Joe Straus « CBS Dallas / Fort Worth

A nurse holds the hands of a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease. (credit: Sebastien Bozon/AFP/Getty Images)

State House Committee Hears How To Care For Elderly

A Texas House committee is scheduled to hear about how the state can improve care for the elderly and keep them in their communities.

2012/03/27

These students were among the thousands at the Texas State Capitol on March 12, 2011 to protest budget cuts being made to public schools. (credit: Joel Thomas/KTVT/KTXA)

Texas Education Funding Returning To Spotlight

School districts are now tackling their budgets for next year, and debate over public funding for public schools will likely escalate later this month.

2012/03/08

People gather outside of the Texas State Capitol building in Austin. (credit: PAUL BUCK/AFP/Getty Images)

Priorities For 2013 Legislature Becoming Clear

The Texas Legislature may not return to work for another 11 months, but that hasn’t kept the state’s leadership from signaling what they think will be the big issues next year.

2012/03/04

A civilian scientist handles processed DNA extractions. (credit: Robert King/Newsmakers/Getty Images)

Texas House Committee Analyzes State’s DNA Testing

A Texas House committee is meeting to scrutinize how state DNA testing is performed and consider certifying additional DNA testing centers.

2011/11/22

A TSA agent waits for passengers to pass through a magnetometer at Los Angeles International Airport on November 22, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

State Lawmakers Pass Weakened Airport Groping Bill

Texas lawmakers gave their initial backing Monday to legislation that would criminalize intentional, inappropriate touching during airport security pat-downs, but it was so watered down it provoked angry outbursts from conservative activists, who decried it as toothless.

2011/06/27

High Absenteeism Forces Texas House To Adjourn

Despite needing to pass important bills during the Special Legislative Session, dozens of state lawmakers decided to start their weekend early.

2011/06/24

Leaders: Agreement On $80.6 B Texas Budget Reached

Negotiators reached an agreement on a two-year $80.6 billion Texas state budget that makes billions in cuts and will likely result in massive state layoffs, legislative leaders announced Friday.

2011/05/20

In this photo illustration a man refuels his car at a gas station. (credit: Getty Images/Miguel Villagran)

State Considers $100 Surcharge On Gas-Guzzlers

State officials are considering levying a $100 surcharge on some new vehicles that fall short of federal fuel efficiency standards.

2011/02/13

A police officer patrols on January 8, 2011 in Washington, D.C. (credit: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

Texas Leaders Getting More Security

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is using bodyguards on an as-needed basis after he says “credible threats” were documented in December.

2011/01/14

The Texas State Capitol building, shown on November 6, 2000 in Austin, Texas. (credit: JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images)

Texas Enters 82nd Legislative Session With $15 Billion Shortfall

On Monday, the day before state lawmakers are sworn in for the 82nd Legislative Session, Comptroller Susan Combs announced Texas faces a $15 billion budget shortfall.

2011/01/10

Straus Fighting Conservative Wave To Keep Seat

Republican Rep. Beverley Woolley has heard the threats and seen the television ads warning her that supporting Joe Straus for speaker of the Texas House could cost her re-election.

2011/01/09