State of Texas - January 19, 2025

A contentious vote ends a months-long battle that divided Texas lawmakers. In the end, Lubbock Republican Dustin Burrows won the vote for House Speaker. But some of his opponents believe the fight is not over. Dylan McKim looks at why the vote could come with fallout for supporters of Burrows. School choice will be one part of the debate over education this session. But larger funding issues are also in play. Education reporter Nabil Remadna examines some key questions at the Capitol that could affect Texas schools and students. New polling is giving insight into the top issues Texas voters have for the legislative session. James Henson from the Texas Politics Project joins us to discuss the findings of the new poll and what it tells us about the issues that could drive debate at the Capitol. The first day of the legislative session brought a lot of new faces to the Capitol. Our team spoke with two freshman lawmakers, Rep. Caroline Fairly (R-Amarillo) and Sen. Molly Cook (D-Houston). We'll hear what they say led them to the legislature, and how they hope to make a difference. State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.