Texas County Progress

The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

County Progress

A Glimpse in the Life of a Orange County Commissioner Theresa Beauchamp

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Every so often, County Progress asks our distinguished Judges and Commissioners to allow us a glimpse into their public lives, giving us a fresh appreciation for the myriad of roles and responsibilities they shoulder every day. Our thanks to Orange County Commissioner Theresa Beauchamp for taking the time to visit with us.

HISTORY: I have served Orange County for two and a half years. I decided to run for office after several people from my entire precinct kept calling and encouraging me to take the leap into county government. I won the primary by four votes. After a recount, the result was still the same. There are eight boxes in my precinct, and I only lost two. In the general election, I won … [Read more...] about A Glimpse in the Life of a Orange County Commissioner Theresa Beauchamp

Public Finance

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KEY CONCEPT: Public Finance Options   KEY QUESTION: Can a county finance debt?   MAIN REFERENCE POINTS: Article XI, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution – a county that borrows money is required to establish an interest and sinking fund. Texas Government Code Chapter 1251 – bond election provisions. Texas Government Code Chapter 1431 – … [Read more...] about Public Finance

Regular Session Report

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Despite delays and disruptions from COVID-19 and the winter storm, there were 7,148 bills and constitutional amendments introduced during the 87th Regular Legislative Session. When the session concluded, 1,081 bills were sent to the governor, and he vetoed 21 of them, including the entire appropriation for the legislature. As expected, thousands of these bills affected county … [Read more...] about Regular Session Report

87th Texas Legislature: Special Session

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Editor’s Note: Gov. Greg Abbott will be calling a special session to address redistricting and any other agenda items he chooses to include. The following Q&A is available in the Legislative Reference Library, https://lrl.texas.gov/sessions/specialSessions/FAQ.cfm. Frequently asked questions about special sessions Does the Governor have to wait 20 days after the end of … [Read more...] about 87th Texas Legislature: Special Session

Anatomy of an Unfunded Mandate, Part II

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A statutory duty imposed upon counties by the legislature without funding is an unfunded mandate. Every unfunded mandate requires a property tax increase. The majority of the CJCAT legislative efforts are directed toward the prevention of additional unfunded mandates. This session was no exception. In 2005, this column described the “Anatomy of an Unfunded Mandate.” That … [Read more...] about Anatomy of an Unfunded Mandate, Part II