School officials stay quiet in property tax debate
As mayors and county commissioners in recent days have sharply criticized legislation that would place strict limits on increasing property tax collections — saying the limits could force cuts in basic services — school district officials have remained on the sidelines as they await proposals to boost school spending.
Read MoreTexas’ savings account is poised to hit $15 billion. How much will lawmakers spend?
More than in any legislative session since the Great Recession, Texas lawmakers are signaling a willingness this year to dip into the state’s massive savings account. As the Legislature debates costly investments in property tax reduction and public schools, and with big bills coming due for retired teachers’ pensions and Hurricane Harvey recovery, Texas’ Economic…
Read MoreGovernor, top Texas state leaders settle on property tax plan as others raise alarms
AUSTIN — The three most powerful players in state government declared their unified support Thursday for an aggressive plan to place a 2.5-percent limit on property tax hikes enacted by school districts, cities and counties.
Read MoreGOP senator proposes tapping rainy day fund for flood control
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and devastating flooding in Central Texas last year, a key Republican lawmaker has proposed tapping the state rainy day fund for $1.2 billion to pay for flood-control projects.
Read MoreHouston’s key issues during 2019 Tx Lege: Corporate incentives, public education and flood resiliency
One of the top priorities for businesses during this session appears to be preserving Chapter 312, an economic development law that lures development through tax abatements.
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