Posted on · The senior staff for Democrat state Rep. Jolanda Jones alleged in a letter the Houston lawmaker’s office became a toxic workplace, including “physically threatening behavior” and demands that staff deal with issues involving Jones’ personal life.
Posted on · The Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs also debated a measure Thursday that would deny state funds to libraries that host drag story hours.
Posted on · Currently, state employees who have a baby are not granted paid parental leave. Instead, the worker must use accumulated vacation or sick time. They can also take unpaid time off under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act.
Posted on · A measure to establish paid parental leave for state employees is making its way through the Texas Legislature. It’s authored by a Republican and co-authored by several Democrats.
Posted on · Abbott gave his speech from Noveon Magnetics, a manufacturer of earth magnets based in San Marcos. Traditionally, State of the State addresses are given in the chamber of the Texas House during a joint legislative session.
Posted on · Gov. Greg Abbott will deliver his the biennial State of the State address Thursday evening. Abbott is expected to use the prime-time speech to outline his priorities for state lawmakers this year. The speech could also provide greater clarity on whether Abbott has set his sights on a 2024 presidential run.
Posted on · Democrats in Texas have been calling for new police reforms in the state. Some lawmakers say requiring insurance for police officers might be less challenging than passing legislation to end qualified immunity.
Posted on · Bills range from prohibiting insurance companies from covering gender-affirming care to revoking the license of a doctor who performs a gender-affirming surgery on a minor.
Posted on · The budget bills filed Wednesday would also allocate $600 million to the Texas Education Agency to help school districts “in implementing school safety initiatives.”
Posted on · The Republican governor will serve his term with an expanded Republican majority in the Texas House and Senate, making it unlikely that his priorities will face significant roadblocks.
Posted on · Historically, in sessions after a mass shooting in Texas, bills seeking to restrict guns have gone nowhere.
Posted on · Appointing Democrats to key leadership roles has made House Speaker Dade Phelan the target of criticism by members of his own party. During Wednesday’s debate on House rules, more than 30 Republican activists sat in the gallery wearing red shirts that said “Ban Democratic Chairs!”
Posted on · Addressing the freshman class, Phelan asked lawmakers to "not confuse this body with the one in Washington, D.C."
Posted on · And Texas will have $188.2 billion in general revenue for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, a 26% increase from the last biennium.
Posted on · Conservatives want to use part of the money to provide property tax relief. Progressives want to boost funding for public education.