011"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib_ConstructionWorkers_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Wokers along stretch of highway at US290/US 183 April 2011" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Wokers along stretch of highway at US290/US 183 April 2011</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>If voters approve, some of the taxes collected on car sales would be dedicated to building and fixing highways under the first two pieces of legislation to clear the Senate this session. Teachers might also see a pay boost under the measures.</span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/senate-leaders-aim-exempt-tax-cuts-paying-debt-spe/">Patrick: Exempt Tax Cuts, Debt Payments From Spending Cap</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 4 Mar 2015 11:52:15 -0600" title="2015-03-04 11:52"> March 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/senate-leaders-aim-exempt-tax-cuts-paying-debt-spe/comments/"><span class="value">38</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/senate-leaders-aim-exempt-tax-cuts-paying-debt-spe/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/27/UP9A9537_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="Sen. Jane Nelson R-Flower Mound, together with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, hold a press conference on the budget on Jan. 27, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/27/UP9A9537_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="Sen. Jane Nelson R-Flower Mound, together with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, hold a press conference on the budget on Jan. 27, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Sen. Jane Nelson R-Flower Mound, together with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, hold a press conference on the budget on Jan. 27, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Senate leaders joined Lt. Gov.<span> </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dan-patrick/">Dan Patrick</a> to announce a plan to <span>allow lawmakers to </span>cut property taxes and pay down the state's debt without busting<span> the state’s politically charged spending cap.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/senate-leaders-aim-exempt-tax-cuts-paying-debt-spe/"> <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/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/republican-group-targets-gohmert-dhs/">GOP Group Targets Gohmert on Homeland Security Funding</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 3 Mar 2015 13:02:47 -0600" title="2015-03-03 13:02"> March 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/republican-group-targets-gohmert-dhs/comments/"><span class="value">31</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/republican-group-targets-gohmert-dhs/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/gohmert002_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, is shown at the annual alumni Aggie Muster on April 21, 2012, at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan's Helmand Province."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/gohmert002_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, is shown at the annual alumni Aggie Muster on April 21, 2012, at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan's Helmand Province." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Lance Cpl. Catie D. Edwards</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, is shown at the annual alumni Aggie Muster on April 21, 2012, at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan's Helmand Province.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>After a week of legislative chaos over funding the Department of Homeland Security, a Republican group is running ads in U.S. Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/louie-gohmert/">Louie Gohmert</a>'s East Texas district, looking to build support for a DHS funding bill.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/republican-group-targets-gohmert-dhs/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/state-waiting-legislature-directions-declassify-co/">State Waits for Directions to Declassify Colonias</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 3 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-03-03 06:00"> March 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/state-waiting-legislature-directions-declassify-co/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/state-waiting-legislature-directions-declassify-co/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/09/05/Hidalgo-colonias-JW013_1_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="A young girl plays outside her home in the Pueblo de Palmas colonia near Mission, Texas, on Aug. 29, 2013."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/09/05/Hidalgo-colonias-JW013_1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="A young girl plays outside her home in the Pueblo de Palmas colonia near Mission, Texas, on Aug. 29, 2013." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Jennifer Whitney</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A young girl plays outside her home in the Pueblo de Palmas colonia near Mission, Texas, on Aug. 29, 2013.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The state has worked for decades to halt the proliferation of </span><span>colonias, but it has no way to declassify communities that have outgrown the colonia description.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/state-waiting-legislature-directions-declassify-co/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/among-conservatives-push-pay-attendants-more/">Conservatives Join Push to Pay Care Workers More</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/edgar-walters/">Edgar Walters</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 3 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-03-03 06:00"> March 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/among-conservatives-push-pay-attendants-more/comments/"><span class="value">26</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/among-conservatives-push-pay-attendants-more/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/_KCB9760_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="People with disabilities protest at the Texas Capitol against budget cuts to home and community-based services on March 1, 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/_KCB9760_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="People with disabilities protest at the Texas Capitol against budget cuts to home and community-based services on March 1, 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">People with disabilities protest at the Texas Capitol against budget cuts to home and community-based services on March 1, 2011.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Personal attendants help the elderly and disabled with daily tasks ranging from rising and eating to bathing and going to the bathroom. For that, the state pays them about $8 an hour. Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> and some fiscal conservatives want to raise their wages.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/among-conservatives-push-pay-attendants-more/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/analysis-tax-cutting-frenzy-and-call-restraint/">Analysis: A Desire for Tax Cuts and a Call for Restraint</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 3 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-03-03 06:00"> March 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/analysis-tax-cutting-frenzy-and-call-restraint/comments/"><span class="value">15</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/analysis-tax-cutting-frenzy-and-call-restraint/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/21/SenateDebateEltife_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, is congratulated by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, in passing changes to Senate rules on Jan. 21, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/21/SenateDebateEltife_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, is congratulated by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, in passing changes to Senate rules on Jan. 21, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, is congratulated by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, in passing changes to Senate rules on Jan. 21, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>As state officials rush to announce tax cuts, a former mayor now in the Senate is pleading for a little restraint and a return to pay-as-you-go government.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/analysis-tax-cutting-frenzy-and-call-restraint/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/brief/">The Brief: March 3, 2015</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 3 Mar 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-03-03 05:59"> March 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/brief/comments/"><span class="value">15</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Drought-DryTexasFlag_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Drought-DryTexasFlag_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Jinjian Liang</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>In a House committee hearing on Monday, one witness sought to redefine the climate change debate as one with clear implications to national security.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/02/ahead-of-netanyahu-speech-cruz-weighs-in/">Ahead of Netanyahu Speech, Cruz Weighs In</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 2 Mar 2015 19:34:38 -0600" title="2015-03-02 19:34"> March 2, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/02/ahead-of-netanyahu-speech-cruz-weighs-in/comments/"><span class="value">21</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/02/ahead-of-netanyahu-speech-cruz-weighs-in/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/05/Cruz348CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz on the Republican stage election night Nov. 4, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/05/Cruz348CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz on the Republican stage election night Nov. 4, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz on the Republican stage election night Nov. 4, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>During an event that had an unmistakable political charge, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz spoke Monday about how a nuclear Iran presents an existential threat to Israel.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/02/ahead-of-netanyahu-speech-cruz-weighs-in/"> <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/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/committee-passes-second-chance-bill-seniors/">Committee Passes Second Chance Bill For Failing Seniors</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/house-dripping-springs-wedding-capital-texas/">House: Dripping Springs the "Wedding Capital of Texas"</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/measure-use-car-sales-tax-highways-teachers/">Senate Approves Funneling Car Sales Tax to Highways</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/senate-leaders-aim-exempt-tax-cuts-paying-debt-spe/">Patrick: Exempt Tax Cuts, Debt Payments From Spending Cap</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/video-creating-a-state-resource-for-female-veteran/">Video: A Bid to Solidify Support Services for Female Veterans</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/analysis-tax-cut-fever-in-the-texas-senate/">Analysis: In Senate, Spotlight Squarely on Tax Cuts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/state-urges-judge-keep-immigration-plan-hold/">State Urges Judge to Keep Immigration Plan on Hold</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/senators-consider-ditching-business-tax-entirely/">Senators Show Interest in Ditching Margins Tax</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/food-stamps-recipients-texas-almost-tripled-2000/">Texas Households on Food Stamps Almost Tripled Since 2000</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/empower-texans-voicemail/">Conservative Group's Robocalls Target UT Admissions Report</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/republican-group-targets-gohmert-dhs/">GOP Group Targets Gohmert on Homeland Security Funding</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/state-waiting-legislature-directions-declassify-co/">State Waits for Directions to Declassify Colonias</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/among-conservatives-push-pay-attendants-more/">Conservatives Join Push to Pay Care Workers More</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/analysis-tax-cutting-frenzy-and-call-restraint/">Analysis: A Desire for Tax Cuts and a Call for Restraint</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/brief/">The Brief: March 3, 2015</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/02/ahead-of-netanyahu-speech-cruz-weighs-in/">Ahead of Netanyahu Speech, Cruz Weighs In</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/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/1997-memorial-day-massacre/">1997 Memorial Day Massacre</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2011-budget-shortfall/">2011 Budget Shortfall</a></li> <li><a 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href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/rocha-alana/">Alana Rocha</a> and <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/justin-dehn/">Justin Dehn</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 4 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-03-04 06:00"> March 4, 2015 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="/2015/03/04/video-creating-a-state-resource-for-female-veteran/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Women_Vets_Painting1_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Women_Vets_Painting1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/video-creating-a-state-resource-for-female-veteran/">Video: A Bid to Solidify Support Services for Female Veterans</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/rocha-alana/">Alana Rocha</a> and <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/justin-dehn/">Justin Dehn</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 4 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-03-04 06:00"> March 4, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/video-creating-a-state-resource-for-female-veteran/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Women_Vets_Painting1_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Women_Vets_Painting1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>More female veterans call Texas home <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://www.va.gov/WOMENVET/docs/WomenVeteransPopulationFactSheet.pdf" target="_blank">than any other state</a>, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. <span>It’s a growing segment of the military population that could soon have </span>a state resource exclusively dedicated to serving its needs.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/video-creating-a-state-resource-for-female-veteran/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/analysis-tax-cut-fever-in-the-texas-senate/">Analysis: In Senate, Spotlight Squarely on Tax Cuts</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 4 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-03-04 06:00"> March 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/analysis-tax-cut-fever-in-the-texas-senate/comments/"><span class="value">19</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/analysis-tax-cut-fever-in-the-texas-senate/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/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/20150306005553/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>Here's some free advice to anyone hoping to see some love in the next state budget: Get in line. Tax cuts are at the front of the queue.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/analysis-tax-cut-fever-in-the-texas-senate/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/state-urges-judge-keep-immigration-plan-hold/">State Urges Judge to Keep Immigration Plan on Hold</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/julian-aguilar/">Juli谩n Aguilar</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 3 Mar 2015 19:16:42 -0600" title="2015-03-03 19:16"> March 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/state-urges-judge-keep-immigration-plan-hold/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/state-urges-judge-keep-immigration-plan-hold/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/10/_S3R1632_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="President Obama talked about the U.S. economy in a speech on July 10, 2014, at the Paramount Theatre in Austin."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/10/_S3R1632_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="President Obama talked about the U.S. economy in a speech on July 10, 2014, at the Paramount Theatre in Austin." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">President Obama talked about the U.S. economy in a speech on July 10, 2014, at the Paramount Theatre in Austin.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The Texas attorney general’s office said Tuesday that President Obama’s own actions should convince a federal judge to keep a controversial immigration plan on hold.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/state-urges-judge-keep-immigration-plan-hold/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/senators-consider-ditching-business-tax-entirely/">Senators Show Interest in Ditching Margins Tax</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 3 Mar 2015 18:21:04 -0600" title="2015-03-03 18:21"> March 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/senators-consider-ditching-business-tax-entirely/comments/"><span class="value">11</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/senators-consider-ditching-business-tax-entirely/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/02/ExpandingBudget-MoneyBagInCapitol_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/02/ExpandingBudget-MoneyBagInCapitol_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Paul Hudson</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>As a key Senate committee prepares to hear public testimony on tax cut proposals Wednesday, senators expressed strong interest in repealing the state's unpopular margins tax on businesses, which has raised $4.7 billion annually.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/senators-consider-ditching-business-tax-entirely/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/food-stamps-recipients-texas-almost-tripled-2000/">Texas Households on Food Stamps Almost Tripled Since 2000</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 3 Mar 2015 15:12:53 -0600" title="2015-03-03 15:12"> March 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/food-stamps-recipients-texas-almost-tripled-2000/comments/"><span class="value">61</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/food-stamps-recipients-texas-almost-tripled-2000/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/03/27/FarmersMarket-2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Tiger Whitehead and his children Logic and Domnick, who used SNAP and the the Sustainable Food Center Farmer's Market double dollars coupons, shopping at the Farmer's Market at 2835 East MLK Blvd. in Austin on March 19, 2013."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/03/27/FarmersMarket-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Tiger Whitehead and his children Logic and Domnick, who used SNAP and the the Sustainable Food Center Farmer's Market double dollars coupons, shopping at the Farmer's Market at 2835 East MLK Blvd. in Austin on March 19, 2013." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Spencer Selvidge</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Tiger Whitehead and his children Logic and Domnick, who used SNAP and the the Sustainable Food Center Farmer's Market double dollars coupons, shopping at the Farmer's Market at 2835 East MLK Blvd. in Austin on March 19, 2013.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span><span>In 2013, 1.3 million Texas households received food stamps</span><span> — up from 505,968 in 2000</span>, according to </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2015/acs/acsbr13-08.pdf?eml=gd&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">figures</a><span> released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/food-stamps-recipients-texas-almost-tripled-2000/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/empower-texans-voicemail/">Conservative Group's Robocalls Target UT Admissions Report</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 3 Mar 2015 14:34:58 -0600" title="2015-03-03 14:34"> March 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/empower-texans-voicemail/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/03/empower-texans-voicemail/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/10/UP9A1662_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="UT President Bill Powers speaks during a UT Board of Regents meeting on July 10th, 2014"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/10/UP9A1662_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="UT President Bill Powers speaks during a UT Board of Regents meeting on July 10th, 2014" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">UT President Bill Powers speaks during a UT Board of Regents meeting on July 10th, 2014</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>After a recent </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150306005553/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/ut-system-releases-admissions-report/">report showed that some</a><span> University of Texas at Austin applicants received help securing admittance over the admissions office’s objections, conservative activists are calling Texans at home and asking them to take action.</span></p> <a class="permalink" 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