Mandatory workers' comp is right for Texas
It has pained me to see firsthand how my home state treats low-wage workers like disposable commodities. Texas can do better, and one way is by requiring vital worker protections.
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A workers' comp system that works for Texas
While no system is perfect, there’s no debating the fact that Texas has one of the most effective and efficient workers' compensation systems in the country.
On immigration, polling defies assumptions
In Texas, the surprisingly complex patterns of public opinion on immigration call into question the conventional wisdom informing media coverage — and even political strategy.
Border crisis is a test of Texans' faith
Our diverse faith traditions teach us to welcome our brothers and sisters with love and compassion, regardless of their place of birth. Texas’ future is tied to how we help these new immigrants become a part of our story.
A day that changed everything
State Sen. Wendy Davis' courageous filibuster a year ago laid bare a new reality in Texas politics: When we fight back, we can make a difference. And that was just the beginning.
A day that changed nothing
State Sen. Wendy Davis’ filibuster of abortion legislation last summer may have garnered national headlines, but it didn't impress most Texans — and probably did more to galvanize conservatives.
Our property tax system is rigged
The state's appraisal system is highly politicized and primarily benefiting well-connected insiders. Here's how to fix it.
Why the fate of a Dallas highway matters to Texas
Funding for our state’s congested roads is running on empty — and maybe that’s a good thing. It’s time to start changing how we think about transportation infrastructure in Texas.
Texas women are on the cusp of victory again
Nearly 25 years after hundreds of young women stormed the Capitol to cheer on Ann Richards, Texas politics is again shot through with excitement about Democratic women. Something big is stirring in our state.
In Texas, the Tea Party hasn't lost its grip
The new University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll leaves no doubt about which faction of Republicans is the driving force in Texas politics right now.
Kill the grading curve
My work at the University of Texas at Austin has helped draw attention to why poor students struggle to graduate from college. But there's another reason why many students don't graduate: the grading curve. Let's get rid of it.
Building a better TribTalk
Noticed anything different about us lately? A month after our launch, we’re still tinkering under the hood to make it even easier to use and engage with the site.
Reforming Medicaid in light of ACA expansion
The unintended consequences of the Medicaid aspect of the Affordable Care Act are analyzed by Texas A&M University economics professors.
Get ready for gay marriage, Texas
The swift demise of same-sex marriage bans across the U.S. over the past year means that gays and lesbians may get to marry in Texas much sooner than anyone expected.
Heart attack: the widow maker
By expanding systems of care for the deadliest form of heart attacks, we can save lives and improve outcomes.
Another energy revolution is stirring in Mexico
Texas and the rest of the U.S. should embrace Mexico’s sweeping new overhaul of its oil and gas industry. The future of energy independence in North America may depend on it.
The delusions of open carry
I'm a native Texan and Second Amedment supporter. I own handguns, long guns and shotguns. I’m licensed and carry a concealed handgun for self-defense. But I say no to open carry.
5 takeaways from the new UT/TT Poll
It's only June, but there's virtually no evidence yet that Texas Republicans should be concerned about November.
Obamacare isn't working in Texas
President Obama has declared victory in the Affordable Care Act debate, but a closer look at enrollment data from Texas shows that the White House's celebrating was premature.
Extremists are destroying our party
I was once hopeful for the future of the Texas GOP. But at our recent convention, the approval of a humiliating platform plank exposed the charlatans leading our party.