With this surplus, my first focus is to continue to cut property taxes and increase teacher salaries, along with making smart, one-time investments to ensure our budget is sustainable moving forward and that our state is prepared for the future, as we did with last session’s surplus. For example, Gov. Abbott and I agree we must add new dispatchable power to our grid so the Texas miracle can continue.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22) introduced the Justice for Jocelyn Act. The bill enhances the detention and tracking of illegal aliens entering the United States. It was written in response to the brutal murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray by two illegal aliens in Houston, Texas last year.
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar released the Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) [PDF] today, showing the state is projected to have $194.6 billion in revenue available for general-purpose spending during the 2026-27 biennium, a 1.1 percent decrease from the 2024-25 biennium. This decrease is attributable to a smaller beginning balance in the 2026-27 biennium ($23.76 billion) compared with 2024-25 ($39.43 billion).
Governor Greg Abbott announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request for a disaster declaration for Webb County following prolonged boil water notices caused by a water connection issue in Laredo in October. Texas counties included in the declaration are Webb County and its contiguous counties: Dimmit, Duvall, Jim Hogg, La Salle, Maverick, McMullen, and Zapata.
Nothing is more effective in politics than someone who switches sides. Some people would call them “traitors,” but I view them more as prostitutes – they go where the money is. But they were where the money was, until the money wasn’t or they learned there was more money playing for the other team. But one thing you’ll notice with all of them is they happily hammered the checks while they were on the other side and they never, ever give the money back. A conscience only goes so far.
"Americans are ready for a thriving economy, a secure border, energy independence and dominance, safer streets, stronger communities, and to reclaim our leadership on a global stage. I look forward to working with President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and my colleagues in Congress to fight for the betterment of America. We are incredibly blessed to live in the greatest nation on earth, and I am determined to keep it that way," said Texan August Pfluger.
The protocols allow the U.S. government to return foreign individuals who illegally entered the U.S. through the southern border to Mexico to await immigration proceedings. This legislation would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to reimplement the Migrant Protection Protocols in accordance with the 2019 Homeland Security memorandum titled “Policy Guidance for Implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols.”
The Texas oil and natural gas industry shattered records for state and local tax revenue and performance across every sector in 2024, according to the Texas Oil & Gas Association’s (TXOGA) newly released annual Energy & Economic Impact Report (EEIR). Highlights from the report include a history-making $27.3 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties paid by the oil and natural gas industry–a feat driven by record-breaking performance in production, pipelines, storage, processing, refining and exports.
“Texans know all too well the devastation wildfires can cause, and our country is stronger when we come together in times of crisis," said Governor Greg Abbott, announcing he has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Texas A&M Forest Service to deploy firefighters, emergency management and medical personnel, fire engines, and equipment to assist California's wildfire response following a request from the California Office of Emergency Services.
The United States faces numerous threats to our homeland, and we need a leader at the helm of the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting American values, sovereignty, and security. In our view, South Dakota Gov. Kristi L. Noem is that leader. Her record of leadership, belief in the rule of law, and commitment to public safety are why the South Dakota State Fraternal Order of Police support her.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s interim director Captain Felix Bigby demanding answers after Walter Reed failed to renew its contract with the Holy Name College Friary. Sen. Cruz expressed his concern due to the abrupt manner of the termination, and over lapse in pastoral care because of the termination that service members and veterans experienced during Holy Week.
Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) joined Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) in introducing H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This legislation would provide nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry license holders and for residents of Constitutional Carry states. H.R. 38 is supported by major pro-Second Amendment organizations, including the (NRA-ILA), (USCCA), and the (NSSF).
The grant agreement provides for an initial three-year term with an optional renewal. Program services must meet the fentanyl education requirements of House Bill 3908, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, also known as Tucker’s Law, and be aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for school health programs so that they may be offered in Texas public schools.
TWC is working to increase the number of qualified child care workers and has now awarded more $1.8 million to support the development of new Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Programs. In addition to the six grants in 2022, TWC awarded three grants for a total of $793,401 to create two new early childhood apprenticeship programs and expand one existing program.
Europe was angry that a bantering Trump once bullied them to meet their promises to increase their defense spending. But after the invasion of Ukraine, they are happy that some countries did just that. Europeans likely want -- and need -- Trump to restore a more deterrent U.S. military, not a woke one. Europe and America are both in crisis and need radical new thinking.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to impose term limits on members of Congress. The amendment would limit U.S. Senators to two six-year terms and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to three two-year terms after its enactment. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.-5) introduced the amendment in the House of Representatives.
Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on Texas’ ongoing response to severe winter weather impacting large portions of the state following a briefing with state officials at the State Operations Center in Austin. Texans across the state should prepare for below freezing temperatures, rain, sleet, freezing rain, and snow through the next few days.
The effect of the minimum wage is to raise the take-home pay for some workers and reduce it to zero for many of the least skilled who don't get hired. The vast majority of workers who earn minimum wage are in starter jobs and get a pay raise after one year on the job.
