Lieutenant governor defends film industry infusion against heat from right with faith-based hub expectations and hopes for passing Georgia as number one state for productions despite nearly $1.4 billion shelled out there last year. more @DanPatrick news conference on Fox 4 Dallas on April 3   @brianeharrison and @DavidLowe4Texas in Texas House on April 1 House leader's top critic sparks scattered laughs on floor with attempted coup that target counters with April Fools crack in episode that lacks drama that failed push to take gavel from Craddick produced. more   Tax ban on securities dealing goes to Senate in HJR as measures for wildfire combat and tax transparency win tentative approval including sales tax break for game animals that bombed in Oklahoma. more @GregAbbott_TX pushes school choice with children's help March 31   Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey plug SB 2 on March 31 Oscar-winner urges lawmakers to double down in plug for $500 million infusion for movie and TV productions as springboard for self-sustaining industry that's reincarnation of Hollywood as central dispatch and talent pipeline. more   Democrats replace Gilberto Hinojosa with Kendall Scudder with 54% of SDEC vote after Trump share among Hispanics here spikes and border goes red for first time in election with realignment potential. more @KendallScudder elected Texas Democratic Party chair March 29   @GregAbbott_TX shows rescues in South Texas flooding March 28 Burrows plays into top critic's trap with roll call that reverses ruling on Friday before leader shuts down chamber Saturday in 9 seconds flat amid estimate of 28 members on floor to work. more   @KingForTexas with House colleagues on Teal Tuesday March 4 Most Senate Dems fare worse than GOP rookies as 18 white male Republicans have most clout in House where Democrats fail to crack top 20 for first time and seem content with consolation prizes after Dustin Burrows rides them to winner's circle. more   Lobbyists with links to new west wing leader and Republicans who wielded gavel before him get ratings bumps as competition intensifies thanks in part to governor's vouchers vengeance that fuels exodus from Legislature through revolving door. more Dennis Bonnen Lauren Fleming Margo Cardwell