budget

Both Sides Compromise To Pass State Budget Bill

Ryan Poppe — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:44:14 +0000

After several late-nights of heated discussions, a joint committee of senators and representatives unanimously approved a $100 billion state budget.

For the last week Republicans and Democrats have gone back and forth arguing about what should be left in the state’s budget and what should be left out.

The biggest factor was how much Republicans would be willing to give up to restore funding for public education.

Lawmaker Finds Last-Minute State Funding Mechanism For Roads

Ryan Poppe — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:15:00 +0000

At this point in the legislative calendar many bills are facing a looming demise, but Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, said he has found another way to get money for transportation needs.

"One of the obvious ways is to take some money in the budget and devote it to our energy related zones that have borne the burden of most of the oil and gas production. They are just simply deteriorating and they’re not safe anymore," Darby said.

House Democrats Holding Out Over Education Funding On State Budget Bill

Ryan Poppe — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:59:20 +0000

After meeting for hours behind closed doors, House Democratic leaders declined the Republican deal on the state’s budget bill.

Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, the vice-chair of the Democratic Caucus, said House Democrats are unified in their stance against the budget in its current form, which promises $3.2 billion for education funding.

The Source: Business Incentives & The Book 'Debtors' Prison'

Paul Flahive — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:55:52 +0000

In the first segment:

When cities and counties try to attract big businesses, they have several tools in their toolbox. Tax abatements or breaks to businesses that bring jobs have become the new normal, so are they worth it?

Today we talk with Brian Kelsey, professor at the University of Texas, Austin and principle at Civic Analytics, and with David Marquez from Bexar County Economic Development about what these all mean and why cities and counties are going this route.

Committee Still Debating Spending Issues In State Budget Bill

Ryan Poppe — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:30:20 +0000

Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, a house leader on the Legislative Budget Board, said the joint committee has hit snags in several areas, but has reached a tentative agreement on some key spending issues in regard to Senate Bill 1, the state budget bill.

"Hopefully we will have an agreement sometime today on public education," Pitts said, adding that they were discussing $3.2 billion for public education would be taken from the state general revenue and property tax appraisals.

Kaufman County Killings Have State Officials Increasing Security

David Martin Davies — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:38:21 +0000

Family and friends of the Kaufman County district attorney and his wife who were killed last weekend are starting to move on following a public memorial service. Evidence of a motive is driving the investigation in the direction of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas. Rick Perry is offering a reward for tips that lead to arrests in the case and says authorities should also look at drug cartels; one expert doesn't think that cartel involvement is likely. Finally, an update on the Texas Legislature's budget, which passed the house last night.

House Passes $93 Billion Budget, Says No To Private School Vouchers

Ryan Poppe — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:51:55 +0000

The Texas House passed a $93.5 billion budget bill that bans state funding of school vouchers and open-enrollment charter schools and paves the way for accepting Medicaid expansion.

During the debate on the budget, Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Corpus Christi, introduced the amendment that prohibits the funding of school vouchers.

With More Than 260 Amendments, House Budget Debate Expected To Last Into Evening

Ryan Poppe — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:11:32 +0000

Both Republicans and Democrats say it will be a long day as the House considers a Senate budget bill. An amendment added by Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, addresses the possibility of Medicaid expansion in Texas.

2013 Budget Bill Passes With Only Two Opposing Votes

Ryan Poppe — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:19:38 +0000

Texas lawmakers approved a bill that replaces funds taken from public education and mental health providers but changes the structure of the state’s Medicaid.

The senate voted 29 to 2 in favor of the budget, with Senators Silvia Garcia, D-Houston, and Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, voting against the bill.

Texas Legislature: What Should We Do With All This Money?

David Martin Davies — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:44:09 +0000

Texas Matters: State revenue numbers look good for this session of the legislature; there is even a surplus. Gov. Rick Perry suggests that the extra money be used to cut taxes, while others want to restore funding to education and health programs that took cuts in the last legislative session. Gun owners in Texas stand their ground as the federal government comes up with its next move to cut down on gun violence.