Texas legislators grappled successfully, and at last, with two major issues that have hounded state government for years — school finance reform and property tax relief — in the 86th legislative session that ran from Jan. 8 to May 27, 2019.

Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton is the first Texas statewide elected official in 106 years to face an impeachment trial and the first to beat the charges.

The Texas Legislature rarely meets without generating some drama, and 2023 gatherings were no exception. Yet, despite intrigue aplenty in the 88th biennial session and subsequent special sessions, lawmakers were able to pass the largest two-year budget ever and, in a second special session, a record-breaking property tax cut.

In short, the 87th session of the Texas Legislature was unlike any other, with the regular session addressing unparalleled challenges, and the aftermath casting Texas into the national spotlight.

As of August 2021, there were 59 completely wet counties in Texas and 5 completely dry counties.

Despite much progress in water conservation we still waste far too much water.

Texas is divided into four federal judicial districts, each of which is comprised of several divisions. Appeal from all Texas federal courts is to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

Texas state government is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches under the Texas Constitution adopted in 1876.

Texas leads the nation in installed wind capacity and generation. In 2012, Texas had 21 percent of the nation’s installed wind capacity, reaching 10,648 megawatts. Iowa was second in installed wind capacity, at 4,524 megawatts.

The Texas economy, as fast as it has been able to thrive and triumph,  it has, at times, also faced rapid and exhaustive crashes.

Texas, as of, 1904, required that all candidates for office stood before voters in the primary. Since, the United States' Senate has had senators from Texas.

Following are the results of elections of governors since Texas became a state in 1845. Party primaries, as well as general elections, are included whenever possible although Republican totals are not available for some early primaries.

The Texas economy has had its ups and downs throughout history. Recovery from the nation's worst recession since World War II has been lukewarm compared to other economic recoveries.

Members of the 68th Legislature passed a historic education-reform bill in the summer of 1984. House Bill 72 came in response to growing concern over deteriorating literacy among Texas’ schoolchildren over two decades, reflected in students’ scores on standardized tests.

Funding public education in Texas has been a top priorty throughout the last century. This fiscal year, 2020-2021, all funds financing for public education totaled over $67.5 billion, which was an increase of $7 billion from the previous funding level.

Public School in Texas has numerous challenges. Generally, public education will probably always be a hot button issue in Texas as parents, teachers, lawmakers, and even the students themselves continue to seek ways to improve our schools. Importantly, public education faces, perhaps, more challenges today, than ever before, as Texas' communities of color hope to open up discussions surrounding critical race theory and largely to resituate their own experiences and representation within the teaching and learning of Texas history.

Texas is a leader when it comes to education.

A prosperous economy made passage of a record $196.9 billion biennial budget relatively easy in the 83rd Legislature but the congenial and workmanlike regular session was overshadowed by a battle royal over abortion in special sessions.

The office and election of the Texas Governor was established by Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution of 1876. The election of Texas Governors, since 1972 has enabled governors to serve the state for four-year terms.

The Texas 2017, 85th Legislative session was astoundingly contentious. It advanced the state’s conservative push despite a rift in the ruling Republican Party.

Education has always been at the forefront of Texas history, development, and growth. As early as 1838, President Mirabeau B. Lamar’s message to the Republic of Texas Congress advocated setting aside public domain for public schools.

Texas is allocated two members in the U.S. Senate and 36 members in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 116th Congress. The term of office for members of the House is two years and the terms of all current members will expire on Jan. 3, 2021. 

 

The 84th Texas Legislature convened for its 140-day regular session in January 2015 with one of the most conservative and Republican-dominated governments in the country. Legislators cut taxes, beefed up border security, and passed more permissive gun laws. Actions that shaped the future of the state.

Native American Indian groups have shaped Texas throughout its history. Before 1900, historians have estimated, more than 50 Native American nations lived and thrived across Texas.

The history of legislative liquor prohibition in Texas began in the summer of 1854.

Organized religion shaped Texans and Texas throughout history.

Lady Bird Johnson was and continues to be a beloved Texas icon.

Once dominated by the Missions, Texas ranching shaped Texas, its history and environment.

Many different locations have served as capitals of Texas.

The Act to Readmit Texas into the United States was approved on March 30, 1870.

The Texa Reconstruction Period was one of great turmoil and violence experienced by formerly Black Texans.

The period of Texas Reconstruction and through the early 20th century was ridden in turmoil.

Slaveowners controlled 60 to 70 percent of the wealth of the state of Texas. They not only controlled the state's politics but stood in protectio of chattel slavery which in turn led Texas secession from the Union and to Civil War.

Annexation to the United States was far from automatic for Texas.

The Texas Rangers have a long and unique history in Texas.

During WWII, two laminated paper balloons released on November 1944 by the Japanese "bombarded" Texas.

The "Great Hurricane" hit Galveston on Sept. 8, 1900.

Sam Houston was easily the most dominant figure throughout the nearly 10-year history of the Republic of Texas.

Texas rebelled against Mexico due to much discontent pertaining to the issue of slavery, political upheaval in Mexico, and Anglo-settler discontent.

Fort Anahuac is an important location in the history of Texas and the Texas Revolution.

Mexico's 1829 Abolition of Slavery Law and the Law of 1830 propelled the Texas Revolution and the creation of the Republic of Texas.

Texas was one of four seceding states to issue, in addition to an Ordinance of Secession, a Declaration of Causes.

The Act to Readmit Texas to Congressional Representation was approved on March 30, 1870.

The Texas Ordinance of Secession was adopted on February 1st, 1861.

The joint resolution for the admission of the State of Texas into the Union was approved on December 29, 1845.

The joint resolution for annexing Texas to the United States was approvedo n March 1, 1845.

One of the most important documents in Texas history is the Declaration of Independence.

In 1801, the Spanish government of Mexico became aware of an attempted insurrection by Phillip Nolan to take over the Texas region and quickly realized the economic potential that Texas had.

In 1803, Napoleon sold the Louisiana territory to the United States, and Anglo-Americans cast longing eyes on what they considered a vast undeveloped territory that extended west of the lands adquired through the Louisiana Purchase.

Texas in the 20th Century experienced devastating events but also established unforgettable historical legacies.

Juneteenth, a new state constitution (or two), and a ... salt war?

Texas withdrew from the Union. The action was ratified by the voters on Feb. 23, 1861 in a referendum vote. Secession is official on March 2.

Annexation brough Texas into the Union as the 28th state.

The Republic of Texas was born out of aunique and contentious revolution.

The Texas Flag Code dates back to 1933 and offers a set of rules concerning the proper display of the state flag.

Texas is often referred to as the Lone Star State because its flag bears a single star.