Politics
Texas has an unprecedented budget surplus. What can be done with the billions of dollars?
Posted on · Conservatives want to use part of the money to provide property tax relief. Progressives want to boost funding for public education.
Tag: Texas budget
Politics
How Is Texas Spending Its $11.2 Billion In CARES Act Funding?
Posted on · Gov. Greg Abbott's administration has about $2 billion remaining -- and less than a month in which to spend it.
Politics
How COVID-19, Oil Market Crash Are Hurting Texas State Finances
Posted on · Tom Currah, chief revenue estimator in the Texas Comptroller’s Office, say that the downturn has wiped out what had been a projected $3 billion surplus in state funds.
Politics
Outlook For 2020-21 State Budget: Healthier, But Still Tight
Posted on · The Texas Comptroller’s office recently raised its revenue estimate by nearly $3 billion, but the Legislative Budget Board is warning state agencies not to ask for more money than they got last time
Politics
Report: Texas Budget Shortfall Could Balloon To Nearly $8 Billion In 2019
Posted on · Texas lawmakers borrowed future revenues to help balance the budget for the two-year cycle that begins in September. The bill will come due as state Medicaid costs are set to skyrocket.
Podcast
Party Politics, Texas Edition Ep. 10: Tacos And Cannons
Posted on · What did and didn't get play in the 85th Texas legislative session, and what it all means.
Podcast
Party Politics, Texas Edition Ep 2: Mid-Session Legislature Woes
Posted on · Hosts Jay and Brandon take a close look at what's going on in the Texas Legislature at mid-session.
Texas
What Will Trump’s Border Security Plan Mean for Texas’ Finances?
Posted on · Lawmakers in Austin are hoping an increase in federal spending on U.S.-Mexico border protection will help them to plug a $5-billion hole in the state budget.
Politics
Cornyn: Trump’s Border Plan Could Take Financial Pressure Off Texas
Posted on · State leaders have pledged to keep Texas’ spending on border security at current levels over the next two years, even as other government services face steep cuts due to a budget shortfall.
Texas
Texas Budget: Drop In Oil Tax Receipts Make Cuts In Services All But Certain
Posted on · State Rep. Drew Darby says the Texas Legislature could be more than $5 billion short of funds needed just to pay for current services.
Texas
Texas Faces Fresh Budget Pain As Legislature Prepares To Convene
Posted on · With low oil and natural gas prices still hurting state revenues, and Congress poised to slash federal funds for social services, legislators in Austin may have little choice but to cut spending across the board.
Politics
Texas Top Three Elected Leaders Call For 4 Percent Budget Cut
Posted on · Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Joe Straus are asking most state agencies to lower their 2018-2019 funding requests, as Texas grapples with falling tax revenues.
Texas
Pew Charitable Trusts Looks Into Issues Facing Texas Leaders
Posted on · The Pew Charitable Trusts is known for its research on public policy. This week, they turn their attention to state legislatures, including Texas.
Full Show
Property Tax Cuts, Parks, and ‘Once’ on Stage: Tuesday’s Show (March 10, 2015)
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 […]