Anti-toll sentiment at the Capitol is at its highest level in at least a decade as both Republicans and Democrats have proposed measures that would either tap the brakes on new toll road projects, or undo the state’s current tolling system entirely.
Dan Patrick
Posted inState Government
The Brief: March 16, 2015
Legislative activity begins to ramp up in the two chambers this week with speculation rampant that the Senate might take up as early as today legislation that would allow permitted gun owners to carry handguns openly.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: March 11, 2015
State contracting has become one of the signature issues of the legislative session, but finding a fix won’t be easy.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Fear of Spending Even Extends to Tax Cuts
Lawmakers want to send voters a tax cut but fear spending the money the cut requires without asking voters for permission.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: March 5, 2015
Business interests told Senate budget writers on Wednesday that a tax relief plan focused on making changes to the business margins tax prioritized the wrong issue.
Posted in
State Government
Patrick: Exempt Tax Cuts, Debt Payments From Spending Cap
Senate leaders joined Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to announce a plan to allow lawmakers to cut property taxes and pay down the state’s debt without busting the state’s politically charged spending cap.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: In Senate, Spotlight Squarely on Tax Cuts
Here’s some free advice to anyone hoping to see some love in the next state budget: Get in line. Tax cuts are at the front of the queue.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: March 4, 2015
Senate budget writers in the middle of what they are describing as “Tax Relief Week” expressed remorse en masse at having created the business margins tax in 2006.
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Public Education
Patrick Unveils First Round of Education Proposals
Virtual learning, A-through-F school ratings and teacher quality were among the topics covered by broad slate of education reform bills announced by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Education Chairman Larry Taylor on Tuesday.
Posted in
Energy
The Brief: March 3, 2015
In a House committee hearing on Monday, one witness sought to redefine the climate change debate as one with clear implications to national security.
