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Greg Abbott’s Summer Special Session Sideshow
The governor gives second life to the GOP’s elections crackdown, along with a smattering of other right-wing priorities that failed to pass in the spring.
Justin Miller
Justin Miller covers politics and state government for the Texas Observer. He previously worked for The American Prospect magazine in Washington, D.C., and has also written for The Intercept, The New Republic and In These Times. Originally from the Twin Cities, he received a journalism degree from the University of Minnesota.
Articles by Justin Miller
Drawing Power
In a special session for redistricting, expect the GOP to use aggressive gerrymandering to extend the shelf life of its diminishing white base.
The Unlikely Demise of Texas’ Biggest Corporate Tax Break
After 20 years, the state’s most lucrative corporate welfare program comes to an end.
With a Special Session on Voting Restrictions Looming, Texas Dems Push for Federal Protections
Voting rights advocates say Texas Republicans’ underhanded effort to ram through new voter suppression measures highlights the need to restore federal voting rights legislation.
The Lege This Week: Behind Closed Doors
With the end of session near, Texas lawmakers descend into the backrooms of the Capitol to hash out hugely consequential legislation.
Texas’ Largest Corporate Welfare Program Is Leaving Companies Flush and School Districts Broke
The state’s Chapter 313 program offers steep discounts on property taxes to attract big industrial projects that are supposed to pay off over the long term. But by the time these projects return to the tax rolls, much of that value has disappeared.
The Lege This Week: Lurching Rightward
As the session enters its final stretch, Republicans are advancing a barrage of right-wing bills—from permitless carry and abortion bans to pro-fossil fuel theatrics and anti-“woke” mandates for schools.
The Lege This Week: The Capitol’s Longstanding Toxic Culture
From allegations of sexual misconduct to Dan Patrick's push for permitless carry, here's what happened this week in the 87th Texas Legislature.
The Lege This Week: Instead of Addressing Mass Shootings, Lawmakers Expand Gun Rights
The Texas House passes a controversial bill that would allow Texans to carry a handgun without a permit.
The Lege This Week: Stimmy for Schools?
The Texas Senate passes its budget bill without addressing billions of dollars in unspent federal relief. Now, public education advocates are demanding that lawmakers open up the spigot for local school districts.