ECONOMY | The Texas Tribune

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datetime="2015-05-05T14:57:32.065974">Tuesday, May 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/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/economy/">ECONOMY</a></h1></header> <section class="topstory grid"> <article class=""> <div class="media large"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/01/video-a-conversation-with-julin-castro/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A9409_5ZwUPNh_jpg_474x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A9409_5ZwUPNh_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/01/video-a-conversation-with-julin-castro/">Video: A Conversation With Juli谩n Castro</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 1 May 2015 09:42:55 -0500" title="2015-05-01 09:42"> May 1, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Full video of my 5/1 conversation with </span><span>Julián</span><span> </span><span>Castro, the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/01/video-a-conversation-with-julin-castro/"> <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/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/bettencourt-hopes-amendment-will-limit-property-ta/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/09/DSC_7432_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas State Sen.-elect Paul Bettencourt during the What the Tea Party Wants panel at The Texas Tribune's On the Road: A Symposium Previewing the 84th Legislature on Dec. 5, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/09/DSC_7432_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas State Sen.-elect Paul Bettencourt during the What the Tea Party Wants panel at The Texas Tribune's On the Road: A Symposium Previewing the 84th Legislature on Dec. 5, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Charlie Pearce</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas State Sen.-elect Paul Bettencourt during the What the Tea Party Wants panel at The Texas Tribune's On the Road: A Symposium Previewing the 84th Legislature on Dec. 5, 2014.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/bettencourt-hopes-amendment-will-limit-property-ta/">With Amendment, Bettencourt Aims to Limit Property Tax Growth</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Apr 2015 18:42:26 -0500" title="2015-04-30 18:42"> April 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/bettencourt-hopes-amendment-will-limit-property-ta/comments/"><span class="value">11</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>State Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/paul-bettencourt/">Paul Bettencourt</a><span>, R-Houston, managed to add an amendment to a bill Thursday that would make it more difficult for some local entities to raise property taxes.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/bettencourt-hopes-amendment-will-limit-property-ta/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-panel-debates-bills-reel-film-incentives/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/30/filmTT_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas A&M University System Regent Jim Schwertner and former Regent Richard Box participate in an interview for a new movie, produced by John Robison, that revisits the decision to move to the SEC."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/30/filmTT_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas A&M University System Regent Jim Schwertner and former Regent Richard Box participate in an interview for a new movie, produced by John Robison, that revisits the decision to move to the SEC." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas A&M University System Regent Jim Schwertner and former Regent Richard Box participate in an interview for a new movie, produced by John Robison, that revisits the decision to move to the SEC.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-panel-debates-bills-reel-film-incentives/">House Panel Debates Bills to Rein In Film Incentives</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Apr 2015 13:27:30 -0500" title="2015-04-30 13:27"> April 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-panel-debates-bills-reel-film-incentives/comments/"><span class="value">17</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>A Texas House committee on Thursday considered a pair of bills <span>taking aim at the state film incentives program. One would block state grants for films and video games containing adult content. Another would abolish the program altogether.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-panel-debates-bills-reel-film-incentives/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/video-a-conversation-with-sylvester-turner/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Turner4_twoshot_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Turner4_twoshot_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/video-a-conversation-with-sylvester-turner/">Video: A Conversation With Sylvester Turner</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Apr 2015 09:14:01 -0500" title="2015-04-30 09:14"> April 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/video-a-conversation-with-sylvester-turner/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>Full video of my 4/30 conversation with state Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/sylvester-turner/">Sylvester Turner</a>, D-Houston, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and a candidate for Houston mayor.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/video-a-conversation-with-sylvester-turner/"> <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/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/bettencourt-hopes-amendment-will-limit-property-ta/">With Amendment, Bettencourt Aims to Limit Property Tax Growth</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Apr 2015 18:42:26 -0500" title="2015-04-30 18:42"> April 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/bettencourt-hopes-amendment-will-limit-property-ta/comments/"><span class="value">11</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/bettencourt-hopes-amendment-will-limit-property-ta/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/09/DSC_7432_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas State Sen.-elect Paul Bettencourt during the What the Tea Party Wants panel at The Texas Tribune's On the Road: A Symposium Previewing the 84th Legislature on Dec. 5, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/09/DSC_7432_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas State Sen.-elect Paul Bettencourt during the What the Tea Party Wants panel at The Texas Tribune's On the Road: A Symposium Previewing the 84th Legislature on Dec. 5, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Charlie Pearce</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas State Sen.-elect Paul Bettencourt during the What the Tea Party Wants panel at The Texas Tribune's On the Road: A Symposium Previewing the 84th Legislature on Dec. 5, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>State Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/paul-bettencourt/">Paul Bettencourt</a><span>, R-Houston, managed to add an amendment to a bill Thursday that would make it more difficult for some local entities to raise property taxes.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/bettencourt-hopes-amendment-will-limit-property-ta/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-panel-debates-bills-reel-film-incentives/">House Panel Debates Bills to Rein In Film Incentives</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Apr 2015 13:27:30 -0500" title="2015-04-30 13:27"> April 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-panel-debates-bills-reel-film-incentives/comments/"><span class="value">17</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-panel-debates-bills-reel-film-incentives/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/30/filmTT_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas A&M University System Regent Jim Schwertner and former Regent Richard Box participate in an interview for a new movie, produced by John Robison, that revisits the decision to move to the SEC."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/30/filmTT_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas A&M University System Regent Jim Schwertner and former Regent Richard Box participate in an interview for a new movie, produced by John Robison, that revisits the decision to move to the SEC." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas A&M University System Regent Jim Schwertner and former Regent Richard Box participate in an interview for a new movie, produced by John Robison, that revisits the decision to move to the SEC.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>A Texas House committee on Thursday considered a pair of bills <span>taking aim at the state film incentives program. One would block state grants for films and video games containing adult content. Another would abolish the program altogether.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-panel-debates-bills-reel-film-incentives/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/video-a-conversation-with-sylvester-turner/">Video: A Conversation With Sylvester Turner</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Apr 2015 09:14:01 -0500" title="2015-04-30 09:14"> April 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/video-a-conversation-with-sylvester-turner/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/video-a-conversation-with-sylvester-turner/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Turner4_twoshot_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Turner4_twoshot_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Full video of my 4/30 conversation with state Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/sylvester-turner/">Sylvester Turner</a>, D-Houston, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and a candidate for Houston mayor.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/video-a-conversation-with-sylvester-turner/"> <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/20150505195734/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/">The Texas Tribune's Local Debt Explorer Gets an Update</a> </h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a>, <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150505195734/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> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="http://localdebt.texastribune.org/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/04/LocalDebtExplorer-Lead_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/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> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/28/house-passes-49-billion-tax-cut/">House Passes $4.9B Tax Cut Plan That Includes Sales Tax Cut</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:07:06 -0500" title="2015-04-28 13:07"> April 28, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/28/house-passes-49-billion-tax-cut/comments/"><span class="value">20</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/28/house-passes-49-billion-tax-cut/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/28/_BDB2017CMS_Bonnen_claps_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, celebrates passage of his tax cut measures during the House session April 28, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/28/_BDB2017CMS_Bonnen_claps_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, celebrates passage of his tax cut measures during the House session April 28, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, celebrates passage of his tax cut measures during the House session April 28, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Texas House tentatively approved a $4.9 billion tax relief plan Tuesday that includes a cut to the state’s sales tax, marking a clear line in the sand against the Senate, which favors property tax cuts.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/28/house-passes-49-billion-tax-cut/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/businesses-offer-support-bonnens-sales-tax-cut/">Business Groups Offer Support for House Sales Tax Cut Plan</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 14 Apr 2015 17:49:33 -0500" title="2015-04-14 17:49"> April 14, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/businesses-offer-support-bonnens-sales-tax-cut/comments/"><span class="value">22</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/businesses-offer-support-bonnens-sales-tax-cut/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/HB11Border287smile_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Denis Bonnen at the front microphone while taking amendments on HB11 border security bill March 18, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/HB11Border287smile_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Denis Bonnen at the front microphone while taking amendments on HB11 border security bill March 18, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Denis Bonnen at the front microphone while taking amendments on HB11 border security bill March 18, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The House Ways and Means Committee heard mostly praise for Chairman <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dennis-bonnen/">Dennis Bonnen</a>'s plan to cut the state's sales tax and the business margins tax. Lt. Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dan-patrick/">Dan Patrick</a> said the Senate remains committed to a property tax cut.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/businesses-offer-support-bonnens-sales-tax-cut/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/uber-lyft-back-house-headlights/">Uber, Lyft Back in House Headlights</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 14 Apr 2015 15:49:19 -0500" title="2015-04-14 15:49"> April 14, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/uber-lyft-back-house-headlights/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/uber-lyft-back-house-headlights/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Another round of sparring between Texas cities and car service companies Lyft and Uber played out on Tuesday, when a panel of Texas lawmakers considered </span><span>letting cities regulate Lyft and Uber the same way they regulate cab companies.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/uber-lyft-back-house-headlights/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/short-votes-permanent-marker-senate-wrote-new-spen/">Unable to Tighten Spending Cap, Senate Built a New One</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 13 Apr 2015 20:06:12 -0500" title="2015-04-13 20:06"> April 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/short-votes-permanent-marker-senate-wrote-new-spen/comments/"><span class="value">21</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/short-votes-permanent-marker-senate-wrote-new-spen/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/10/tt-hancock-001_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick touted legislation to exempt tax cuts from counting toward the state spending limit at a Capitol press conference on March 10, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/10/tt-hancock-001_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick touted legislation to exempt tax cuts from counting toward the state spending limit at a Capitol press conference on March 10, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Ryan McCrimmon</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick touted legislation to exempt tax cuts from counting toward the state spending limit at a Capitol press conference on March 10, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Lt. Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dan-patrick/">Dan Patrick</a> and Senate Republicans had hoped to amend the Texas Constitution to tighten the state's spending cap. Short of the needed votes, they passed a measure creating a new cap in state law instead.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/short-votes-permanent-marker-senate-wrote-new-spen/"> <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/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/bill-would-untangle-messy-hair-care-regulations/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/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/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/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="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a>, <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/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/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/house-reconvenes-take-unfinished-budget-business/">House OKs Two-Year Budget, Approves Boost to Current One</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 1 Apr 2015 15:56:35 -0500" title="2015-04-01 15:56"> April 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/house-reconvenes-take-unfinished-budget-business/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/house-reconvenes-take-unfinished-budget-business/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/01/HS1919CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, and State Rep. Molly White, R-Belton, during House budget debate Mar. 31, 2015. Both were no votes on the budget bill HB 1 after 17 hours of debate."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/01/HS1919CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, and State Rep. Molly White, R-Belton, during House budget debate Mar. 31, 2015. Both were no votes on the budget bill HB 1 after 17 hours of debate." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, and State Rep. Molly White, R-Belton, during House budget debate Mar. 31, 2015. Both were no votes on the budget bill HB 1 after 17 hours of debate.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>After an 18-hour marathon Tuesday night to sign off on a $210 billion two-year state budget, lawmakers were back in the Texas House on Wednesday afternoon for a bit of unfinished business: plugging holes in the current budget.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/house-reconvenes-take-unfinished-budget-business/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/final-version-budget-story/">After 18-Hour Debate, House Gives Early Approval to Budget</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 1 Apr 2015 05:52:18 -0500" title="2015-04-01 05:52"> April 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/final-version-budget-story/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/final-version-budget-story/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HS1880Turner_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Arlington, and other representatives on the House floor during budget debate March 31, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HS1880Turner_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Arlington, and other representatives on the House floor during budget debate March 31, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Arlington, and other representatives on the House floor during budget debate March 31, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>After an overnight debate that veered from polite disagreements to an angry outburst, the Texas House tentatively passed a $210 billion two-year budget early Wednesday morning with a 141 to 5 vote. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/final-version-budget-story/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/">House Budget Debate to Tackle Hot-Button Issues</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 31 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-03-31 06:00"> March 31, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Bob_FloorHouse_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Bob_FloorHouse_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Planning to follow the House's budget debate today? Better clear your schedule. The chamber is set to debate 354 amendments, which are likely to stir debate on issues like abortion, border security, school vouchers and more.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/30/powdered-alcohol-ban-sent-full-house/">Powdered Alcohol Ban Sent to Full House</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 30 Mar 2015 16:03:34 -0500" title="2015-03-30 16:03"> March 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/30/powdered-alcohol-ban-sent-full-house/comments/"><span class="value">31</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/30/powdered-alcohol-ban-sent-full-house/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Geren1CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, talks with colleagues on the floor during discussion on school finance Friday afternoon May 27, 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Geren1CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, talks with colleagues on the floor during discussion on school finance Friday afternoon May 27, 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, talks with colleagues on the floor during discussion on school finance Friday afternoon May 27, 2011.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Texas has joined a growing number of states moving quickly to outlaw powdered alcohol, a new product that health officials say could make it easier for minors to conceal and consume alcohol.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/30/powdered-alcohol-ban-sent-full-house/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 show-for-medium-down"> <ul class="mobile_headlines"> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/28/house-passes-49-billion-tax-cut/">House Passes $4.9B Tax Cut Plan That Includes Sales Tax Cut</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/businesses-offer-support-bonnens-sales-tax-cut/">Business Groups Offer Support for House Sales Tax Cut Plan</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/uber-lyft-back-house-headlights/">Uber, Lyft Back in House Headlights</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/short-votes-permanent-marker-senate-wrote-new-spen/">Unable to Tighten Spending Cap, Senate Built a New One</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/senate-clears-historic-spending-cap/">Senate OKs Bill That Would Tighten Spending Cap</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/bill-limit-local-property-tax-growth-draws-debate/">Sponsor Softens Divisive Bill on Property Tax Rates</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/background-checks-drive-uber-lyft-debate/">Background Checks Drive Uber Debate</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/bonnen-unveils-49-billion-tax-cut-plan/">Sales Tax Cut a Key Piece in Bonnen's $4.9 Billion Tax Cut Plan</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-democrats-push-raising-minimum-wage/">House Democrats Push Minimum Wage Hike</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-eyes-rainy-day-fund-changes-pay-debt/">Bid for Rainy Day Fund Changes Moves Forward</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/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="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/">The Tribune's Local Debt Explorer Gets an Update</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/house-reconvenes-take-unfinished-budget-business/">House OKs Two-Year Budget, Approves Boost to Current One</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/final-version-budget-story/">After 18-Hour Debate, House Gives Early Approval to Budget</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/">House Budget Debate to Tackle Hot-Button Issues</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/30/powdered-alcohol-ban-sent-full-house/">Powdered Alcohol Ban Sent to Full House</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class=" cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <aside id="" class="featurebox "> <header class="featurebox-header"> <h1><span>Trib</span>pedia</h1> </header> <div class="featurebox-content "> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/budget/">Budget</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/eagle-ford-shale/">The Eagle Ford Shale</a></li> <li><a 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href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 1 May 2015 09:42:55 -0500" title="2015-05-01 09:42"> May 1, 2015 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="/2015/05/01/video-a-conversation-with-julin-castro/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A9409_5ZwUPNh_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A9409_5ZwUPNh_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/senate-clears-historic-spending-cap/">Senate OKs Bill That Would Tighten Spending Cap</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 9 Apr 2015 17:55:54 -0500" title="2015-04-09 17:55"> April 9, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/senate-clears-historic-spending-cap/comments/"><span class="value">12</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/senate-clears-historic-spending-cap/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/09/Kelly_Hancock_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, speaking at the Texas Public Policy Foundation legislative orientation session on Jan. 7, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/09/Kelly_Hancock_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, speaking at the Texas Public Policy Foundation legislative orientation session on Jan. 7, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Robin Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, speaking at the Texas Public Policy Foundation legislative orientation session on Jan. 7, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Senate passed a bill Thursday that would tighten the state's constitutional spending cap and make it tougher for future legislatures to break it. <span>Senate Bill 9, by Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kelly-hancock/">Kelly Hancock</a><span>, passed with a vote of 19-12. </span></p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/senate-clears-historic-spending-cap/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/bill-limit-local-property-tax-growth-draws-debate/">Sponsor Softens Divisive Bill on Property Tax Rates</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 9 Apr 2015 15:35:45 -0500" title="2015-04-09 15:35"> April 9, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/bill-limit-local-property-tax-growth-draws-debate/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/bill-limit-local-property-tax-growth-draws-debate/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/09/DSC_7432_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas State Sen.-elect Paul Bettencourt during the What the Tea Party Wants panel at The Texas Tribune's On the Road: A Symposium Previewing the 84th Legislature on Dec. 5, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/09/DSC_7432_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas State Sen.-elect Paul Bettencourt during the What the Tea Party Wants panel at The Texas Tribune's On the Road: A Symposium Previewing the 84th Legislature on Dec. 5, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Charlie Pearce</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas State Sen.-elect Paul Bettencourt during the What the Tea Party Wants panel at The Texas Tribune's On the Road: A Symposium Previewing the 84th Legislature on Dec. 5, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span><span>State Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/paul-bettencourt/">Paul Bettencourt</a><span>, R-Houston, wants to make </span>cities and counties ask voters for permission to enact tax rates that allow overall property tax revenue from existing homes and businesses to rise more than 6 percent.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/bill-limit-local-property-tax-growth-draws-debate/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/background-checks-drive-uber-lyft-debate/">Background Checks Drive Uber Debate</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 9 Apr 2015 11:57:21 -0500" title="2015-04-09 11:57"> April 9, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/background-checks-drive-uber-lyft-debate/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/background-checks-drive-uber-lyft-debate/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>One week after an Uber driver in Houston was charged with sexually assaulting a passenger, a panel of Texas lawmakers on Thursday considered a bill critics say will open the door for more criminals to slip past driver background checks.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/background-checks-drive-uber-lyft-debate/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/bonnen-unveils-49-billion-tax-cut-plan/">Sales Tax Cut a Key Piece in Bonnen's $4.9 Billion Tax Cut Plan</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 8 Apr 2015 12:44:23 -0500" title="2015-04-08 12:44"> April 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/bonnen-unveils-49-billion-tax-cut-plan/comments/"><span class="value">34</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/bonnen-unveils-49-billion-tax-cut-plan/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/HB11Border245finger_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Ways and Means chair State Rep.Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, while debating State Rep. Sylvester Turner on HB11 border security bill March 18, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/HB11Border245finger_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Ways and Means chair State Rep.Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, while debating State Rep. Sylvester Turner on HB11 border security bill March 18, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Ways and Means chair State Rep.Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, while debating State Rep. Sylvester Turner on HB11 border security bill March 18, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>House Ways and Means Chairman </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dennis-bonnen/">Dennis Bonnen</a><span>, R-Angleton, laid out a $4.9 billion tax cut plan Wednesday featuring cuts in sales taxes and business taxes. The Senate's plan cuts business taxes and property taxes.</span></p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/bonnen-unveils-49-billion-tax-cut-plan/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-democrats-push-raising-minimum-wage/comments/"><span class="value">24</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-democrats-push-raising-minimum-wage/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/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/20150505195734/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/20150505195734/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="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-eyes-rainy-day-fund-changes-pay-debt/">Bid for Rainy Day Fund Changes Moves Forward</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/matthew-watkins/">Matthew Watkins</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 11:55:10 -0500" title="2015-04-07 11:55"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-eyes-rainy-day-fund-changes-pay-debt/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-eyes-rainy-day-fund-changes-pay-debt/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HS1472Otto2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="House Appropriations Chair John Otto explains a budget amendment to a colleague during House Bill 1 debate March 31, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HS1472Otto2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="House Appropriations Chair John Otto explains a budget amendment to a colleague during House Bill 1 debate March 31, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">House Appropriations Chair John Otto explains a budget amendment to a colleague during House Bill 1 debate March 31, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Texas House on Tuesday approved a resolution calling for a constitutional election over whether to send surplus dollars from the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/rainy-day-fund/" target="_blank">Rainy Day Fund</a> into a new account to pay down state debt.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/house-eyes-rainy-day-fund-changes-pay-debt/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/economy/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/20150505195734/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca Aaronson</a> </dd> <dd> <a 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