The News

The Debrief

This session was among the busiest I have seen in my sixteen years at the Capitol. With twelve new Democrats in the State House, this session was less about partisan politics and more about getting things done for Texas. I was also honored this year to be appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Business

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With Roadblocks Looming for Property Tax Relief, Will Lawmakers Decide to Increase Sales Taxes?

With Roadblocks Looming for Property Tax Relief, Will Lawmakers Decide to Increase Sales Taxes? By: Rebekah Allen (Dallas Morning News) AUSTIN — Texas’ top elected leaders made two key promises at the start of the legislative session: to boost funding for public schools and give property owners tax relief. It appears more likely that a deal will

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Texas lawmakers reach deal on legislation to end surprise medical bills

Texas Lawmakers Reach Deal on Legislation to End Surprise Medical Bills By: Ashley Goudeau (KVUE) AUSTIN, Texas — Texas lawmakers say they’ve put partisan politics aside to reach a deal on Senate Bill 1264 (SB1264) by Senator Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills). SB1264 would let medical providers go into arbitration with health insurance companies to negotiate payment.

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Fight Against Surprise Medical Bills Gains Momentum in Legislature

Fight Against Surprise Medical Bills Gains Momentum in Legislature By: Jenny Deam (Houston Chronicle) The quest to protect Texans against “shock” medical billing gained momentum Monday as two similar, bi-partisan pieces of legislation were merged, taking the strongest aim yet at a business practice that continues to financially devastate unsuspecting patients. “That’s why we’re here

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Propuesta de ley busca otorgar más dinero a los distritos escolares de Texas

Propuesta de ley busca otorgar más dinero a los distritos escolares de Texas Propuesta de ley busca otorgar más dinero a los distritos escolares de Texas La HB3 busca inyectar nueve mil millones de dólares al sistema educativo a fin de mejorar las condiciones en distritos que no cuentan con tantos recursos. | Tu Ciudad

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Texas lawmakers debate need for state incentives programs

Texas lawmakers debate need for state incentives programs By: Bob Sechler (Austin-American Statesman) The merits of taxpayer-funded business incentives — described alternatively as either crucial tools for economic development or wasteful corporate giveaways — took center stage Wednesday as a Texas House committee heard debate over key tax abatement programs used by local governments and school

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Bexar County Superintendents Hopeful About House Bill 3’s Potential School Finance Fix

Bexar County Superintendents Hopeful About House Bill 3’s Potential School Finance Fix By: Emily Donaldson (Rivard Report) Bexar County school leaders are using a word they haven’t used in a while to describe their view of school finance reform: optimistic. The day after the House Public Education Committee unanimously voted to forward House Bill 3, a

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