Wes Rapaport
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Texas, United States
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Past articles by Wes:
State of Texas: New items, same problems as second special legislative session begins
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — One day before the end of the first special legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott called for a second special session, adding new priority items for lawmakers to work through. There are seventeen items on the agenda for this special session, six more than the previous one. Some of the new items include […] → Read More
Texas Democrats hold out as Republicans call for their return before state special session ends
Gov. Greg Abbott said repeatedly during the month of July that he would bring lawmakers back to the Capitol over and over until they passed the items on his agenda. → Read More
Texas DPS graduates largest class of troopers in department history
The 2021 trooper training class is the largest graduating class in the history of the department with 145 graduates. It also has the largest number of female graduates ever. → Read More
Proposed changes to Texas Constitution to appear on November ballot
The eight measures will appear on the November 2 ballot. → Read More
Some Texas hospitals adjust visitor policies as COVID-19 variants continue spreading
Regardless of the city, the altered visitation policies have far-reaching impacts— not just for patients, but also for staff. → Read More
‘Kids should not be growing up in foster care,’ says Texas DFPS Commissioner as system takes spotlight
Foster care providers highlighted a 40 percent staffing turnover, citing increased scrutiny and difficult working conditions. With the additional state funding, they say, they'll be able to improve employee retention and decrease demand on current staff. → Read More
China winning race to manufacture semiconductor chips, Sen. Cornyn says
Touring Samsung's Austin semiconductor manufacturing site, Cornyn said the problem has gotten worse, not better. → Read More
Texas State Parks bracing for record-setting summer
Director Rodney Franklin said overall visitation is outpacing last year's turnout by as much as 30%, and is well ahead of 2019 levels. → Read More
Gov. Abbott signed more than 1K bills this session. Here are the 20 he vetoed.
Bills can earn a veto for any reason the Governor determines. Often, the explanation relates to a conflict with existing statute, precedent on previous legislation, or unintended consequences he thinks the new bills may cause. → Read More
Gov. Abbott: Biden admin pressuring Texas to ‘aid in its illegal immigration program’
Abbott’s comments come following President Joe Biden’s administration threatening action over the Governor’s recent disaster declaration. → Read More
Texas Democrats want to register 2 million voters before 2022 midterm elections
With the legislative session in the rear view mirror, and the possibility of the Governor calling lawmakers back to the Capitol this summer, the state's major political parties are already planning for the 2022 midterm elections. → Read More
Texas prepares for hurricane season as lawmakers tout coastal protection plan
Projects like the Ike Dike drew bipartisan backing, and support that crossed regional boundaries. → Read More
Texas House Speaker concerned about Governor Abbott’s plan to pull funding from legislative staff
Gov. Abbott has not shared details on whether he will call an additional special session to address his priorities that did not pass or add them to his special session call for the fall. → Read More
Texas Legislature gavels out amid uncertainty about when lawmakers will return
On reforming the state’s energy grid, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said, “we did a lot, but we have more to do.” → Read More
Legislation aimed at reforming Texas’ electric grid after February winter storm heads to Governor’s desk
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The bill aimed at changing and strengthening the reliability of Texas’ electricity grid after it became the focus during February’s Winter Storm Uri is heading to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. SB 3, which would require electricity providers operating on the grid managed by the Electric Reliability Council of […] → Read More
Deal reached on Texas elections overhaul legislation, lawmakers announce
Democrats involved in the negotiations were skeptical of the announcement and said they wanted to see more details. → Read More
Texas Legislature sends budget to Governor Abbott’s desk
The Thursday House vote was 142-6. → Read More
Texas Senate passes bill extending Medicaid coverage for new moms
The committee substitute to House Bill 133 would raise Medicaid coverage for new Texas moms to six months after the birth of her baby. → Read More
Democrats delay, derail bill barring transgender students from sports of gender identity
The bill would require students to show their original, unchanged birth certificate to prove their “biological sex.” → Read More
Texas Senate sends pandemic powers reform to governor’s desk
Legislation to create a streamlined and defined response to future pandemics cleared the Texas Senate Tuesday, sending the measure to the Governor’s desk. → Read More