Texas lawmakers heard conflicting reports on the state’s readiness to fight the New World Screwworm, which is approaching the southern border.
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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State Government
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to increase the homestead exemption for school property taxes again
The lieutenant governor also doubled down on his stance that property taxes can’t be totally eliminated, putting him at odds with Gov. Greg Abbott.
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2026 Texas Elections
Gov. Greg Abbott has a sweeping plan to abolish Texas’ school property taxes. Would it work?
The governor must first win over lawmakers who have rejected similar proposals. The state may have to backfill more than $17 billion for school funding alone.
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2026 Texas Elections
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt announces run for comptroller, dropping congressional bid
The Austin Democrat said she wants to tackle waste and fraud as a watchdog over the state budget. She will retain her Senate seat if she loses.
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Texas Legislature 2025
Texas launches cryptocurrency reserve with $5 million investment
Lawmakers created a state Strategic Bitcoin Reserve earlier this year and dedicated $10 million to investing in cryptocurrency.
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State Government
Women, minority small business owners confused, worried after Texas kicks them off HUB program
The decision to limit certification to companies owned by disabled veterans will shrink the Historically Underutilized Business program from more than 15,000 to 485 participants — all men.
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2025 Legislative Recap
Running water will finally reach West Odessa thanks to $17 million from state lawmakers
The Legislature approved $600 million for standalone water improvements, a dramatic increase over prior years.
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State Government
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposes giving Texas newborns $1,000 each
Patrick’s proposal would be in addition to a federal program that is set to give American babies $1,000 each to invest in the stock market.
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Demographics
Michael and Susan Dell donate $6.25 billion to encourage families to claim “Trump Accounts”
The Texas billionaires want to incentivize parents to claim investment accounts created under President Donald Trump’s tax and spending legislation.
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Economy
In Houston, young mothers face some of the highest barriers for college and work in the U.S.
At 13.3%, Houston has the worst rate of young adults who are neither working nor in school of the largest metro areas in the country.