The Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear arguments in a case that could deliver a multibillion-dollar windfall to struggling oil and gas producers, threatening to take a major bite out of state revenue.
Glenn Hegar
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Hegar Could Change the Odds with Horse Racing Vote
The Texas Racing Commission’s latest vote on a new form of gambling was a 4-4 tie. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar could break that deadlock this week, but he isn’t saying how he might vote — or whether he will vote at all.
Posted in
Economy
Oil Driller’s Lawsuit Could Cost Texas Billions in Tax Refunds
What is the definition of “tangible personal property?” The arcane question is at the center of a lawsuit that could reap energy companies a multibillion-dollar windfall and drain the state’s budget surplus.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: The Death of Taxes on Illegal Drugs
Until the most recent legislative session, the state had a tax on illegal drugs, adding tax evasion to the list of things that could put buyers and sellers into jail. Those drugs remain illegal, but the transactions are now tax-free.
Posted in
Economy
After Dour Report, Hegar Says Moody’s “Should Know Better”
Comptroller Glenn Hegar launched a torrent of criticism at Moody’s Investors Service on Thursday after the credit rating agency released a report suggesting a drilling slowdown could eat up a projected $4 billion budget surplus by December.
Posted in
Economy
As Oil Prices Plunge, Hegar Asked if Budget Outlook is Too Rosy
While Comptroller Glenn Hegar tried to assure lawmakers that plummeting oil prices do not mean the Texas economy is headed for a nosedive, some worried Hegar was being overly optimistic.
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 inState Government
Analysis: For Texas Officeholders, Money is the Best Defense
Money is the armory of politics; a large-enough war chest can intimidate potential rivals. And other officeholders have taken note, collecting towers of money like medieval rulers erected castles.
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.