AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
QUOTE OF NOTE
School choice, property taxes top issues
ABBOTT'S EMERGENCY ITEMS
“WE MUST CONTINUE THE STATE’S UNRELENTING EFFORTS TO BUILD INFRASTRUCTURE, GROW THE ENERGY SECTOR, IMPROVE JOB TRAINING AND PUBLIC EDUCATION, AND ENSURE HEALTH CARE ACCESS.” GOV. GREG ABBOTT DURING THE FEB. 16 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS NUMBER TO KNOW The amount Gov. Greg Abbott wants lawmakers to spend on lowering property taxes for Texans in the 2024-25 biennial state budget $15 billion UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS
BY HANNAH NORTON
COVID-19 restrictions by preventing local governments from creating mask mandates or requiring people to be vaccinated against the virus. Governments would also not be allowed to close schools or businesses due to the coronavirus. On school choice, Abbott said he wants to give Texas parents more power to choose where their children go to school through a state-funded Education Savings Account. “To be clear, under this school choice program, all public schools will be fully funded for every student,” Abbott said. Abbott’s other top issues include making schools safer; ending the “revolving door” bail policies and creating stronger restrictions; increasing border security; and tackling the fentanyl crisis by pushing for state funding for Narcan, a medication used to reverse the eects of an opioid overdose.
During his Feb. 16 State of the State address, Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled seven emergency action items lawmakers could immediately work on prior to the 60th day of the session, or March 10, that they are usually limited to.
Gov. Greg Abbott outlined seven emergency action items, which lawmakers can vote on immediately, during his biennial State of the State address Feb. 16. Lawmakers typically cannot vote on or pass legislation until the 60th day of the session—March 10. But when the governor designates an emergency legislative item, lawmakers can vote on related bills earlier, according to the Legislative Reference Library of Texas. “This session, we will ensure Texas remains the leader of this nation as an uninching force in this world,” Abbott said. “Together, we will build a Texas for the next generation—the Texas of tomorrow.” One of Abbott’s top issues is ensuring lasting property tax relief by spending $15 billion in state funds, proposed in the preliminary budget bills led in the House and Senate. Abbott also seeks to end all
Cut property taxes
End COVID-19 restrictions permanently
Expand school choice
Make schools safer
Tighten bail requirements
Increase border security
Address the fentanyl crisis
SOURCE: GOV. GREG ABBOTTCOMMUNITY IMPACT
STATE SEN. CHARLES SCHWERTNER District 5 Republican Elected: 2012
Gov. details plans for tax relief, school safety
TOP PRIORITIES
On Feb. 13, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick named his top priorities for the 2023 Legislature. These include:
Senate Bill No. 1368 This bill pertains to the function of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and other state agencies involved in regulating the state’s utilities. This legislation would require additional training for commissioners, public comment during commission meetings and for improved eectiveness of communication with the public.
Making voter fraud a felony oense Providing property tax relief Strengthening the power grid Expanding school choice Increasing pay for existing and retired teachers SOURCE: LT. GOV. DAN PATRICKCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Improving school safety Creating a minimum sentence for illegal gun possession Expanding alternatives to abortion Tackling the state’s future water needs Banning local coronavirus restrictions
BY HANNAH NORTON
New details released Feb. 21 reveal Gov. Greg Abbott’s plans to spend $15 billion for property tax relief and nearly $750 million for school safety. In the largest use of funds, Abbott asked lawmakers to dedicate $15 billion to lowering property tax rates. He also proposed senior citizens be automatically enrolled in a $10,000 homestead exemption, pay reduced state fees and have their county property taxes frozen. A homestead exemption is a reduction to a portion of a home’s value for tax purposes. Abbott proposed spending nearly $750 million in state funds to improve school safety. He asked lawmakers to use at least $600 million to “make necessary school safety improvements,” including technology upgrades, “hardening” equipment and more mental health resources on campuses. Other proposed funding could support a telemedicine program that connects students with mental health resources.
STATE REP. CAROLINE HARRIS
First- led bills reveal top state priorities
District 52 Republican Elected: 2022
BY HANNAH NORTON
Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY House Bill No. 2320 This bill seeks to exempt feminine hygiene products from sales and use taxes. House Resolution No. 277 This resolution recognizes Georgetown police Chief Cory Tchida for receiving the Citizen of the Year award from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 26. Tchida became police chief last June and has been a member of the Georgetown Police Department for more than 25 years.
so far. The budget, which deter- mines how the state funds various programs for 2024-25, is the only bill lawmakers are required to pass during the legislative session. “I believe Texans support our priorities, because they largely reect the policies supported by the conservative majority of Texans. Most will pass with bipartisan support,” Patrick said. As of Feb. 20, Texas state senators had led nearly 1,300 prospective bills. Patrick expects lawmakers will pass over 600 bills before the session ends May 29.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released his top 30 priorities for the 2023 legislative session Feb. 13. His top goals include cutting property taxes, improving Texas’ power grid, and expanding access to health care as well as school choice. Senate Bills 1-30 are typically governor. Similarly, House Bills 1-20 are reserved for House Speaker Dade Phelan’s priority bills. SB 1, the 1,033-page state reserved for legislation that is important to the lieutenant budget, is one of a handful of Patrick’s priority bills to be led
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GEORGETOWN EDITION • MARCH 2023
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