In their preliminary state budgets released Wednesday, the Texas Senate and House earmarked $72.5 billion for the Texas Education Agency, which oversees K-12 schools, and $15 billion in school property tax relief.

said Dale Craymer, president of Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, a tax-research organization mostly supported by businesses.

The way that some in economic development spheres look at it, working to lure companies to come to Central Texas is a lot like handiwork. You strap on your tool belt or grab your toolbox and use whatever you need that’s in it to complete the job.

Fiscally conservative groups have called on the state legislature to enact a zero growth budget and issue tax cuts to help Texans suffering from inflation after the state comptroller announced the state was expecting a record $188 billion in revenue estimated for 2024-25 biennium and $32.7 billion surplus. Both are a first in state history.

After speculating for months on how much surplus tax revenue the state will have available in the 88th Legislature, Texas’ top accountant finally gave a firm number: $32.7 billion.