Politics
Monday, July 15, 2019 by Andrew Weber
Politics
PAC files petition to put Austin Convention Center expansion to a public vote
The city’s proposal to expand the Austin Convention Center could be on the ballot in November. A group opposing City Council’s decision to build out the center says it submitted a 30,000-signature petition calling for a referendum that would force…
Friday, July 12, 2019 by Jo Clifton
Texas State Legislature
Report finds Texas bipartisanship wins
Despite the “blue wave” election in 2018, Republicans maintained control of both houses of the Texas Legislature during the 2019 legislative session that just concluded. As expected, the majority of bills were authored and approved by Republicans.During the session, however,…
Friday, June 7, 2019 by Chad Swiatecki
Bonds & Propositions
Music Commission eyes minority populations in allocating $12M for creative spaces
Leaders from the arts and music communities appear to be leaning toward splitting up $12 million in city bond funds for creative spaces based on the city’s racial and gender demographics, in a move to emphasize equity and inclusion.At Monday’s…
Friday, May 31, 2019 by Andrew Weber
Texas State Legislature
Texas lawmakers tried to take the reins from cities this session. The results were mixed.
For the last handful of legislative sessions, the Texas Legislature has had it in for Austin and other cities.GOP lawmakers who regularly thumb their noses at “big government”-minded efforts in D.C. have filed bills targeting city laws regulating everything from…
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 by Jo Clifton
Texas State Legislature
‘Death of mobile voting’ bill to complicate elections
Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir calls House Bill 1888, which won legislative approval with little fanfare, “the death of mobile voting.”The legislation requires that each early voting location be open for voters on each and every day that voting is…
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 by Jack Craver
Texas State Legislature
Travis County contemplates small wins, big losses at Legislature
Every week while the state Legislature is in session, Travis County’s chief lobbyist, Deece Eckstein, briefs members of the Commissioners Court on the bills that might affect the county. In recent months, the weekly briefing has usually been bleak, but…
