Latest News
King on committee approval of House Bill 2744: 'An extremely emotional and moral victory for my constituents and the Uvalde families'
By John Suayan | May 9, 2023
In a seemingly unexpected move, a Texas House of Representatives committee advanced a bill on Monday that would raise the legal age to purchase semi-automatic rifles.
Texas GOP chair Rinaldi on Slaton resignation: 'The House has entered a new era of accountability'
By John Suayan | May 8, 2023
State Rep. Bryan Slaton (R-Royse City) announced his resignation from the Texas House of Representatives on Monday before lawmakers were slated to vote on his expulsion for an alleged inappropriate relationship with an aide, according to a report from The Texas Tribune.
State Rep. Slaton attempted to add taxpayer transparency to “corporate welfare” bill
By Austin Journal Report | May 5, 2023
During this week’s floor debate on HB5, a bill that aims to replace the previous Chapter 313 property tax abatement program, State Representative Bryan Slaton (R-Greenville) attempted to add a transparency amendment to the bill that was ultimately not adopted.
Cornyn on San Jacinto County mass shooting: 'How much pain and suffering will our country have to endure before the Biden administration takes this seriously?'
By John Suayan | May 2, 2023
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) said on Monday that illegal immigration is to blame for Friday’s mass shooting in Cleveland that claimed the lives of five people, Spectrum News reported.
Huge Crowds Expected at "How Many More?" Rally in Austin, TX on April 29th
By Austin Journal Report | Apr 19, 2023
Organizers of the "How Many More?" Rally today announced plans for a large gathering at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on April 29, 2023.
Austin brewery opposes bill that could end its drag bingo events: 'We were put on notice by Texas Senate Bill 12'
By Austin Journal Report | Apr 17, 2023
Jester King Brewery, a well-known local hangout in Austin, has voiced its opposition to Texas Senate Bill 12, a proposed law that, if enacted, could make it possible for the state to punish businesses who conduct drag bingo events.
Doggett, Casar opposed Biden-signed resolution to end national COVID-19 emergency
By Austin Journal Report | Apr 12, 2023
Local U.S. Reps. Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar, both Democrats, voted against a resolution, signed into law this week by President Joe Biden (D), which "terminates the national emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic."
Paxton: Trump arrest example of 'the left's weaponization of the justice system'
By John Suayan | Apr 10, 2023
Texas Attorney General (AG) Ken Paxton recently criticized the arraignment of former President Donald J. Trump.
Abbott requests pardon of man convicted in protest shooting, will approve 'as soon as it hits my desk'
By John Suayan | Apr 10, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott recently requested for the pardon of a man who was convicted of killing a Black Lives Matter protester in Austin almost three years ago, according to Austin-based media outlets.
Patrick, Schwertner support legislation to ensure 'Texans have the reliability, transparency and security on our power grid that they deserve'
By Andy Nghiem | Apr 7, 2023
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) are calling for new legislation to ensure a more reliable energy grid across Texas and attract new sources of reliable thermal electricity generation in the state.
TPPF policy director on property tax relief: 'Target should be at least $20 billion'
By Austin Journal Report | Apr 3, 2023
Earlier this year, Governor Greg Abbott announced his push for the largest property tax cut in Texas history and just last week, the Texas Senate took a step in that direction by unanimously passing all three property tax relief proposals prioritized by the state's Lieutenant Governor. However, given the pressure of inflation, Texas policy advocates, such as James Quintero of TPPF, say there is more that can be done to ease the heavy tax burden for Texans.
Texas congressman announces proof-of-work mining resolution at Blockchain Summit
By Austin Journal Report | Mar 27, 2023
When the Alcoa smelting plant in Rockdale, Texas, closed in 2017, it eliminated hundreds of jobs and left many locals without work. Since then, Riot, one of the leading bitcoin miners in the U.S., has filled the vacuum left by Alcoa.
Bipartisan opposition to corporate welfare plan for being 'light on details,' suggests state finds tax breaks for all residents
By Laurie A. Luebbert | Mar 20, 2023
As part of an effort to lure new business development within the state boundaries, Texas lawmakers are trying to devise a replacement for the expired Chapter 313 plan, and one potential answer has been put forth in House Bill 5 (HB 5). HB 5, though, lacks specifics, making it hard to evaluate.
Creighton files bill against college DEI offices that have 'furthered divides and created a chilling effect on open dialogue'
By Sam Jackson | Mar 16, 2023
State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), chair of the Senate Committee of Education, filed on bill on March 10 that would effectively ban offices of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from Texas public universities.
Gonzales spokesperson on censure of lawmaker: Texas GOP 'would be wise to follow his lead and do some actual work'
By John Suayan | Mar 6, 2023
The Republican Party of Texas announced on Thursday it has censured U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-San Antonio), per a press release.
Watson: 'Police officers in Austin are the highest paid in the state'
By John Suayan | Mar 1, 2023
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson didn’t take too kindly to Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson’s attempt to recruit Austin police officers who are supposedly mulling retirement in the wake of an impasse in contract discussions.
Castro on cancer diagnosis, subsequent procedure: 'I expect to be home recovering in Texas for several weeks'
By John Suayan | Mar 1, 2023
Despite his cancer diagnosis, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio) said on Monday that he has a good prognosis, per a report from Austin NBC affiliate KXAN.
Middleton: 'Diversity, equity and inclusion departments in our universities are the opposite of academic freedom'
By Austin Journal Report | Feb 24, 2023
Texas State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R) called for the banning of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices and statements in colleges and universities in a tweet published on Feb. 12.
Patrick includes 'Empowering Parental Rights' in his top 10 priorities for the Texas Legislative Session
By Austin Journal Report | Feb 20, 2023
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R-TX) published his top 30 priorities for the 88th Texas legislative session recently, and number eight on the list is a bill called “Empowering Parental Rights – Including School Choice,” which has been a topic of debate among state legislators.
Schwertner on DWI arrest: 'I’m deeply sorry, I'm apologetic to my citizens and my family, I made a mistake'
By John Suayan | Feb 8, 2023
A member of the Texas Senate from the Austin area was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly driving while intoxicated (DWI), Austin-based media outlets reported.