State revenue could easily take some big hits this year — from a sliding oil and gas industry and from a series of potentially adverse court rulings. The message from the top to lawmakers: Don’t get too spendy.
budget
Posted in
Politics
Multiple Lawsuits, Oil Prices Could Spell Budget Doomsday for State
Over four lawsuits, the state is potentially facing billions in legal expenses at a time when stubbornly low oil prices are simultaneously threatening to blunt its coffers.
Posted in
Politics
Video: A Conversation with Lozano and Lucio
Full video of my 2/25 conversation with state Rep. J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville, and state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville.
Posted in
Transportation
TxDOT Planning $1.3 Billion to Relieve Worst Traffic in Texas Cities
The Texas Transportation Commission is expected to approve a $1.3 billion plan Thursday aimed to funding 14 roadway projects designed to relieve gridlock in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lawmakers Compare Unpopular Driver Surcharge Program to Debtors’ Prison
State senators expressed bipartisan disapproval Wednesday of an unpopular program that levies large surcharges on drivers for traffic offenses, with several calling for broad changes or scrapping it entirely.
Posted in
Economy
Video: A Conversation with Glenn Hegar
Full video of my 1/21 conversation with Glenn Hegar, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Topics discussed: oil prices, taxes, jobs and economic incentives.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Budget Battle Might Seem Boring, But Don’t Doubt Its Impact
Some of the most important debates in government and politics are complicated — and boring. That gives the combatants some safety from voters who are preoccupied with battles that are easier to understand.
Posted in
Politics
Attorney General’s Office: Abbott’s Budget Vetoes Should Stand
Gov. Greg Abbott was well within his powers when he vetoed more than $200 million in funds approved by the Texas Legislature this year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office wrote in an opinion issued Monday.
Posted in
Economy
Analysis: A Mistaken Revenue Forecast With No Instant Consequences
The state comptroller’s original forecast on state revenue for 2016-17 was wrong, but the misestimate was inconsequential — at least in the short term.
Posted in
Economy
Video: Dan Patrick at The Texas Tribune Festival
Here’s full video of my conversation Friday with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at The Texas Tribune Festival.
