Our democratic republic depends upon citizens willing to serve in public office, usually at a sacrifice to their own economic and personal welfare. This is certainly true at the county level, where dedicated officials perform their duties for minimal salaries. While Commissioners Courts may adjust county salaries, the 3.5 percent cap on annual property tax revenue prevents any … [Read more...] about The Price of Public Service
Jim Allison
Fourth Special Session Underway
Immediately upon expiration of the Third Special Session, Gov. Abbott convened the Fourth Special Session, continuing to require the legislature to remain in session to consider private school vouchers and border issues. This is the first time in Texas history that the legislature has been compelled to meet for four special sessions in the same year as the regular legislative … [Read more...] about Fourth Special Session Underway
Emergency Alert May 22: Subdivision Regulation Authority
Commissioners Court Members: S.B. 2037 will eliminate the ability of counties to enforce subdivision regulations concerning “minimum lot sizes, lot dimensions, lot frontages, lot setbacks, or other components of lot density” severely reducing current authority and encouraging shoddy development. S.B. 2037 is set on the House floor today; please call your state representative … [Read more...] about Emergency Alert May 22: Subdivision Regulation Authority
Legislative Alert for May 22, 2023
This Wednesday, May 24, deadlines in the Senate and House will end the floor consideration of all bills except for concurrence in amendments and conference committee reports to resolve the different versions. The governor and the legislature continue to negotiate over property tax relief and school vouchers. Saturday is the last day for House committees to report out Senate … [Read more...] about Legislative Alert for May 22, 2023
Emergency Legislative Alert
Commissioners Court Members: House Bill 3633 would provide reimbursement to county property tax payers for TDCJ inmates, HHSC mental health inmates, and TJJD juvenile inmates after 45 days. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick continues to hold this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. To reach the full Senate, it must be considered by the Finance Committee by Monday. We need the Lt. … [Read more...] about Emergency Legislative Alert