IssuesTaxes & SpendingSome Texas Local Governments Spend Well Above Population Plus Inflation Line
Brad JohnsonJuly 1, 2022
In recent years, Republican legislators have placed more scrutiny on the spending practices of localities.
HomeSearch"vance ginn"
Texas Political News
88th LegislatureEducationElections 2022Taxes & SpendingAbbott Backs Eliminating Largest Component of Property Tax Bills in Texas
Brad JohnsonMay 12, 2022
The legislature has already earmarked $3 billion of its federal coronavirus aid for property tax compression in the 88th legislative session.
FederalTaxes & SpendingTransportationTexas High-Speed Rail Project May Be Eligible for Biden’s ‘Buy American’ Funds Despite Foreign Contracts
Kim RobertsMarch 17, 2022
Texas Central wants to receive federal infrastructure money to help construct its high-speed rail project, though questions are raised as to whether it would qualify.
Statewide NewsTransportationTexas Prices Increase as Inflation Exacerbates Shortages
Brad JohnsonDecember 28, 2021
Inflation is wreaking havoc on the economy as prices consumers pay for anything from groceries to gas are rising.
87th LegislatureFederalState HouseState SenateFederal Coronavirus Aid to Bring Surplus Dollars with Stipulations
Brad JohnsonMay 23, 2021
Texas stands to gain nearly $16 billion in federal coronavirus aid, but it comes with strings attached.
87th LegislatureState HouseTaxes & SpendingElimination of Main Property Tax Rate Component Considered by Texas House Committee
Brad JohnsonApril 13, 2021
The Maintenance and Operations rate is the main factor in the property taxes citizens pay, and a new bill aims to eliminate it for school districts.
Local NewsFort Worth Bar’s Liquor License Suspended for Social Distancing and Masking Violations
Brad JohnsonFebruary 10, 2021
After a visit from TABC agents, a Fort Worth bar will now have its operating license suspended for 30 days.
87th LegislatureState HouseState SenateTaxes & Spending$251 Billion State Budget Proposed by Texas Legislature
Brad JohnsonJanuary 22, 2021
This week, Texas' House and Senate unveiled their baseline budgets for this session. Both are remarkably similar as the budget debate begins.
Local NewsAustin City Council Approves $2,000 Fine for Mask-Order Violation Through End of 2020
Brad JohnsonJuly 10, 2020
Governor Abbott issued a statewide mask mandate on July 2 and some localities, like Austin, have since implemented their own, stricter orders.
Local NewsState HouseStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingLawmakers and Lobbyists Take Sides on $365 Billion in Local Government Debt
Brad JohnsonDecember 16, 2019
Stakeholders react to a new report by the Texas Public Policy Foundation showing the debt amassed by Texas' local governments.
86th LegislatureEducationIssuesState HouseState SenateTaxes & SpendingPay Raises for Texas Teachers Factoring into Ongoing Property Tax, School Finance Debate
Brad JohnsonMay 1, 2019
A $5,000 per teacher pay raise is a high priority for Lt. Governor Dan Patrick as the 86th Legislature wrestles with property taxes and school finance.
86th LegislatureState HouseGoldman Tackles Occupational Licensing in the Lone Star State
Brad JohnsonMay 1, 2019
Texas ranks in the top 25 of most-burdensome states when it comes to occupational licensing regulations.