A Texas Education Agency final investigative report, sent to lawmakers Wednesday evening, recommends the state appoint new leaders of Texas’ largest school district.
Paul Bettencourt
Posted in
New Texas Laws 2019
Lines to get driver’s licenses are long. Texans are skeptical more money will help.
In hopes to provide quicker service, over 90 of DPS’ 229 offices — including every mega center and “severely crowded” office — will become fully staffed, while another 100 will receive smaller personnel boosts.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill designed to limit property tax growth
A top priority of state leaders, the legislation requires voter approval before local governments increase their property tax revenue by more than 3.5%.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
The property tax reform package is heading to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk
The bill aims to slow rising property tax revenues and make it easier for Texans to understand how their tax bills are determined. The House and Senate both approved it Saturday, and it is expected to soon be sent to Abbott for his signature.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Here’s what we know about the Legislature’s final property tax reform bill
The final version of the bill is expected to require cities, counties and emergency service districts to hold an election before raising 3.5% more property tax revenue than the previous year. Community colleges and hospital districts would need to do so at 8%.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
In 1997, George W. Bush couldn’t deliver a multibillion-dollar tax reform plan. Will Greg Abbott face a similar fate in 2019?
State leaders are pushing a plan to drive down property taxes using revenue from a one-cent increase to the sales tax. They have said the plan would result in roughly $250 a year in savings on a $200,000 home.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Change in tax bill would let many cities and counties raise property tax levies by more than 3.5%
The revision was made in the House. But the high-priority property tax bill is expected to head to a conference committee, where negotiations could change or remove the provision.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
A Texas sales tax increase would hit poor people the hardest
Top Republican leaders have proposed raising the sales tax and using the money to lower local property tax rates. Wealthier Texans and businesses would likely benefit, while poorer Texans would likely pay more.
Posted in
TribCast
TribCast: Are Texas Republicans ready to back a sales tax hike?
On this week’s TribCast, Aman talks to Ross, Shannon and Emma about why the top three Republicans in Texas just got behind raising the state sales tax, why national Democrats are suddenly pouring so much money into Texas and which Texas Senator you should be keeping a close eye on as the session enters its final weeks.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
After 20 years of agitating for property tax reform, can Paul Bettencourt pull it off?
The “Tax Man,” a Republican senator from Houston, has his best chance yet to shake up Texas’ property tax system. But it’s going to be an uphill battle.
