Last week we dug into Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar’s revenue update for the 2018-2019 state budget cycle. Compared to his January forecast, Comptroller Hegar now predicts more rapid economic growth. But the details of the revenue update show that
Texas needs a budget and tax system that is fair, adequate, and responsive to our state’s growing population and needs. The ability to invest in public services that will build a more prosperous future for all Texans relies on the ability of our tax system to support those services.
The Comptroller’s just-released revenue update predicts that the Texas economy will continue to grow steadily in 2018 and 2019, as measured by total number of jobs, personal income, or Gross State Product. But that economic growth – now forecast
This post was updated on July 31, 2017. The Senate last week passed Senate Bill 1 by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a dangerous bill that would limit the ability of local governments to raise the revenue needed to pay police officers, firefighters and
Recently we dove into why spending caps are horrible ideas if you want to keep local services running (think fire departments, police departments, electric utilities, etc.) while also being able to adapt to
Texans value public education. Our constitution and state laws decree that providing a quality education for all children is a state responsibility.[1] Texas law also states that the school finance system should be substantially financed through state revenue
Increase state support to public schools. The Texas Legislature is again threatening to interfere with local communities by limiting the ability of local governments to raise the revenue they need to deliver public safety, health care, parks, libraries and other services
Harmful proposals would further limit state and local elected officials’ ability to plan for a growing and changing Texas. For Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential, our state and local governments need to be able to provide services
At a press conference today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made several misleading and inaccurate statements related to public education in Texas. Here are a few important things to keep in mind as we discuss supporting the over 5.3 million kids in
The Texas Senate and House of Representatives have agreed on a $217 billion 2018-2019 budget, officially named Senate Bill 1. Though the dollar amount is about the same as the 2016-2017 level of support for public and higher education, health
You may have been watching the Saturday Night Live season finale, but I was watching the real show – the Texas Senate and House budget conferees rolling out a state budget compromise. The conferees adopted the major decisions that will
