A new proposal to cut school property taxes in Texas perfectly outlines the political problem facing lawmakers: It’s terribly expensive, and other taxes have to be raised to pay for it.
Topics
Posted in
Economy
Brewers and distributors reach truce in hopes of allowing take-home beer sales at breweries
The two beer industry groups struck a deal this week that could end a years-long political fight.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
This Texas program lands poor people in jail. Getting rid of it has been too complicated — but that might be changing.
Lawmakers in both chambers and parties want to fix the controversial Driver Responsibility Program, but the program funds state trauma centers. Where will they find $144 million to fill the gap?
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
How will Texas help Harvey-ravaged communities?
State leaders have all thrown support behind tapping the rainy day fund to help with Hurricane Harvey recovery. But a year and a half after the storm, they haven’t offered many specifics.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: It takes more than three high officials to make Texas laws
What started as unity at the top of Texas government is now in the hands of state legislators, who are better known for killing bills and changing the original intentions. Case in point: property taxes.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Republican, Democrat advance to runoff for Texas House seat in San Antonio
Republican Fred Rangel and Democrat Ray Lopez are heading to an overtime round in the race to replace former state Rep. Justin Rodriguez, D-San Antonio.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M asks lawmakers for $55 million in “equity” funds, citing UT’s budget
The gap between Texas A&M’s and UT-Austin’s per-student funding has increased over the last five years, due in part to growing enrollment at the College Station campus.
Posted in
Congress
MJ Hegar — Texas veteran behind viral “Doors” ad — is considering challenging John Cornyn in 2020
The military veteran and unsuccessful 2018 congressional candidate is considering running for U.S. Senate in 2020, as well as challenging U.S. Rep. John Carter again.
Posted inState Government
Texas House Democrats made big progress in 2018. Will they capitalize on it in 2019?
Some freshman Democrats see an opportunity to be ambitious this legislative session. But more seasoned lawmakers suggest a more measured approach.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Special election runoff to replace Carol Alvarado in Texas House to be held March 5
Voters will decide the successor to former state Rep. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, who was elected to the Texas Senate in December.
