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As early voting begins for the 2024 General Election, our focus is turning toward the 89th Legislative Session kicking off in January 2025. In just a few short weeks, state lawmakers will start prefiling legislation.
If you haven’t voted yet, you might be surprised to see billions of dollars in bond proposals across Texas. The outcome of these elections will shape Texas’ future prosperity.
Read all this and more in this week’s newsletter!
For Liberty, For Texas
Jeramy D. Kitchen
President, Texas Policy Research
Featured
Billions in Bond Proposals Await Texas Voters in November 2024 Election
As Texas voters head to the polls for the November General Election, many ballots across the state include a range of bond proposals, some totaling billions of dollars in debt obligations. We collated some of the largest proposals with a breakdown of what all is included.
Other Recent Content
AG Paxton Sues Doctor for Allegedly Providing Cross-Sex Hormones to Minors
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Dr. May Lau for allegedly prescribing cross-sex hormones to minors in violation of Texas Senate Bill 14. The bill, enacted in 2023, prohibits gender-transition treatments for minors, including surgeries, puberty blockers, and hormones. The lawsuit accuses Dr. Lau of providing testosterone to at least 21 minors, falsifying records, and engaging in deceptive practices.
- The state seeks over $1 million in damages and could revoke Dr. Lau’s medical license. This lawsuit underscores Texas’ commitment to enforcing SB 14 and may influence future legislative actions
Texas AG Sues Biden Administration Over Citizenship Verification
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, claiming that federal agencies are not providing Texas with the necessary citizenship data for voter verification. Paxton argues that this failure makes it difficult for the state to ensure its voter rolls contain only eligible U.S. citizens, a critical part of maintaining election integrity.
- The lawsuit seeks court intervention to compel the federal government to share this citizenship information, which Texas believes is essential for preventing non-citizens from participating in the voting process, in line with state and federal laws.
How School Choice Programs Can Save Texas Billions: A Fiscal Analysis
- School choice programs, like ESAs and vouchers, could save Texas billions by reducing public school enrollment and reallocating funds more efficiently. Analysis shows these programs often yield $1.70 to $2.64 in savings per dollar spent, potentially leading to substantial taxpayer savings over time.
- In Texas, implementing school choice could particularly help underserved communities by expanding educational options and improving fiscal efficiency. While there are startup costs, the long-term savings and educational benefits make it a promising approach for addressing funding challenges.
Texas Property Taxes Across Largest Counties and Cities
- Property taxes continue to be a significant concern for Texans, especially in the state’s most populous counties. Among the top 15 counties, six are increasing property taxes, five are lowering them, and four are maintaining current rates. However, rising home values and potential voter-approved bond measures may still lead to higher tax burdens for many residents.
- In the 15 largest cities, the trend is similar, with six cities raising taxes, three cutting them, and six keeping rates unchanged. Despite efforts at property tax relief, the burden remains heavy for homeowners across Texas due to unchecked government spending and rising valuations.
Legislative Countdowns
2024 General Election: 10 Days
Prefiling Legislation Begins: 16 Days
89th Legislative Session Begins: 80 Days
Bill Filing Deadline: 139 Days
89th Legislative Session Ends: 219 Days
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