All articles tagged with #texas lawmakers
Former Attorney General Eric Holder stated that the FBI does not have jurisdiction to return Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled the state amid a redistricting dispute, contradicting claims by Texas officials that the FBI is assisting in their search.
Governor JB Pritzker is working with law enforcement to protect Texas Democrats who fled to Illinois to oppose redistricting efforts, especially after a bomb threat at their hotel. Pritzker emphasized their safety and dismissed threats of arrest, while also criticizing Texas Republicans' redistricting tactics and considering Illinois' own redistricting options. The situation highlights ongoing political tensions over gerrymandering and partisan strategies.
California Governor Gavin Newsom plans to meet with Texas lawmakers to oppose a Republican redistricting plan aimed at influencing the 2026 election, and suggests California might redraw its own congressional map to counteract potential changes in Texas.
After months of acrimony and two special sessions, Texas lawmakers have finally reached a deal on property tax reform. The political ordeal exposed deep divides among state leaders, particularly between Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. While the property tax package has cleared its final hurdles, tensions remain as lawmakers anticipate another special session on "school choice." The deal represents a compromise, with each side getting some of what they wanted. The stalemate took a toll on all three state leaders, straining their relationships. Despite the challenges, there is hope for future cooperation as lawmakers look ahead to addressing other contentious issues.
Texas lawmakers are currently debating property tax relief, but it remains unclear whether renters will benefit. Democrats have proposed a tax-cut package that includes cash refunds for renters, equal to 10% of the rent they paid the previous year. However, GOP lawmakers have largely focused on providing relief to homeowners and businesses. While some argue that tax cuts could indirectly benefit renters by reducing landlords' property taxes, experts say it's unlikely that rents will decrease as a result. Renters in Texas face rising costs of living, with rents surging during the pandemic, and advocates argue that more needs to be done to address housing affordability.