It’s hard to gather support for the state’s most persistent problems when you’re also pressing forward with issues that divide and anger Republicans and Democrats. It’s also business as usual in the Texas Legislature.
property taxes
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TribCast
TribCast: Property tax wars and Speaker Bonnen’s rough run-in
On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Patrick and Shannon about the fight over property taxes at the Texas Lege and the House Speaker’s fiery exchange with a gun rights activist at a GOP fundraiser.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Can Texas’ top three Republicans muster enough support to pass a sales tax swap?
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have already signaled opposition to the proposal from Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen.
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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.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Can Texas Republicans raise the sales tax without suffering a backlash?
Lawmakers have proposed swapping higher sales taxes for lower property taxes — but leaving the final decision to voters. They don’t have to do it that way, but it could move the blame from them — to the rest of us.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas Senate gives local governments more breathing room for property tax revenue growth
After a key Republican holdout agreed to bring a priority bill to the floor, the upper chamber increased an election trigger on revenue increases from 2.5% to 3.5%. But now both chambers must reconcile how they want to tackle rising school district taxes.
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Texas Legislature 2019
As Texas House tackles property taxes, here’s what to know and how to watch
The lower chamber was expected to debate House Bill 2, legislation that aims to slow rising property taxes in Texas.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: The Texas Legislature is stuck. Don’t worry about it.
The Texas Legislature is in its biennial spasm of drama, with big bills stuck and some state leaders saying it will take a special session to get property taxes, school finance and all of that done. But they have six weeks to go, and they often do their big work on deadline.
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Politics
Dan Patrick threatens to use “nuclear option” to skirt Senate tradition and bring property tax bill to the floor
“I respect our Senate rules, but I do not intend to let a procedural motion stop the Senate from passing this important bill,” the lieutenant governor said.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: For the Texas Legislature right now, it’s bipartisan or bust
The state’s top three leaders bet everything on public education and property taxes this year, but they can’t get where they’re going — especially if they want to cut property taxes — without bringing some Democrats to their side.
