Rising property taxes are a legitimate political issue, driven by what elected officials and aspiring officeholders hear from their angry constituents. Local governments are on the other side of this, however, hearing from those same voters about deficiencies in schools and roads, crime protection and whatnot.
Paul Bettencourt
Posted inState Government
Kevin Eltife joined the UT System as an outspoken critic. Now he might reshape it.
As the search for a new chancellor gets underway, Kevin Eltife – a University of Texas regent and former state senator – is heading a task force that could broadly reshape what the UT System looks like.
Posted in
Public Education
Texas lawmaker questions education group’s tactics for getting out the vote
A state lawmaker is seeking a legal opinion on whether an educator group is encouraging improper use of public funds to get out the vote. Teachers say they are modeling civic engagement for their students within legal limits, and the letter is motivated by a backlash against public education.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
City, state officials spar over funding Harvey recovery efforts at Houston meeting
While several Texas officials have thrown support behind some expensive flood control projects, a Houston City Council meeting Monday highlighted the political and financial hurdles that may await such efforts.
Posted in
State Government
Power Trips: Who should regulate property tax rates? Give us your take.
The Texas Tribune wants to know more about how rising property tax rates are affecting people across Texas — and who should have the final say.
Posted in
Politics
Radio made Dan Patrick powerful in Texas. And it’s helping him stay that way.
As a political outsider, radio launched Dan Patrick’s career. But now that he’s mostly off the airwaves and in the lieutenant governor’s seat, Patrick’s station continues to push his conservative agenda.
Posted in
State Government
Chances of House, Senate agreement on property taxes appear slim
The House adjourned for the day Saturday without appointing conferees to work out its differences with the Senate on property tax legislation.
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 inState Government
Video: Houston & the Legislature: What’s Next?
Here’s video of our 12/16 conversation with state Sens. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, and Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, on the coming legislative agenda and its impact on Houston.
Posted inState Government
Video: How Conservative Was the 84th Session?
Here’s video of our “Really, How Conservative Was the 84th Session?” panel from Oct. 17 at The 2015 Texas Tribune Festival. Panelists included State Sens. Paul Bettencourt and Konni Burton and state Reps. Stephanie Klick, Matt Rinaldi and Jonathan Stickland.
