Texas hoped $100 million would help more families pay for child care. Here’s why it didn’t.
Read full article: Texas hoped $100 million would help more families pay for child care. Here’s why it didn’t.Increased costs in food and payroll at child care centers effectively wiped out the one-time investment state lawmakers approved earlier this year, a new report found.
Texas Democrats urge Gov. Greg Abbott to direct emergency funds to address the looming food crisis
Read full article: Texas Democrats urge Gov. Greg Abbott to direct emergency funds to address the looming food crisisDemocrats say Abbott has used his authority during COVID-19, the Uvalde shooting and border operations to free up emergency funds.
Texas Parks & Wildlife working to acquire 54,000-acre Hill Country ranch for new state park
Read full article: Texas Parks & Wildlife working to acquire 54,000-acre Hill Country ranch for new state parkThe Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is working to acquire a 54,000-acre ranch in the western Hill Country and convert it into a new state park.
Even at the grocery store, Texas troopers don't let Democrats out of sight after walkout
Read full article: Even at the grocery store, Texas troopers don't let Democrats out of sight after walkoutTexas Democrats are joining a colleague who can't leave the state Capitol because she won't agree to having law enforcement officers shadow her.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income children
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income childrenAbbott cited uncertainty over federal funding of the program as his reason for rejecting the state’s participation.
Texas will begin a summer lunch program in 2027, but only if feds don’t raise costs
Read full article: Texas will begin a summer lunch program in 2027, but only if feds don’t raise costsThe program would give low income families an extra $120 per child for summer lunches, but federal debate about food benefits could endanger the program.
Texas budget writers prioritize school vouchers, teacher raises and border security in early drafts
Read full article: Texas budget writers prioritize school vouchers, teacher raises and border security in early draftsBoth chambers set aside $1 billion for a voucher-like education savings account program — double what was on the table two years ago — in a sign that supporters are emboldened after recent electoral gains.
Texas House passes sweeping border funding bill, guts proposed policing unit
Read full article: Texas House passes sweeping border funding bill, guts proposed policing unitLawmakers on both sides of the aisle threw their support behind a new requirement that the unit use only commissioned peace officers for enforcement actions.
Lawmakers consider long-shot $2.3 billion proposal to keep struggling child care providers afloat
Read full article: Lawmakers consider long-shot $2.3 billion proposal to keep struggling child care providers afloatThree years after the COVID-19 pandemic upset the fragile child care industry, about a third of the state’s child care providers remain closed.
To tackle high housing costs, Texas lawmakers push to build more homes
Read full article: To tackle high housing costs, Texas lawmakers push to build more homesHousing advocates, builders and real estate experts agree that the state simply isn’t building enough homes to keep up with its booming population and economic growth.
Texas renters got unprecedented help during the pandemic. The Legislature is unlikely to extend it.
Read full article: Texas renters got unprecedented help during the pandemic. The Legislature is unlikely to extend it.Lawmakers will decide whether to keep protections that shielded tenants from eviction — or to ban them.
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Beto O’Rourke group gives $600,000 to Texas House Democrats’ stay in Washington, D.C.
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke group gives $600,000 to Texas House Democrats’ stay in Washington, D.C.Members left Texas about 10 days ago and have said they plan to stay out of state until after the special session ends Aug. 6.
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Texas House attempting to reset on contentious elections bill with new author, new committee in special session
Read full article: Texas House attempting to reset on contentious elections bill with new author, new committee in special sessionThe lower chamber, led by House Speaker Dade Phelan, is trying to start off on a new foot with a controversial election bill that blew up during the regular session.