The number of naturalized citizens in Texas is on the rise, as is the purchasing power and economic output of the state’s native-born and immigrant Hispanic and Asian populations, according to an Immigration Policy Center report.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
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Economy
Senators Hope to Revive Plan to Fund Roads
A plan to fund Texas highway construction by diverting half of the money that currently feeds the state’s Rainy Day Fund could find new life in a special session.
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Criminal Justice
The 83rd Lege’s Regular Session: What Happened and What Didn’t
Lawmakers raced to get several bills passed before the 83rd Legislature’s regular session ended. And with Monday’s announcement of a special session, their work isn’t done. Here’s a look at the deals reached and the measures that fell short in the regular session.
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Economy
Video: Sine Die Reflections
Monday marked the end of the 83rd Legislature’s regular session, and the start of a special session on redistricting. Despite the quick turnaround, lawmakers had a chance to reflect on what they accomplished in the last 140 days.
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Economy
This Session, Lawmakers Put Down Their Swords
If Texas’ less-than-theatrical 83rd legislative session is remembered at all, it will be known for accords, not discord. Here’s a look at top storylines from this session and what they could portend for the future.
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Economy
Lack of Texas Income Tax Draws Out-of-State Envy
A growing number of Republicans across the country are working to repeal their states’ income tax, using Texas’ economic success to make their case. Inside Texas, however, the state’s tax system is not universally beloved.
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Economy
Budget Agreement Leaves About $8 Billion in Fund
The budget deal that took a step closer to passage Wednesday evening would spend $3.9 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund. That would leave more in the fund than many lawmakers or Gov. Rick Perry had earlier proposed.
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Economy
House, Senate Pass Bills Key to Budget Deal
UPDATED: After days of jockeying and one-upsmanship, the Texas House and Senate each approved measures Wednesday evening critical to passing their next two-year budget.
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Economy
Senate Sponsor Significantly Rewrites Franchise Tax Bill
House Bill 500, the Legislature’s most sweeping attempt at reforming the franchise tax this session, was drastically rewritten Thursday morning by its Senate sponsor, state Sen. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy.
Posted inEconomy, State Government
Interactive: Tracking Franchise Tax Bills
Tax relief has become a key issue in the final weeks of the legislative session, and nearly all of the relief efforts are focused on the franchise tax paid by businesses. Use our interactive to track the status of those bills.