Ross Ramsey
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Articles by Ross Ramsey
Analysis: A race for speaker of the Texas House? Not so fast.
Analysis: A race for speaker of the Texas House? Not so fast. kA 4=2DDlQAbQmk6>m(:E9 s6??:D q@??6? ?@E D66<:?8 2?@E96C E6C>[ DE2E6 C6AC6D6?E2E:G6D 2C6 @?46 282:? 2E E96 DE2CE @7 2 C246 7@C $A62<6C @7 E96 %6I2D w@FD6] %9:D 4@F=5 E2<6 2 H9:=6]k^6>mk^Am kA 4=2DDlQAcQm k^Am kA 4=2DDlQAdQmp7E6C E96 a__g 6=64E:@?D[ E96C6 H2D 2 >@>6?E @7 4@?7FD:@? :? %6I2D A@=:E:4D] '@E6CD 925 6=64E65 fd #6AF3=:42?D E@ E96 %6I2D w@FD6 2?5 fc s6>@4C2ED] %96 `d_E9 D62E[ 96=5 367@C6 E96 6=64E:@?
In some places in Texas, sales tax revenues have risen during the pandemic
When Texas stores closed and social distancing began at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, sales naturally dropped. So did sales taxes, and local and state government revenues. But not everywhere, it turns out. San Marcos and other cities have found a way to keep money flowing into their accounts in spite of the economic shutdown: the international shopping venue known as the internet. kA 4=2DDlQA`QmkDA2? 4=2DDlQD`Qm$@>6 @7 E96 3:886DE C6E2:=6CD 5@?’E 92G6 E@ 92G6 E96:C 5@@CD @A6?
Opening Texas schools is 2020’s top election issue
During a pandemic, an economic recession and public protests against racial injustice and police violence, it’s hard to say what Texas voters will be thinking about in this year’s election. Here’s a candidate: Reopening schools. Public schools in Texas are getting ready to open. That might be the most important thing on the Texas political calendar this year. kA 4=2DDlQA`QmkDA2? 4=2DDlQD`Qmx? D@>6 5:DEC:4ED[ =:<6 r@==:?
Ramsey: A health care problem too big for Texas Legislature
Texas has more uninsured people than any other state, whether you count in raw numbers (about 5.4 million) or in the uninsured percentage of the total population (18.4%). But it’s one of only a dozen states that hasn’t expanded its Medicaid program. Ross Ramsey Whether lawmakers suddenly change their mind about that program or not, they still have a problem to solve: How do they get health insurance, or cheaper health care, for all of those people?
Analysis: A quick turn on property taxes with the long game in mind
Analysis: A quick turn on property taxes with the long game in mind Ross Ramsey Property taxes are higher in Texas than in all but a handful of other states. Voters know that, and when voters are interested, so are the people who depend on those voters for political survival.
Analysis: Texas legislators set the table for the 2022 elections
Analysis: Texas legislators set the table for the 2022 elections Ross Ramsey In a year when the Texas Legislature just wouldn’t go home — a year marked by a 140-day regular legislative session and three 30-day special sessions — lawmakers gave candidates and voters plenty to talk about in the 2022 elections. The state’s response to the pandemic, with mandates and anti-mandates and all the rest.
Analysis: When the Texas state seal doesn’t signify trust
Analysis: When the Texas state seal doesn’t signify trust Well, now we know what it takes to remain employed at the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Almost a year ago, several top aides to Attorney General Ken Paxton accused him of using his official position to help a campaign donor, sparking an FBI investigation and attracting a number of viable candidates from both parties to line up for a challenge to the attorney general in the 2022 elections.
Analysis: When the Texas state seal doesn’t signify trust
ANALYSIS & OPINION Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is using the state seal to shield himself against accusations by former top aides. And former Gov. Rick Perry is using it as well — as a backdrop for a sales pitch. By Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune Posted 8/26/21 Well, now we know what it takes to remain employed at the Texas Office of the Attorney General.
Ross Ramsey: The pandemic breaks into Gov. Greg Abbott’s special session agenda
Ross Ramsey: The pandemic breaks into Gov. Greg Abbott’s special session agenda With the intersection of a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases and the beginning of a new school year, the governor’s agenda for the new special legislative session has a couple of additions. Ross Ramsey Money for public schools is in there, along with a proposed guarantee of in-person learning for those who want it.
Analysis: Texas legislators are fighting ferociously — and for voters' attention - Eagle Pass Business Journal
By Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune July 13, 2021 “Analysis: Texas legislators are fighting ferociously — and for voters’ attention” 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: If you’d like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey’s column, click here.
Analysis: Here's what Texas' newly signed ban on teaching Critical Race Theory really signifies
Jaime Monzon San Antonians march against police oppression during nationwide protests last year. “People seldom eulogize the wisdom and virtues of their fathers, but to excuse some folly or wickedness of their own. ... America is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future.
Analysis: Texas lawmakers might get a second life for dying bills
Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to the Senate at the Texas Capitol. Credit: Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Editor’s note: If you’d like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey’s column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below. (Audio unavailable.
Looking at Texans’ differences by looking at similarities
By Ross Ramsey | The Texas Tribune Most Texans don’t think the political divisions in the state are as bad as they look; 81% told surveyors for a new Threads of Texas project that Texans’ common attitudes outnumber their differences. The project, which launched May 3, edges into activism: More in Common, the outfit doing it, will turn to working with other organizations on civic and policy projects, using its assessments of public opinion.
Analysis: Judge legislators by what gets their attention - and their neglect
ANALYSIS & COMMENTARY As the Texas Legislature rolls into its final two weeks, it's fair to credit members with what they've done. But pay attention to what they ignored By Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune Posted 5/13/21 When this legislative session comes to an end on Memorial Day, Texas will still have more uninsured residents than any other state, and a higher percentage of uninsured residents, too.
Analysis: Judge legislators by what gets their attention - and their neglect
Analysis: Judge legislators by what gets their attention — and their neglect State Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, listens to state Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Richardson, on the House floor. Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below. (Audio unavailable.
Analysis: Judge legislators by what gets their attention - and their neglect
State Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, listens to state Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Richardson, during session on the House floor at the state Capitol on May 12, 2021. (Evan L'Roy) Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below. (Audio unavailable.
Analysis: Redistricting is boring, and that’s why it’s hazardous to voters
click to enlarge Wikimedia Commons / U.S. Capitol The numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau last week showed Texas will gain new seats in Congress but not what its districts will look like. The numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau last week showed the top line — that Texas has grown to 29,145,505. That’s enough to know how many seats Texas will have in the Congress that gets sworn in at the beginning of 2023, but not enough to know what its U.S. House districts will look like.
Analysis: Redistricting is boring, and that’s why it’s hazardous to voters
COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS Most voters don’t pay a lot of attention to the redrawing of political maps every 10 years. That’s just the way legislators like it. By Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune Posted 4/29/21 Some very important issues are dull. Redistricting, for instance. The numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau this week showed the top line — that Texas has grown ...
Analysis: Redistricting is boring, and that’s why it’s hazardous to voters
Analysis: Redistricting is boring, and that’s why it’s hazardous to voters The sun sets behind the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Credit: REUTERS/James Lawler Duggan Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below. Some very important issues are dull. Redistricting, for instance.
Analysis: Redistricting is boring, and that’s why it’s hazardous to voters
By Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune April 29, 2021 “Analysis: Redistricting is boring, and that’s why it’s hazardous to voters” 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: If you’d like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey’s column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below.
Ross Ramsey: A different way to look at Texans’ differences - by looking at similarities
Most Texans don’t think the political divisions in the state are as bad as they look; 81% told surveyors for a new Threads of Texas project that Texans’ common attitudes outnumber their differences. The project, which launches Monday, edges into activism: More in Common, the outfit doing it, will turn to working with other organizations on civic and policy projects, using its assessments of public opinion.
Analysis: A different way to look at Texans’ differences - by looking at similarities
Analysis: A different way to look at Texans’ differences — by looking at similarities Austin crowds celebrated Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 20, 2020. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below. (Audio unavailable.
Analysis: A different way to look at Texans’ differences - by looking at similarities
Sign up for our Newsletters Ad Ad Latest News Austin crowds celebrated Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 20, 2020. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below. (Audio unavailable.
Analysis: Texas lawmakers are working on an incomplete budget
A lot of the money available to the Texas Legislature for programs and services isn’t part of the state budget yet. It’s not even part of the debate. As the Texas House begins debate on its version of the quarter-trillion-dollar spending blueprint for the next two years, billions of dollars of federal Medicaid money are in limbo, and Washington D.C., is waiting to see what Austin plans to do with programs that are jointly financed by the state and the feds.
Analysis: Texas lawmakers are working on an incomplete budget
Analysis: Texas lawmakers are working on an incomplete budget Lawmakers on the House floor on March 30, 2021. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below. (Audio unavailable.
Analysis: Returning to normal before the Texas herd has immunity
Analysis: Returning to normal before the Texas herd has immunity Fans watched a game between the Texas Rangers and the San Diego Padres at Globe Life Field on April 11, 2021. There’s a race going on, between the desire to return to a pre-pandemic normal and to get enough Texans immunized to make that a safe proposition. Credit: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports via REUTERS Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here.
Analysis: 2022 candidates are popping up faster than bluebonnets in Texas
It’s springtime, and Texas politicians are getting all flirty, dreaming and scheming about what offices they’ll seek in 2022. © Juan Figueroa, TNS The Texas Capitol in Austin on March 17. (Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News/TNS) Most Texans are still trying to shake off the 2020 elections, with their battles over voting and election law, over the results in tight states — not including Texas — and over the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
Analysis: A Texas state budget - minus $38.6 billion in federal stimulus money
by Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune. The Texas Legislature’s budget writers have left more than $38 billion in federal COVID-19 relief out of the budgets they’re writing, as they try to sort through the details and the politics attached to that money. Some of the $38.6 billion coming to Texas under the latest and biggest relief package, according to the state comptroller’s office, is intended for the state itself. But more than $10 billion is earmarked for cities and counties.
Analysis: A Texas state budget - minus $38.6 billion in federal stimulus money
The Texas Legislature’s budget writers have left more than $38 billion in federal COVID-19 relief out of the budgets they’re writing, as they try to sort through the details and the politics attached to that money. Some of the $38.6 billion coming to Texas under the latest and biggest relief package, according to the state comptroller’s office, is intended for the state itself. But more than $10 billion is earmarked for cities and counties.
Ross Ramsey: Not all emergencies are priorities in the Texas Capitol
In 2019 and 2020, 110 people were killed in mass shootings in Texas and another 266 were injured, according to the Gun Violence Archive, an online database of incidents of gun violence. There were two substantiated cases of election fraud in Texas during those two years, according to the Heritage Foundation’s database of election fraud cases. Guess which topic state leaders consider to be an emergency?
Analysis: The fight over local control turns to representation - and lobbyists
Downtown Pearsall in South Texas. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below. (Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) Efforts to bar local governments from hiring outside lobbyists or joining associations that lobby the state government are gaining steam, after falling short two years ago.
Analysis: Not all emergencies are priorities in the Texas Capitol
In 2019 and 2020, 110 people were killed in mass shootings in Texas and another 266 were injured, according to the Gun Violence Archive, an online database of incidents of gun violence. There were two substantiated cases of election fraud in Texas during those two years, according to the Heritage Foundation’s database of election fraud cases. GUNS & COVID: Man pulls gun on 11 National Guardsmen delivering COVID-19 vaccine Guess which topic state leaders consider to be an emergency?
Analysis: When elected problem-solvers become part of the problem
Gov. Greg Abbott talks about border security at a news conference at Anzalduas Park in Mission on March 9, 2021. Abbott, who earlier this month reversed his own requirements for social distancing in public places and mask-wearing, followed that announcement with news conferences on the border and in Dallas. Credit: Jason Garza for The Texas Tribune Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here.
Analysis: Dan Patrick’s interrogation about a freeze warms speculation about 2022
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has knocked down rumors of a gubernatorial race several times, and has also said he wants to run for another term as lieutenant governor. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below. (Audio unavailable.
Analysis: Government budgets looked terrible when COVID-19 started. A federal windfall has flipped the outlook.
The Texas Legislature’s budget worries have lightened considerably since the grim forecasts of last spring and summer. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below. (Audio unavailable.
One way or another, Texans will get the bill for fixing the electric grid
Josh Olszewski cooks eggs over a grill on Feb. 18 after his Austin apartment lost power during a severe winter storm that hit the state. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune Are we going to pay for last month’s blackouts as ratepayers or as taxpayers? Assuming the state’s elected officials make some changes in the wake of the freeze and the blackouts after the Valentine’s Day weekend, and assuming those changes are expensive, the money has to come from someplace.
After the blackouts, a whiff of the 2022 elections in Texas
Maybe the latest announcement from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller was just the sound of a political gnat hitting the windshield. If that turns out to be the case, let’s at least consider the last thought that went through the poor bug’s brain. Miller was unveiling his response to the blackouts that knocked Texas off its feet last month. He has a legitimate hook here: Agriculture was walloped by the polar vortex, and some of that damage might have been avoided if the lights had stayed on.
Analysis: After the blackouts, a whiff of the 2022 elections in Texas
Maybe the latest announcement from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller was just the sound of a political gnat hitting the windshield. If that turns out to be the case, let’s at least consider the last thought that went through the poor bug’s brain. Miller was unveiling his response to the blackouts that knocked Texas off its feet last month. He has a legitimate hook here: Agriculture was walloped by the polar vortex, and some of that damage might have been avoided if the lights had stayed on.
Analysis: Abbott’s icebreaker
COMMENTARY Ross Ramsey, Guest Columnist Posted 3/7/21 Greg Abbott sounds like a guy who’s had both of his COVID-19 shots. Such confidence! The governor went to a Lubbock restaurant Tuesday to announce that he’s rescinding … Sign up to keep reading — IT'S FREE! In an effort to improve our website and enhance our local coverage, HillCountryNews.com has switched to a membership model. Fill out the form below to create a free account. Once you're logged in, you can continue using the site as normal.
TribCast, special edition: Our pollsters analyze how Texans feel about vaccines, elections and police
TribCast, special edition: Our pollsters analyze how Texans feel about vaccines, elections and police People receive their drive-thru COVID-19 vaccine at the Fair Park vaccination site in Dallas on Feb. 8, 2021. Credit: Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribune (Audio unavailable.
Analysis: Abbott’s icebreaker
Gov. Greg Abbott meets with local El Paso leaders to discuss the coronavirus situation for the city and state on Aug. 13, 2020. Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre for The Texas Tribune Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. Greg Abbott sounds like a guy who’s had both of his COVID shots. Such confidence! The governor went to a Lubbock restaurant Tuesday to announce that he’s rescinding his coronavirus restrictions. No more mask requirements.
Few Texas voters say they're doing better economically than they were a year ago, poll finds
Is the country going in the right direction, or is it on the wrong track? Depends on who’s talking. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. Fewer than 1 in 5 Texas voters say they and their families are better off than they were a year ago, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Most white Texas voters believe the deaths of Black people in police custody aren’t a systemic problem
Public opinion is split, however, on a crucial question about police behavior: whether the deaths of Black people in encounters with police are isolated incidents or a sign of broader problems. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
Texans support keeping “Dreamers" in the U.S., poll finds
Texas voters have mixed views about the state’s increasing racial and ethnic diversity. Credit: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
Texas voters' views shifting on abortion, pot, gambling and Confederate monuments, poll finds
Most Texas voters support expanded gambling in the state, and a clear majority would legalize marijuana in some capacity. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. The primary issues before the Texas Legislature are clear enough: the pandemic, the state’s unreliable electric grid, the budget, voting laws and police.
Voters think Texas election results are accurate - but many question U.S. results, poll finds
A large majority of Texas voters think the state’s official election results are just fine, but 30% think national election results are “very inaccurate,” according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Voters think Texas election results are accurate - but many question U.S. results, poll finds
A large majority of Texas voters think the state’s official election results are just fine, but 30% think national election results are “very inaccurate." Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
Analysis: Winter storm response should focus on public safety, not dollars
Last week's winter storm was a tragedy, not because of the property and commercial damage, but because of the human victims of a compound array of avoidable decisions and mistakes. Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune (Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. If you would like to listen to the column, just click on the play button below.
Ross Ramsey will Texas be ready for the next big winter storm
ERCOT, the state-controlled electric grid operator taking most of the initial blame for widespread blackouts and for all of the attendant misery over the last week, answers to the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The governor appoints the members of the PUC, and names which of the three of them will be chair. The state’s utility regulators are operating according to laws written and approved by the Texas Legislature. If Gov.
Analysis: Texas failed in a storm, again. Will we be ready next time?
Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a press conference regarding Texas’ emergency response to an unprecedented winter storm gripping Texas on Feb. 13, 2021. Abbott himself might not have been paying close attention to electricity and water and gas a couple of weeks ago, but the people who are paid to pay attention report to him. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here.
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