In today's Brief: The 2018 election season has officially started, Gov. Greg Abbott has a plan for veterans and Sutherland Springs residents gathered for their first Sunday service since the worst mass shooting in Texas history. 
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CUT THE RIBBON ON THE 2018 ELECTION SEASON

Incumbents and candidates on Saturday began filing for the March 2018 party primaries, when Texas voters will decide who should serve in state government's highest offices, in the Legislature and in Congress. 

One of the biggest pieces of news: State Rep. Dan Huberty — a Houston Republican who chairs the House Public Education Committee — filed for re-election after months of uncertainty over whether he'd seek another term. 

Others, meanwhile, still haven't decided. Enter Bruce Jacobson Jr., a North Texas televangelist who is publicly but cautiously deciding whether to challenge U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the GOP primary. Jacobson's website may only be semi-complete, but at least he has until Dec. 11 — the end of the filing period — to decide, writes Ross Ramsey in his column today.
  

GOV. GREG ABBOTT'S PLAN FOR VETERANS 

In addition to filing for re-election Saturday, Abbott also used the day — Veteran's Day — to unveil a set of policy proposals aimed at veterans, including one that would allow those starting businesses to get personal property tax exemptions of up to $30,000 for the first five years of operation. 

Why this matters: Texas has the second-largest veterans' population — and its sprawling landscape makes it hard for those living in remote areas to access Veteran's Affairs health facilities. "Right now the closest hospital to veterans in the Rio Grande Valley is nearly 200 miles away in San Antonio, Texas," Abbott said at his event, per The Austin American-Statesman. "That is unacceptable."
 

SUTHERLAND SPRINGS' FIRST SUNDAY SERVICE SINCE SHOOTING  

Hundreds gathered in Sutherland Springs for their first Sunday church service since a gunman killed 26 and injured 20 more on Nov. 5 at the First Baptist Church. 

We're testing a few changes around here. What do you think? Send your thoughts to thebrief@texastribune.org.

BEST OF THE REST

Paywall content noted with $

Politico: GOP leaders bullish tax bill will pass the House this week

Waco Tribune-Herald: House GOP tax bill fails graduate students, Baylor officials say

Texas Observer: Records show where Trump plans to build Texas border wall

The Houston Chronicle: GOP turnover gives Texas Democrats hope for opportunities in congressional races ($)

The Dallas Morning News: Battling grief through God, Sutherland Springs tries to move on from tragedy ($) 

Los Angeles Times: Border Patrol losing agents faster than it can hire new ones ($)
 

PENCIL US IN

Join us in San Antonio on Nov. 17 and 18 for a symposium on immigration, where we'll explore the recent actions of #txlege, rhetoric on the subject under President Donald Trump and the human cost of immigration. 

THE LAST WORD


"Look at your lieutenant governor and the stuff that comes out of him."

— U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., referring to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during a luncheon for Annie's List in Dallas on Friday. 
Thanks for reading The Brief, our daily dispatch on Texas politics, public policy and everything in between. Please shoot me your tips and feedback at thebrief@texastribune.org. Love this newsletter? Consider making a donation in support of our nonprofit newsroom. — Cassi Pollock
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