Texas State News and Info Tracker
Texas State News TrackerKeep up with the latest in Texas politics, economy, education, sports, and local events with "Texas State News Tracker." Your essential guide to staying informed in the Lone Star State.
Texas Faces Complex Challenges: Budget Battles, Economic Strategy, and Environmental Crisis Converge

Texas is at the center of notable developments across politics, business, community initiatives, and environmental concerns. Politically, the Texas House approved a $337 billion two-year budget that prioritizes education funding, teacher pay, and property tax cuts. This proposal, which aligns with the Senate’s budget but includes controversial amendments like eliminating funding for the state’s lottery and specific economic programs, will now be reconciled in committee discussions. Another key legislative action involves creating a sickle cell registry, a bipartisan initiative aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his challenge to Senator John Cornyn for his U.S...
Texas Budget Battle: Education, Economy, and Environmental Challenges Shape State's Future

Texas continues to be a focal point of significant political, economic, and environmental developments. In recent legislative actions, the Texas House approved a $337 billion two-year budget focusing heavily on education, public safety, and teacher pay. Notable amendments included eliminating funding for the Lottery Commission and the Governor's Office’s tourism programs, which spurred debate among lawmakers. This budget, while advancing key priorities, leaves significant general revenue unspent, sparking discussions about future allocations. Additionally, the state legislature is debating a school voucher initiative, despite public opposition and concerns about its impact on public school funding. Meanwhile, bipartisan support is propelling a bi...
Texas Tackles Budget, Border, and Economic Challenges in Pivotal Legislative Session

Texas is grappling with a busy political, economic, and environmental landscape recently marked by significant developments. The Texas Legislature approved a $337 billion biennial state budget, emphasizing teacher pay raises, property tax reductions, and border security. However, political tensions have emerged over proposals such as expanded school voucher funding, which was ultimately excluded, reflecting persistent public resistance to this measure in recent polls. A supplemental $12 billion budget was also passed, addressing water infrastructure, wildfire response, and public pensions. Meanwhile, discussions continue on forming a Homeland Security Division within the Department of Public Safety to tackle immigration and crime challenges.
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Texas Faces Measles Outbreak, Budget Battles, and Economic Challenges in Pivotal Year

Texas has seen several significant developments recently, spanning politics, business, community news, and environmental challenges. Among the top headlines is the ongoing measles outbreak, which has spread to multiple counties, claiming two lives already. The Texas Department of State Health Services has expanded monitoring efforts to control the spread, alongside launching a naloxone locator map to combat opioid overdoses as part of the “One Pill Kills” campaign. Additionally, a missing radiographic camera in Loving County has prompted safety advisories due to its radioactive materials.
In the state legislature, the Texas House approved a $337 billion two-year budget after extensive deba...
Texas Budget Breakthrough: $337 Billion Plan Tackles Education, Border Security, and Property Taxes

In Texas, the state legislature made significant progress this week, approving a $337 billion two-year budget following intense debate over amendments. Key allocations include substantial funding for teacher pay, border security, and property tax reductions. Notable amendments included a proposal to eliminate funding for the Texas Lottery Commission and governor's economic development office, though these changes remain tentative and subject to negotiations between the House and Senate. Supplementary budget measures were also passed, including $2.5 billion earmarked for addressing the state’s water crisis and $924 million for wildfire and natural disaster response. The session highlighted divisive topics such as school vouchers, which ma...
Texas Legislature Passes $337 Billion Budget, Sparks Debates on Education, Border Security, and Abortion Funding

Texas is abuzz with activity as lawmakers, businesses, and communities navigate a transformative period. The Texas House recently approved a $337 billion two-year budget, signaling substantial allocations toward teacher pay, border security, and property tax reductions. However, debates over amendments exposed sharp political divisions, with issues like school vouchers and Medicaid funding sparking contention. The session highlighted the increasing shift of Texans toward affordability and education as key legislative priorities, though partisanship continues to frame policy discussions. Notably, an amendment redirecting $70 million from Medicaid to anti-abortion initiatives passed amid criticism, revealing continued ideological battles in the legislature.
On the...
Texas Passes $337 Billion Budget: Key Priorities Include Teacher Pay, Tax Cuts, and Border Security

Texas has remained a focal point of significant political, economic, and environmental developments this week. On Friday, the Texas House approved a $337 billion biennial budget after a grueling 13-hour session. The budget prioritizes teacher pay increases, property tax cuts, and border security while leaving approximately $40 billion in general revenue unallocated for future use. Among approved measures, a study to investigate clergy involved in child abuse cases gained bipartisan support. However, contentious decisions included reallocating $70 million from Medicaid to the Thriving Texas Families program, a move criticized by Democrats for diverting essential health care funds[1][6].
As debates continue, public...
Texas House Passes $337 Billion Budget: Tax Cuts, Education Funding, and Border Security Take Center Stage

The Texas House of Representatives has approved a $337 billion two-year budget, allocating substantial funds toward public education, property tax cuts, and border security. After lengthy debates and nearly 400 proposed amendments, the budget includes provisions for teacher raises and water infrastructure projects while reallocating funding from state Medicaid to anti-abortion initiatives under the controversial Thriving Texas Families program. Key priorities, including property tax reductions and school vouchers, reflect ongoing partisan divides. The Senate and House will now reconcile their versions in private negotiations before sending a final bill to the governor's desk. Additionally, a supplemental budget was passed to address wildfire...
Texas Faces Measles Crisis, Legislative Challenges, and Economic Transformation Amid Drought Conditions

Texas has seen a week of notable developments across various fronts. Among key public health concerns, West Texas is grappling with a significant measles outbreak, with over 500 cases reported this week, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals. The state's health infrastructure is under pressure to contain the crisis, which has impacted several communities. Meanwhile, Little Elm police officers were lauded for rescuing children from a house fire, highlighting ongoing public safety efforts.
In government and policy news, the Texas Legislature has reached the halfway mark of its 140-day session. However, progress remains uneven, with the Senate passing over 200 bills compared...
Texas Tackles Complex Issues: Sexual Assault Awareness, Economic Growth, and Environmental Challenges in Pivotal Week

Texas is navigating a dynamic array of developments across governance, business, community, and environmental fronts this week. Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, reaffirming the state's commitment to supporting survivors and prosecuting offenders. This initiative underscores Texas’ focus on fostering safety and resiliency, with advocacy groups applauding state efforts to expand resources for those affected by sexual violence. Meanwhile, the Texas legislature is embroiled in debates over pivotal issues such as school vouchers, firearm regulations, and occupational licensing reforms. Recent polls reveal a growing preference for moderate political views, with topics like education funding an...