Blog
Legislative Update
89th Legislature's Regular Session News:
On Tuesday the Texas Legislature convened for the 89th Legislative Session. It was not without some fireworks–at least in the House. Additionally, the Comptroller Glen Heger released the Biennial Revenue Estimate which is important for our budget writers as they craft the General Appropriations Act. The Comptroller states that the appropriators have $194 billion for this biennium, which is about $2B or 1.1% less than last session.
The Senate elected Brandon Creighton as the President Pro Tempore. Governor Greg Abbott delivered remarks and set forth his priorities for the session–education reform, border security, and energy infrastructure development. He will release his emergency items later this month, and those issues will get fast-tracked in both chambers.
Over in the House, there was a Speaker's race. There were three candidates running to lead the House–Dustin Burrows (R), Lubbock, David Cook (R), Mansfield, and Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos (D), Richardson. There were two votes and Burrows ended up being elected to serve as the Speaker for the 89th Legislature.
Now the fun begins! The Lt. Governor and the Speaker are working on committee assignments and will announce those in the next several weeks.