Crockett, Talarico to face off in Democratic primary

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, entered the U.S. Senate race on the final day to file, pitting her against state Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock. The Austin American-Statesman reported the difference between the two is more of style than substance, with both raising the issues of income inequality, rising prices, corruption and polarization.

Supreme Court upholds state’s redrawn congressional map

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to reverse a lower court’s ruling and uphold the mid-decade redrawn congressional map for Texas sent candidates scrambling to file or opt to retire with the filing deadline on Monday, Dec. 8. The map is likely to give Republican candidates wins in up to five congressional districts previously held by Democrats.

Older Texans face steep ACA price hikes

About 1 million Texans over the age of 45 who receive health insurance coverage through the federal Affordable Care Act will likely face monthly premiums of more than $1,000, the Austin American-Statesman reported.  That accounts for one-fourth of the state’s 4 million ACA enrollees.

EDITORS - This is an updated edition of Capital Highlights to reflect the latest news on the redistricting story.

Supreme Court blocks lower court redistricting ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday blocked a lower court ruling that threw out the state’s new congressional map, allowing the new districts to stay in place, at least for now. A federal panel, by a 2-1 vote, said a few days earlier that the new map was racially gerrymandered.

EDITORS - This is an early bulldog edition of Capital Highlights to accommodate holiday deadlines. It will be updated Sunday if needed.

Federal panel blocks new redistricting map

A federal panel  last week blocked implementation of the state’s revised congressional map, The Dallas Morning News reported. State officials quickly appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

TEA releases financial accountability ratings

More than four-fifths of Texas public schools received an ‘A’ rating for their financial practices, according to the Texas Education Agency, which released the final financial accountability ratings for the latest school year last week.

Note to Editors: This is an early bulldog edition of Capital Highlights to accommodate early holiday deadlines. It will be updated on Sunday if needed.

Voters approve all 17 proposed amendments

Premiums rise as ACA open enrollment begins

The window for signing up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act is now open through Jan. 15, with most Texans expected to pay considerably higher premiums, The Texas Tribune reported. Federal subsidies that reduced premium rates will expire at year’s end without congressional action.

Shutdown could halt SNAP for 3.5 million Texans

The continuing federal shutdown means food benefits provided to 3.5 million Texans could be cut off in November, The Texas Tribune reported. Of those affected, nearly half are children.

Early voting underway for November election

Early voting began Monday across Texas with voters deciding the fate of 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, as well as local races for city and school board, bond measures, and tax proposals. The Houston Chronicle reported that many of the propositions intend to lower property taxes for homeowners and businesses. There are two proposed changes to the homestead exemption.