The Texas Senate on Tuesday approved its $211 billion, two-year budget. The next step is the appointment of conferees to referee the differences with the House's version of the budget. One potential hang-up is on the related issue of how to handle promised tax cuts.

House Democrats derailed on procedural grounds pending legislation on open carry, municipal regulation of oil and gas activity as well as moving the home of the public integrity unit. Legislation on the first two topics will be back on the House floor today.

GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz raised more than $4.3 million in the first nine days of his campaign, according to federal campaign filings. While the donor list featured many longtime GOP patrons such as Red McCombs, Robert Rowling and Bob McNair, 44 percent of Cruz's haul came from contributors giving $200 or less.

With little debate, the Texas Senate approved a "parent trigger" bill, which would allow parents of students at underperforming public schools to demand fixes from the state commissioner of education including hiring new staff, contracting with a charter school operator to take over management or closing the school altogether.

Disclosure: Red McCombs and Robert Rowling are major donors to The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.