Texas loses a state treasure. 
Nelda Laney, wife of former five-term Speaker of the Texas House Pete Laney, passed away last week and will be sorely missed across the state. A native of Hale Center, Nelda was often lauded as the “First Lady of West Texas” and was integral to the Texas Capitol restoration in the 1990’s. Former President George Bush remembers Nelda as a “dear friend” to him and former first lady Laura Bush, especially during his time as Governor. To read more…
Rick Perry two-steps his way to “Dancing with the Stars” 
Former Governor Rick Perry joins the 23rd season line-up of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”. Tune in for the season premiere on September 12th to watch Perry compete against Olympic gold medalists Ryan Lochte and Laurie Hernandez, as well as rapper Vanilla Ice. Perry follows in the dancing shoes of former majority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tom DeLay (R-Sugarland) who appeared on the show in its ninth season. To read more…
UT students protest campus carry with what?
When classes resumed last week, students took to the heart of campus to protest campus carry laws with something just as out of place: sex toys. Protest organizers distributed thousands of colorful adult toys, which students were then to carry openly to class, demonstrating that guns could similarly stifle class discussion. To read more…
Only in Austin…
The 2016 Capitol ornament has been unveiled. The ornaments are an ode to Nelda Laney, who founded the commemorative Christmas ornament program to raise money for the State Preservation Board. This year’s ornament pays homage to the 20+ feet trees that have decorated the Texas Capitol entrance each holiday season since 1914. Get yours today! To read more…
Do you know the latest on Voter ID requirements? The Texas Secretary of State website has been updated to reflect an August 10th court order. If you are unable to obtain one of the 7 forms of photo ID when voting in person, voters may complete a declaration explaining why and bring one form of additional supporting documentation like a valid voter registration certificate.
The final transition plan for the Health and Human Services Commission has been approved with Phase 1 going into effect September 1st. Phase 1 includes the consolidation of client services, regardless of agency (DARS, DADS, DSHS, HHSC), under the newly created division of Medical and Social Services. Phase 2, effective September 2017, will consolidate regulatory services and the operation of state living centers and state hospitals.
Attorney General Ken Paxton says Texas will file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, in hopes that the 5th Circuit Court’s ruling against the Texas voter ID law will be overturned. In the interim, a lower court has developed a temporary plan to allow those without government-issued ID’s to vote.
After 18 years of leading the Texas Association of Business, Bill Hammond plans to resign as CEO at the end of this year. Hammond intends to open his own lobby firm where he will focus on issues including economic development, health care, education and taxation.
Half a dozen influential Texans have joined Donald Trump’s 64-member Agricultural Advisory Committee. This Texas delegation includes former Governor Rick Perry; Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller; U.S. Representative Mike Conaway (Midland); and Helen Groves, daughter of the King Ranch founder. Members of this committee will help shape Trump’s agriculture policy.
Sprinkles cupcake bakery, founded by Candace Nelson from Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” will open a new shop at Domain Northside’s Rock Rose development in November. The store will feature-you guessed it-a Cupcake ATM. Customers can enjoy fresh cupcakes, cookies, and ice cream 24 hours a day from the machine, which holds up to 800 cupcakes at a time.
