The House passed a controversial Senate version of a Houston pension bill, angering firefighters. But in Dallas, leaders appear to have coalesced around a bill that once divided the mayor and first responders in that city.
Houston
Posted in
Transportation
Opponents of proposed Dallas-Houston bullet train push lawmakers to kill it
As the legislative session reaches its final weeks, opponents of a private firm’s plans to build a bullet train line between Dallas and Houston are urging lawmakers will pass one of several bills that would likely kill it.
Posted in
State Government
Texas Senate passes bill overhauling Houston’s troubled pension systems
On a 25-5 vote, the Texas Senate passed a bill aimed at overhauling Houston’s troubled pension funds. The bill’s author also added a provision that could shift future employees to new retirement system if shortfalls worsen or persist.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Pension fights in Dallas, Houston raise fears of police, firefighter shortages
Amid efforts by the Legislature to address immediate pension crises in Houston and Dallas, some see an opportunity to push for a sea change in how cities fund pensions. Critics predict such a move could drive first responders away in droves.
Posted in
Economy
Texas leaders to Trump: Houston area needs billions for hurricane protection
Dozens of Texas politicians and business leaders are urging President Donald Trump to commit $15 billion toward protecting the Houston area from a devastating hurricane.
Posted in
State Government
Dallas officials say state lawmakers share blame for city’s pension woes
Amid a legislative session that aims to fix massive pension shortfalls in two of Texas’ biggest cities, Dallas officials argue it’s state law that created some of their current problems in the first place.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
In Dallas and Houston, pension fights escalating, sparking unexpected debates
Houston and Dallas leaders were supposed to each be united on how they wanted state lawmakers to address their respective pension shortfalls before the legislative session even began. (Spoiler alert: They’re still not.)
Posted in
Economy
Texas cities predict dozens of canceled events if “bathroom bill” passes
Tourism officials in the state’s four biggest cities expect to lose at least $407 million in revenue from upcoming events if the “bathroom bill” becomes law. Scores more event planners are likely to bypass Texas entirely in the future, they say.
Posted inState Government
Trump signs NASA bill aimed at landing on Mars
President Trump signed a bill Tuesday authorizing $19.5 billion dollars in funding for NASA. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, one of the bill’s sponsors, attended the bill ceremony.
Posted in
State Government
Stolen after Super Bowl in Houston, Tom Brady’s jersey recovered in Mexico
After being stolen from the Patriots’ locker room at NRG Stadium in Houston last month after the Super Bowl, quarterback Tom Brady’s jersey was traced to Mexico, according to officials involved in the investigation.
