The Texas Legislature is trying to focus on school finance and property taxes. But flashier, more divisive political fights beckon.
Dennis Bonnen
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Are Texas lawmakers done with drama or just saving it up for later?
The Texas House sent a $250 billion budget over to the Senate with a unanimous vote after a debate that had remarkably few tense moments. With school finance, property taxes and revisions to that budget still ahead, will the comity hold?
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas House approves 2020-21 budget plan, with extra $9 billion for school finance, property tax relief
The House also signed off on a $9 billion supplemental budget that would withdraw $4.3 billion from the state savings account.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
The Texas budget is up for debate in the House. Here are four things to know.
House members have proposed more than 300 amendments to the chamber’s spending plan. The proposals that pass could have major implications for hundreds of other issues regulated by the state.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
With major policy differences emerging, state leaders continue to project unity
Halfway through the legislative session, lawmakers say they’re getting along. But they have a long way to go to achieve their goals this year.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: The Texas Legislature wasn’t built for harmony. It was built for debate.
As the Texas Legislature digs into the busiest half of the session, early harmony is giving way to difference and debate. The House and Senate are easing into their traditional roles — as rivals.
Posted in
University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
Texans want voter approval of property tax hikes, says UT/TT Poll
Texans want local governments to get permission for property tax hikes over a set amount and don’t think such a restriction would hobble services, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
After state leaders’ unified rollout, 2.5 percent rollback rate on property tax bill looks unlikely to stick
Weeks after state leaders trumpeted a consensus property tax reform proposal, few seem married to the bill’s pitch to cut the rollback rate to 2.5 percent.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas community colleges warn they may consider tuition hikes in the face of property tax reform
Property taxes are one of three main sources of revenue for community colleges. If growth in those taxes is limited, the colleges say they may have to look elsewhere for revenue.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: It takes more than three high officials to make Texas laws
What started as unity at the top of Texas government is now in the hands of state legislators, who are better known for killing bills and changing the original intentions. Case in point: property taxes.
