Posted on · A new report from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association says state lawmakers are digging themselves an $8 billion financial hole they’ll have to dig their way out of in the next regular session in 2019.
Posted on · The Texas House of Representatives blocked Senate proposals that could have bled the finances of public universities.
Posted on · The two-year package includes extra funding for foster care and mental health, but shifts more of public school costs onto local taxpayers.
Posted on · The House’s budget would boost state spending on K-12 education by drawing on the Rainy Day Fund. The Senate’s would force local property taxpayers to pick up more of the tab.
Posted on · The House is considering more than 400 amendments to general appropriations bill.
Posted on · The riders include measures that have already passed the Senate, such as the “bathroom bill,” which Speaker Joe Straus is not inclined to bring up for votes.
Posted on · On our weekly political roundup, we discuss the latest happenings at the Texas Legislature and talk about what's happening in politics on the national level that could impact Houston. Some topics we’ll address include: President Trump’s news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu The resignation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn Potential points of […]
Posted on · Advocates hope to see strong support from Governor Greg Abbot soon. He made early education a top priority last session.
Posted on · The falling price of oil doesn't just mean less money for energy companies. It means millions of dollars less for the State of Texas — tax money that pays for everything from roads to education. How bad is it? And how bad could it get? We get some answers from News 88.7 energy and environment […]
Posted on · In a surprising turn of events, a Harris County grand jury — convened to investigate whether Houston-based Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast sold fetal tissue — declined Monday to take any action against the women’s health service provider. Instead it indicted the undercover videographers behind those allegations. On this edition of Houston Matters, we talk with […]
Posted on · Tyler Republican State Sen. Kevin Eltife is working to build support for a combination of bills he believes will provide both a property tax cut and set a path to spend money on deferred road maintenance and paying off some pension liabilities, among other state needs. Eltife argues that while the state is unusually […]
Posted on · The 84th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature enters its fourth week today. Over the last week, Houston Public Media News 88.7 reporters have been examining some of the key issues lawmakers may consider this session. On this edition of Houston Matters, we present reports from a few of them, examining proposed bills involving education, […]
Posted on · Today lawmakers from across the state are gathering in Austin for the kick-off of the new legislative session. Together, their main job is to pass a budget for the next two years. But local lawmakers also have their own priorities. News 88.7’s Laura Isensee has been talking to members of the Houston delegation about those […]