When confronted with a crisis, our citizens turn to their elected officials for leadership and solutions. The present Coronavirus epidemic has created a tremendous crisis of public health, the economy, and leadership. As the COVID-19 cases have spread in Texas, our citizens have looked to our national, state, and local leaders for responsive plans and policies. A June … [Read more...] about Who Do You Trust During a Crisis?
From the General Counsel
Senate Bill 2: County Budgets During A Pandemic
By early March, it was clear that 2020 would be a challenging year for county budgets. Revenue caps and radical procedural changes imposed by the legislature require new procedures and a steep learning curve. The catastrophic decline in oil industry activity and production will force a massive shift in the local tax burden in many counties. Then, the COVID-19 epidemic struck, … [Read more...] about Senate Bill 2: County Budgets During A Pandemic
The Finest Hour
As this column is being written, Texas is entering its darkest days of the Coronavirus epidemic. Although mitigation measures will hopefully reduce the burden on our medical infrastructure, it is clear that more physical suffering and deaths are approaching. After the storm of disease has abated, the economic damage will continue. While we cannot cure or completely prevent … [Read more...] about The Finest Hour
Expanding the Dialogue on Legislative Communications
During the past legislative session, certain special interest groups launched an effort to silence local government officials. Determined to dominate the discussion concerning equitable taxation and appraisals, these groups proposed legislation to 1) prevent local governments from retaining professional lobbyists to present information on their behalf; 2) prohibit local … [Read more...] about Expanding the Dialogue on Legislative Communications
Mental Health Jail Backlog Increase
When accused persons are unable to assist in their defense because of mental incompetency, the trial court orders them committed to a state mental institution for treatment and restoration of their competency. These defendants have not been convicted of a crime, but they cannot be tried or released until they are mentally competent. For several years, the legislature has failed … [Read more...] about Mental Health Jail Backlog Increase