- School choice was the dominant theme of last week. Attorney General Paxton?issued a legal opinion?stating “there is no constitutional barrier prohibiting school choice.” Gov. Abbott?organized a rally?at the Capitol. And the Senate Education Committee?held a marathon hearing?on its priority school choice legislation.?
- The Senate?passed its priority property tax package—Senate Bills 3, 4, and 5. The measures would increase homestead exemptions, further compress school property tax rates, and increase business property tax exemptions. The total cost of the measures is $16.5 billion. Meanwhile, the House Ways & Means Committee voted HB 2—the House’s property tax package—out of committee.
- The Senate Business & Commerce Committee held a hearing on its slate of priority bills aimed at fixes for the Texas power grid. The near seven-hour hearing covered the Senate’s nine priority power grid bills. Many major industry groups expressed strident opposition to the bills.?
- Last week also held some notable budget movement. The House Appropriations Committee voted both the current and supplemental budget bills out of committee. The House changed the Senate’s supplemental package in a few key areas.
- Around the Capitol, Lt. Gov. Patrick threw water on the House’s casino and gaming bills. House Democrats charted strategies to kill Republican priorities. And the House put out its first two floor calendars and will begin taking up bills on the floor this week.
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