Despite appearances, the House and Senate aren’t too far apart on border security funding, says the lone border lawmaker on the budget conference committee. One sticking point is funding for state trooper pay.
Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
Posted inState Government
The Brief: April 29, 2015
Gone are accusations of gamesmanship as lawmakers get to work finding common ground on the session’s border security bill.
Posted in
State Government
Senate Announces Budget Negotiation Team
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has named the Senate lineup of budget negotiators who will meet with House counterparts and hash out a final version of the two-year state budget.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: April 14, 2015
Chances are good for passage of legislation up for debate in the House today that would allow for open carry of handguns by those already with concealed carry licenses.
Posted in
Health care
Senate Votes to Close Austin Institution
The Austin State Supported Living Center will be the first closed, but more are to come as the state continues moving away from residential centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Posted in
Economy
Rising Local Debt Draws Attention of Legislature
State coffers are flush with cash, but local governments are continuing to borrow heavily to provide services. State legislators have filed more than a dozen bills aimed at how cities, counties and school districts can borrow money.
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 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.
Posted in
Energy
The Brief: Feb. 19, 2015
Senate budget writers on Wednesday lit into Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek, a former senator himself, in a hearing that concluded with another call for him to resign.
Posted in
Politics
It’s Opening Day for the 84th Legislature
Got your popcorn ready? The Texas Legislature opens its 84th 140-day regular session today at noon, with ceremonies, a little pomp and a skirmish or two. Here’s a look at what’s happening today.