Later this week the Texas Senate’s Nominations Committee will consider the appointment of David J. Beck to the University of Texas Board of Regents. He should not be confirmed without undergoing some very strict – and uncomfortable – scrutiny. For the most part,...
Under legislation filed by State Rep. Matt Shaheen of Collin County (HB 1257), governmental agencies would be forbidden from hiring lobbyists. This important legislation addresses the long-held practices of cities, schools, and other entities from using taxpayer...
It is time for those in the legislature who are responsible to be held accountable for this sordid tale.
Throwing what can best be described as a wide-ranging temper tantrum in the face of unease among his inner-circle, House Speaker Joe Straus on Wednesday lashed out at many of Gov. Greg Abbott's marquee proposals and attacked the conservative Senate led by Lt. Gov. Dan...
One of House Speaker Joe Straus’ closest advisors, State Rep. Lyle Larson of San Antonio, has come out in opposition not just to a tax cut plan proposed by the Senate, but any tax relief. Indeed, Larson is describing tax relief efforts as "gimmickry." Meanwhile, Gov....
Including $4 billion in tax cuts and a needed re-prioritization of spending, State Sen. Jane Nelson released the blueprint from which the Senate Finance Committee -- which she chairs -- will draft the state budget. The Flower Mound Republican presented her plan in the...
Texas’ new lieutenant governor has promised significant tax relief and reforms to the state’s property tax system, while the new governor wants to put a stop to burdensome regulations impeding property rights and economic development. While both men’s positions are...
Coming out of the gate with appointments, the team advising Gov. Greg Abbott seems to have made an initial early misstep by appointing an advocate of “common core” to the University of Texas board of regents. This is most surprising, given the strong stance Abbott has...
The UT regent has been shining a light on corruption and malfeasance.
With the comptroller having now forecasted that lawmakers will have $113 billion in general revenues, Texans should expect meaningful tax breaks from the Legislature. As Cary Cheshire reported yesterday, this forecast includes an 8.9% increase in sales tax revenues....