Texas Political Pulse
Texas Political Pulse for February 14, 2025. You received 17 news.
|
|
|
|
|
|
In Longview, Texas, the issue of smoking in vehicles with children has sparked concern among residents. Despite the known dangers of secondhand smoke, Texas has yet to implement laws prohibiting this practice, unlike nine other states that have made it a fineable offense. A proposed bill in 2015 aimed to impose a $500 fine for smoking in a vehicle with a child in a safety seat, but it did not pass. The author of the article, a former smoker, emphasizes the importance of not exposing children to tobacco smoke, regardless of legal restrictions. Ultimately, the message is clear: smokers should refrain from lighting up in cars with kids present for their health and safety. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick praised the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 4, which increases the Homestead Exemption to $140,000 and $150,000 for seniors. He emphasized his long-standing commitment to reducing property taxes, noting that the exemption has grown significantly since he took office in 2015. The recent legislation builds on the success of Proposition 4, which permanently established a $100,000 Homestead Exemption, now set to be further increased. With nearly half of Texas school districts having average home values below $140,000, the bill is expected to eliminate school maintenance and operations property taxes for many homeowners. If approved by voters in November 2025, the new exemption will provide substantial tax relief, with average savings projected at $496.57 for homeowners. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senator Mayes Middleton has introduced Senate Bill 1005, aimed at prohibiting the use of public funds for legal services that defend illegal immigrants against deportation. This bill is a companion to House Bill 1554, filed by Representative Capriglione. Senator Middleton expressed support for President Trump's border security measures and criticized the use of taxpayer money for the legal defense of undocumented individuals. He argued that local governments should collaborate with federal efforts to secure the border rather than oppose them using taxpayer resources. Both SB 1005 and HB 1554 are set to be reviewed during the ongoing 89th Legislative Session. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A new bill has been introduced in Texas aiming to abolish the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the position of commissioner of education. Filed by North Texas Representative Andy Hopper, the legislation, known as HB 2657, seeks to eliminate public school accountability and assessment systems, including the STAAR test. Hopper argues that the TEA, which has managed Texas schools since 1949, has contributed to students falling behind their peers in other states. If enacted, the bill would transfer the TEA's responsibilities to the state board of education. Currently, the bill has not been assigned to a House committee for further consideration. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Chicago to Dallas, Texas. This decision is influenced by Texas being home to the highest number of NYSE-listed companies in the country. The new headquarters will be named NYSE Texas, pending regulatory approvals. Senior Wealth Manager Teresa Adams highlighted that Texas's business-friendly environment, favorable tax policies, and lack of state income tax are significant draws for businesses. Governor Greg Abbott expressed that this move will further establish Texas as a leading financial capital in America. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Republican lawmakers have introduced the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, aimed at increasing penalties for illegal border crossers who evade arrest. The bill, named after Texas Border Patrol agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who died in a high-speed pursuit while chasing individuals attempting to evade capture, seeks to amend federal law to impose criminal penalties for fleeing law enforcement. Under the proposed legislation, individuals who flee from law enforcement within 100 miles of the U.S. border could face up to two years in prison, with harsher penalties for causing injury or death to officers. The bill also designates evading arrest as a deportable offense and makes those who do so ineligible for asylum. Supporters, including U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, emphasize the importance of holding accountable those who endanger the lives of law enforcement agents. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Proyecto de Ley Senatorial 4 (SB 4) ha sido aprobado por el Senado de Texas con una votación unánime de 30-0 y ahora se dirige a la Cámara de Representantes. Este proyecto propone aumentar la Exención de Vivienda Familiar de $100,000 a $140,000, y hasta $150,000 para personas mayores y discapacitadas. Según el patrocinador del proyecto, el Senador Estatal Paul Bettencourt, esto podría resultar en un ahorro anual de aproximadamente $363 para el propietario promedio. Además, el Senado aprobó la Resolución Senatorial Conjunta 2, que someterá el aumento propuesto a votación popular. Sin embargo, la Cámara de Representantes aún no ha comenzado a avanzar en la legislación, ya que el nuevo presidente, Dustin Burrows, no ha asignado representantes a los comités. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Texas' energy demand is projected to surpass supply starting in summer 2026, according to a report from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The report indicates that peak demand during summer and winter could exceed available power, although some experts argue that ERCOT's assumptions may be overly pessimistic. ERCOT's forecast reflects a significant increase in demand due to population growth and the rise of large energy users, with estimates suggesting demand could nearly double by 2030. Critics of the report, including energy consultants and researchers, believe the projected demand growth is unlikely and that the report does not adequately account for the state's expanding renewable energy resources. ERCOT plans to collaborate with the Texas Legislature and other stakeholders to enhance supply margins and ensure the reliability of the state's power grid. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Texas' proposed voucher program, SB 2, is projected to significantly increase costs, potentially reaching $7 billion by the 2028-29 budget period, according to the Legislative Budget Board. Critics argue that this will exacerbate funding issues for public schools, which are already struggling, and lead to a decline in teacher salaries and retention. Historical data from other states with voucher programs indicates a trend of rising expenditures on private education while public school funding diminishes. Texas teachers currently earn over $9,000 less than the national average, and the state spends more than $5,000 less per student compared to national figures. Opponents of the voucher plan warn that it could create an unsustainable dual education system that disproportionately benefits wealthier families while undermining public education. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has proposed leasing or selling over 100 miles of the state's border to the federal government as part of a partnership aimed at enhancing border security. During an interview, Abbott emphasized the need for $11 billion in compensation for expenses incurred under his Operation Lone Star initiative, which he claims addresses gaps in federal immigration enforcement. The proposal includes transferring existing border wall infrastructure, military resources, and detention facilities to the federal government, marking a shift from previous reimbursement requests. Abbott's meetings with congressional leaders and former President Trump this week focused on garnering support for the funding, amidst concerns about federal spending priorities. Critics, including Texas Democrats, have labeled Operation Lone Star a failure, questioning the effectiveness of Abbott's border policies and the likelihood of receiving the requested funds. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Texas is on the verge of becoming a major film hub, with a proposed $498 million investment to enhance its film incentive program, significantly increasing funding from previous years. This initiative has garnered excitement among local creatives and industry insiders, who believe it could transform the state's film landscape and boost the economy through job creation and tourism. However, the proposal faces skepticism from some lawmakers and economists who question the effectiveness and return on investment of such incentives, arguing that taxpayer money may be better spent elsewhere. Prominent actors, including Matthew McConaughey and Dennis Quaid, have publicly supported the initiative, emphasizing the need for state backing to tell Texas stories. As the legislative battle looms, the outcome will determine whether Texas can solidify its position as a competitive player in the film industry. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Migrant shelters in Texas are experiencing a significant decline in occupancy, with many nearly empty following actions taken by the Trump administration that effectively closed the border to asylum seekers. Reports indicate that shelters, which once accommodated nearly a thousand asylum seekers daily, are now seeing fewer than 12 arrivals per day in some locations, such as the respite center run by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. The Annunciation House in El Paso has reduced operations to only four of its more than 20 facilities due to low numbers, with expectations to close more by the end of the month. Contributing factors to this decline include the Mexican government's crackdown on immigration and changes in U.S. asylum policies under the Biden administration. Despite the challenges, shelter officials express their commitment to continue providing assistance as long as there is a need in the community. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State Rep. Brad Buckley has been reappointed to chair the House Public Education Committee in Texas as the legislature considers a school voucher program that would allow taxpayer funding for private education. House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced the committee assignments, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful consideration in the process. Buckley, who previously led efforts to pass a school voucher bill that ultimately failed, is optimistic about the current session's prospects, as the initiative is a priority for Governor Greg Abbott. The Senate has already passed its version of a school voucher bill, which includes funding for education savings accounts, but opposition remains strong among some committee members. Advocates for public education are pushing for increased funding and express concerns that a voucher program could undermine public schools in Texas. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Texas Congressman Roger Williams has introduced a bill aimed at reimbursing the state for the costs incurred during Operation Lone Star, which has exceeded $11 billion. The initiative, called for by Governor Greg Abbott, reflects Texas's significant financial investment in border security, which Williams argues was necessary due to federal inaction. He emphasized that the bill should be viewed as a repayment for what Texas has effectively loaned to the federal government in terms of border security efforts. As the bill is anticipated to pass, discussions are emerging regarding the allocation of the funds, particularly in addressing damage along the border. Governor Abbott has also sought reimbursement from former President Trump, highlighting the ongoing financial strain since Operation Lone Star commenced in 2021. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Port Aransas has been recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, a designation awarded by Travel Texas. Governor Greg Abbott praised the city for its efforts to enhance tourism, which is vital for economic growth and job creation in Texas. He emphasized that tourism supports one in 11 jobs statewide and generates over $193.8 billion in annual economic impact. Local leaders, including Mayor Wendy Moore and Tim Fennell of Travel Texas, highlighted the community's commitment to creating a welcoming environment for visitors. The Tourism Friendly Texas Community program aims to strengthen tourism development and educate local leaders on its importance. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith has issued an apology following an immigration forum aimed at addressing concerns within the Hispanic community. The forum was organized after reports indicated that many illegal immigrants felt unsafe attending school, church, or reporting crimes due to fear of deportation. Sheriff Smith acknowledged his mistakes in handling the situation and expressed regret for potentially worsening community tensions. He emphasized his support for the arrests and deportations of violent criminals and reiterated his backing for the 287g program, which allows local law enforcement to assist ICE with deportations. Smith County has participated in this program since 2013, but the sheriff noted that the task force model has not been reinstated since December 2012. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar has expressed her concerns regarding the financial burden of recent flights transporting migrants from Fort Bliss to Guantanamo Bay. During a virtual press conference, she highlighted that these operations could cost taxpayers billions of dollars. Escobar criticized the administration's strategy, labeling it a costly spectacle that primarily serves as a public display. She pointed out that while using military resources for deportations is legal, previous administrations have refrained from doing so due to the associated high costs. Escobar's remarks underscore the ongoing debate over the financial implications of immigration policies and their impact on taxpayers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Texas Political Pulse for February 14, 2025. PressRelations Reports created this media review specially for you. Our team is available to answer your questions. Please, just email us: [email protected] |
|
|
|
|