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.
school finance
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.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, other top leaders propose raising the sales tax to provide property tax relief
The state’s “Big Three” unveiled the proposal in a joint statement. The idea would need approval from two-thirds of the House and Senate and a majority of Texas voters.
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Public Education
Texas charter schools are facing more backlash this year, but they could also receive more cash
School finance reform could bring the privately operated public schools a windfall. But traditional public school advocates are still fighting the charters’ expansion.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Here’s how different proposals at the Texas Capitol could change property tax bills
How would lawmakers’ proposals to provide property tax relief affect tax bills? It depends on where you live and what kind of home you own.
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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.
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Public Education
Texas House approves major school finance reform package, adds teacher raises to the bill
The legislation would increase per-student funding, mandate across-the-board teacher pay raises and reduce “Robin Hood” payments made by wealthy districts.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Many Texas teachers have second jobs or live paycheck to paycheck. They’re anxiously watching the teacher pay debate.
“I never anticipated that I would take a summer job at Wendy’s just so that I could replace a broken dishwasher,” said one high school English teacher who makes $45,000 per year.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Texas lawmakers haven’t sworn off culture wars after all
The Texas Legislature is trying to focus on school finance and property taxes. But flashier, more divisive political fights beckon.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Property tax relief — but not for all Texas taxpayers
Giving every property owner in Texas a significant tax cut is expensive, but there are less ambitious plans under consideration along with the big ones.
