In 2015, state lawmakers approved $800 million for border security efforts. But the election of Donald Trump as president has some Republican lawmakers thinking there will be a change in spending plans this session.
Dennis Bonnen
Posted in
Economy
Video: A Conversation about Taxes
At our 4/29 symposium on the Texas economy, the Houston Chronicle’s Chris Tomlinson talked about taxes with state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, 2014 Democratic candidate for comptroller Mike Collier, state Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, and Dale Craymer of the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association.
Posted in
Demographics
Activists Want Action on Immigration Issues
While activists push Democrats to go softer on immigrants in local jails, conservatives are pressing Gov. Greg Abbott to act now on reforms targeting “sanctuary” policies in cities and counties.
Posted inState Government
Patrick Would Fast-Track Sanctuary Cities Bill
Aides to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, leader of the Texas Senate, say a bill cracking down on sanctuary cities would be fast-tracked in a special session. But so far Gov. Greg Abbott is resisting calls to convene one, meaning any reforms would be put on hold for more than a year.
Posted in
Economy
Property Tax Relief Comes With Big Cost to State
Texas voters will probably give themselves a small dose of property tax relief when they vote on Proposition 1 in November. But if it passes, the state will be on the hook for $600 million a year to help school districts make up the lost revenue.
Posted in
Politics
Video: A Conversation About the Best & Worst Legislators
Full video of our 6/18 conversation with Erica Grieder and R.G. Ratcliffe, the lead authors of Texas Monthly’s biennial list of the best and worst legislators.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 29, 2015
The Dallas Morning News takes a detailed look at the evolution of the deal on tax cuts this session and finds that at a few critical junctures, the deal almost derailed entirely.
Posted inState Government
House Enlarged Tax Relief Proposal’s Price Tag by $400 Million
The ball is in the Senate’s court on a major tax relief deal after the House unexpectedly increased the price tag by $400 million.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 25, 2015
A hectic weekend at the Legislature culminated in a major reversal by the House late Sunday on whether to allow a controversial abortion bill to be debated on the floor.
Posted in
Economy
House Unanimously Backs Property Tax Break
In a 136-1 vote, the House favored Senate Bill 1, which would raise the homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000 if voters approve an amendment to the state Constitution in November.
