Abbott also notably sided with Patrick and the Texas Senate on a number of issues.
Texas Budget
Texas House Proposes Busting Budget, While Senate Wants Budget Cuts
The House’s plan would cut funding for border security efforts…
Texas Agencies Foretell Doom and Despair Over Budget Cuts
State agencies are predicting doomsday scenarios to avoid four percent budget cuts.
Midland ISD 2016 Tax Ratification Election
Midland ISD’s School Board has proposed a tax rate increase from $1.04 to $1.09 per $100 property valuation, which triggers the need for citizen approval under state law. The Special Election will be held on Saturday, October 8th and early voting will run September 21st through October 4th.
Midland ISD Opts for Low Voter Turnout in Tax Election
The Midland ISD School Board has voted to place a tax increase election before local voters. However, instead of maximizing voter turnout by holding the election on November 8th, they opted for a special election on October 8th, 2016. If history is any indication, the voter turnout will be dismal.
Midland County Proposes Effective Tax Rate
Midland County Commissioners have proposed the “effective” property tax rate for FY 2016-2017. According to the State Comptroller’s Office, adopting the effective tax rate is not considered a tax increase. However, since Midland County’s effective rate is influenced by mineral values, many property owners will still see an uptick in their property tax bills.
State Leaders Demand Budget Cuts
“It is imperative that every state agency engage in a thorough review of each program and budget strategy and determine the value of each dollar spent.”
Austin ISD Approves Historic Budget
The shrinking school district just adopted its largest budget to date, resulting in higher taxes for residents – and a whopping third of which goes towards recapture.
Midland ISD to Add Tax Increase to November’s Ballot
Amidst budget issues, Midland ISD Trustees announced that they plan to ask the community for a property tax increase. The rate has yet to be set but, according to officials, could be as high as $1.17 – the highest maintenance and operations rate allowed by the state.
The Need for Real Budget Reform
Unless the Legislature passes commonsense budgeting reforms, the state’s spending problems will only get worse.