Politics

by John Reynolds, Madlin Mekelburg and Eleanor Dearman | The Big ConversationIt’s looking now like the state might not fully implement $100 million in cuts over two years to therapists providing services to children in the Medicaid program.In a letter Thursday to Senate leaders, Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Chris Traylor wrote that he…

By Eleanor Dearman and John Reynolds U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a 2016 presidential candidate, speaking at the RedState Gathering in Atlanta on Aug. 8, 2015.The Big ConversationTed Cruz was back on his home turf of Texas on Thursday for a quick one-day visit, and he came with a message for other GOP presidential hopefuls. {{more}}”We’ve…

Notes on the first Republican Party “Debate” By A. Peter BaileyIt’s very revealing that the subject of race was only mentioned near the end of the initial, two-hour long “debate.” And when it was mentioned, it was mainly as an attack on race relations during President Obama’s Administration. Furthermore, the question on race was directed…

The 17-person race for the Republican nomination for President closely resembles a clown show, starring Donald Trump. The unfortunate contrast to Trump has been the tepid rhetoric of Jeb Bush, and the usual antics of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Surgeon Ben Carson offered some diversity in the “big debate” a few weeks ago, and…

The Big ConversationBy: John ReynoldsGov. Greg Abbott acknowledges he isn’t the only governor trying to poach General Electric away from Connecticut, where the company is calling proposed tax increases “truly discouraging.”But in a letter Wednesday to GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt, Abbott highlighted the Legislature’s just-passed tax deal as one reason why the company should pick…

• by Jim MalewitzWith a glut of crude oil filling up pipelines and storage tanks and pushing down U.S. oil prices, Texas lawmakers are calling on Washington to lift its 40-year-old ban on crude exports.“Congress should update our national trade policy to benefit Texas producers and consumers,” state Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, said Monday…

By: John Reynolds |The Big ConversationAs you read these words over your morning coffee, Ted Cruz is already a candidate for president. He announced about 11 p.m. Texas time via Twitter.I’m running for President and I hope to earn your support!pic.twitter.com/0UTqaIoytP— Ted Cruz March 23, 2015He’ll follow with an official announcement in a speech set…

WASHINGTON – Likely presidential candidate Hillary Clinton called for better access to jobs and improved opportunities for the urban poor and the young on Monday at an event hosted by a left-leaning think tank.

By: John ReynoldsThe Big ConversationLegislative activity begins to ramp up in the two chambers this week with speculation rampant that the Senate might take up as early as today legislation that would allow permitted gun owners to carry handguns openly.Enrique Rangel of the Amarillo Globe-News reports:The proposed legislation, commonly known as “open carry,” is expected…

TriceEdneyWire.com – I know you political junkies are on the edge of your seats now that Dr. Ben Carson has said he will likely run for President. I have been waiting to see what Black folks will do when President Obama leaves office. Well, we are about to find out now, aren’t we? Can you…