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Tag Archives: Texas State Legislature
Austin gets ready for Texas Legislature
When Texas legislators return to the state capital in January they can expect to face a $4.6 billion budget deficit, according to a prediction from Comptroller Glenn Hegar. The deficit is a result of the pandemic and associated economic decline,…
Texas State Legislature • By Jo Clifton • Sep 30, 2020
Gov. Abbott proposes freezing property tax revenue in cities that cut police funding
In the hopes of discouraging cities from reducing money spent on police, Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday he and other state leaders support the passage of a bill halting a property tax revenue increase for any Texas city that cuts…
Budget • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Aug 19, 2020
City, county taxes could climb 8 percent under emergency declaration
A provision included in the Texas Legislature’s “property tax transparency” bill could offer jurisdictions across the state, including the city of Austin, the financial flexibility necessary to deal with some of the economic impacts of COVID-19. According to an update…
Budget • By Ryan Thornton • Mar 26, 2020
Exit Eckstein: Travis County's retiring lobbyist reflects on his battles at the Legislature
After 11 years, Deece Eckstein is calling it quits as Travis County’s top lobbyist. He recently told members of the Commissioners Court that he will retire from his position as the intergovernmental relations officer at the end of the year.…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Nov 18, 2019
New Texas pipeline protest law is about more than pipelines
A law went into effect in Texas this week that increases penalties for demonstrators who interfere with oil and gas pipelines and other pieces of “critical infrastructure.” Oil and gas states have adopted such laws to crack down on demonstrations…
Texas State Legislature • By Mose Buchele, KUT • Sep 4, 2019
Austin could fund 'logistical support' for low-income women seeking abortions
Four Austin City Council members want the city to help low-income women obtain abortions – without the city actually paying for the procedure. At the urging of local reproductive rights groups, Austin city leaders are working to set aside up…
Public Health • By Ashley Lopez, KUT • Aug 20, 2019
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'Shot clock' reviews hit Council's agenda
Under a looming deadline from the state, Council is set on Thursday to pass changes to the way the city reviews and approves subdivision development applications, despite the possibility of “unfortunate and unintended consequences,” in the words of Council Member…
The Code • By Jo Clifton • Aug 20, 2019
Legislature cuts farmers market fees, costing city
Passage of a little-known bill, Senate Bill 932, which establishes a $100 maximum fee for food sales permits at farmers markets, will cost the Austin Public Health Department about $4,000 in the current fiscal year and an estimated $41,485 in…
Austin • By Jo Clifton • Aug 8, 2019
Report finds Texas bipartisanship wins
Despite the “blue wave” election in 2018, Republicans maintained control of both houses of the Texas Legislature during the 2019 legislative session that just concluded. As expected, the majority of bills were authored and approved by Republicans. During the session,…
Texas State Legislature • By Jo Clifton • Jul 12, 2019
Council wants justice for state’s actions
Caught in the wake of the 86th Texas Legislative session, City Council members are directing attention to the state leaders they say have intentionally pitted city governments against their constituents. In a briefing with Council on Tuesday, Brie Franco, intergovernmental…
City Council • By Ryan Thornton • Jun 19, 2019
Austin Monitor Radio: Deece Eckstein
This week, Travis County Intergovernmental Relations Officer Deece Eckstein sits down with Austin Monitor reporter Jack Craver to catch up on the past session of the Texas Legislature. Listen in below to hear why Eckstein considers it the worst session…
Radio • By Austin Monitor • Jun 17, 2019
County leaders denounce anti-lobbying proposal
In addition to imposing strict constraints on local governments’ ability to raise property tax revenue, Republicans at the state Legislature want to limit how those governments can spend their tax dollars. A number of bills have been filed this session…
