(AUSTIN) — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today said state sales tax revenue totaled $3.01 billion in May, 9 percent more than in May 2018. “State sales tax revenue growth was propelled by both business and consumer spending,” Hegar said. “The strongest growth was in remittances from the manufacturing, wholesale trade…

(Press Rlease) Approximately 1 in 5crashes in Texas involves distracted driving, which continues to be a problem in the state, even after a state law banned texting and driving in 2017. “Our message is no longer just a public safety suggestion to urge Texans to avoid distraction while operating a…

By Elizabeth Byrne, The Texas Tribune June 4, 2019 “Texas governor signs bills to combat human trafficking, aid sexual assault survivors” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues….

By Heather Vogell, ProPublica The owners of a 70-story Panama City hotel tower formerly managed by President Donald Trump’s companies are accusing them of stiffing the Panamanian government. In a legal filing Monday in an ongoing lawsuit in Manhattan federal court, private equity manager Orestes Fintiklis and the company he…

By: Walter Ewing, Immigration Impact The Trump administration’s threat to impose tariffs on Mexican goods unless the Mexican government somehow reduces undocumented migration from Central America is devoid of logic. Tariffs could backfire on the United States economically—as experts from the world-renowned Wilson Institute point out—and they won’t address the…

By: Paul Kiel, ProPublica Every year, the IRS, starved of funds after years of budget cuts, loses hundreds more agents to retirement. And every year, the news gets better for the rich — especially those prone to go bold on their taxes. According to data released by the IRS last…

By A.C. Thompson, ProPublica From 2009 to 2014, at least 214 complaints were filed against federal agents for abusing or mistreating migrant children. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s records, only one employee was disciplined as a result of a complaint. The department’s records, which have alarmed advocates for…

Eric Galatas, Public News Service – TX AUSTIN, Texas – After more than a decade of progress getting health coverage for more children in the U.S., a new report shows that nationally, more than 800,000 fewer children were enrolled in federal health programs at the end of 2018. Anne Dunkelberg,…

By Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune May 31, 2019 “Analysis: The latest Texas legislative session proves elections have consequences” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Editor’s note:…

By Robert Moore, The Washington Post June 3, 2019 “Transgender woman who had been in ICE custody dies in El Paso after falling ill” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government…