Lawmakers in both parties voted to defy the Republican and Democrat party platforms on legislation to grant tax breaks to politically connected businesses.
Brandon Waltens
Wall Street Journal Calls Out Texas’ Soaring Property Tax Bills
Texas is ranked third nationwide for average property tax rates, behind only New Jersey and Illinois.
Stickland Lone Member to Stand Against “School Finance Reform” Spending Spree
Democrats were thrilled with the bill, praising the $9 billion price tag, teacher pay raises, and funding for all-day pre-K.
Democrats Reject Border Security in Partisan Senate Fight
The resolution, which declares a crisis on the southern border and urges Congress for adequate border funding, was approved in a party-line vote.
Where’s the Relief?
The Texas House is currently on track to fail to deliver meaningful property tax reform and relief to the Texans who elected them.
Democrat Lawmaker: “The Lottery Sucks”
Since its creation in 1991, the lottery’s contribution to state public education funding has shrunk to small single-digit percentages.
Senate Committee Revises Budget, Matches House on Education Spending
Changes made in the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday increase total education reform spending to $9 billion with little dedicated to property tax relief.
Hearing Set for State Spending Limits in Texas Senate
Every Republican senator has signed on as a coauthor of the bill.
Senate Approves Bill for Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Disclosure
Republican State Sen. Ken Seliger (Amarillo) joined several Democrat colleagues in opposing the government transparency measure.
Could Standardized Tests Become Target in Texas Budget Debate?
The high-stakes exams have drawn bipartisan criticism for years for failing to accurately assess students’ knowledge and redirecting classroom education to “teaching for the test.”