Property Taxes
Texas Attorney General Office comes out in opposition to Austin's light-rail funding request, says funding agreement was 'void at the time' and an 'unconstitutional debt'
On Monday, the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) will appear in the Travis County District Court to ask a judge to validate $150 million of a total $5 billion dollar bond package for Austin’s light rail project called Project Connect.
Charter school entrepreneur: ‘Charter schools are filling a gap for low-income communities’
Education
Starlee Coleman, CEO of the Texas Public Charter Schools Association, emphasized the vital role charter schools play in addressing educational disparities, particularly for marginalized communities, highlighting their accountability in providing safe and effective learning environments for children. Coleman was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Texas State Representative Cody Harris has reacted to a Texas Tribune article that reported the state had spent $148 million on transporting undocumented immigrants northward. Harris, who co-authored bills on border security and immigration during the 88th Legislative Session, suggested that the costs associated with relocating migrants should be evaluated based on the program's "effectiveness" and "necessity."
Senator Bettencourt says Austin rail project financing is 'likely unconstitutional'
During the 88th legislative session, Senator Paul Bettencourt (SD-7) authored a bill which sought to address the City of Austin’s novel financing mechanism for its $7 billion light rail project. While the House version of the bill (HB3899) was on the floor of the Senate, Bettencourt added an amendment that would explicitly prohibit a municipality from issuing debt backed by maintenance & operations property tax revenue. The amended bill passed the Texas Senate 27-3.
Texas state Rep. Penny Morales Shaw's bill priorities include paid parental leave, youth pre-trial intervention and a special environmental remediation fund
Texas State Representative Penny Morales Shaw, a Democrat, has outlined her legislative priorities in an interview with the Lone Star Standard. These include paid parental leave, youth pre-trial prevention, and a special environmental remediation fund. Morales Shaw is currently campaigning for re-election to represent District 148 in the Texas House of Representatives.
Latest News
TASA Member Services Center to Close Temporarily for New Launch
TASA has announced the temporary shutdown of its Member Services Center (MSC) in preparation for the upcoming launch of a brand-new MSC in April 2024.
State financial aid priority deadline extended to April 15
Austin, Texas – The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has extended the state financial aid application priority deadline to April 15 due to continued technical challenges related to completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Texas Water Development Board Seeks Public Input for Texas Water Fund
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is seeking public input to aid in the implementation of the Texas Water Fund, as reported on February 28, 2024. The Texas Water Fund was approved by Texas voters through Proposition 6 in November 2023, allocating $1 billion for water infrastructure upgrades, innovative water supply projects, and a statewide water public awareness program.In a statement, the TWDB announced, "Of the $1 billion appropriated to the Texas Water Fund, the TWDB must allocate at least $250 million to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund to implement...
Charter school entrepreneur: ‘Charter schools are filling a gap for low-income communities’
Starlee Coleman, CEO of the Texas Public Charter Schools Association, emphasized the vital role charter schools play in addressing educational disparities, particularly for marginalized communities, highlighting their accountability in providing safe and effective learning environments for children. Coleman was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
TASA Member Services Center to Close Temporarily for New Launch
TASA has announced the temporary shutdown of its Member Services Center (MSC) in preparation for the upcoming launch of a brand-new MSC in April 2024.
State financial aid priority deadline extended to April 15
Austin, Texas – The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has extended the state financial aid application priority deadline to April 15 due to continued technical challenges related to completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Charter school entrepreneur: The Texas Public Charter Schools Association protects the ‘policy foundation that supports charter schools’
Starlee Coleman, CEO of the Texas Public Charter Schools Association, highlighted the organization's commitment to preserving the autonomy of charter schools, ensuring educators' freedom to innovate in creating dynamic learning environments. Coleman was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Sam Houston Re-Enactor to Visit Sam Houston Center in Liberty During Free Event on April 4
The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty is gearing up for a special event featuring a re-enactor portraying the legendary Texan, Sam Houston. Derrick Birdsall, director of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, will be bringing Houston to life on Thursday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. Birdsall will share insights into Houston's life and career, including his time as a U.S. Senator, and shed light on the story behind the Center's name."We are thrilled to offer this program for our community to have a little fun and learn something fascinating about a person from...