Central figure in Paxton case charged
The Austin real estate developer who is at the heart of Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment was arraigned on eight federal charges Friday, the Austin American-Statesman reported. Nate Paul was arrested by the FBI on Thursday.
Abbott, Patrick spar over tax relief
Gov. Greg Abbott late last week warned lawmakers to be prepared for several special sessions to pass a tax reform bill that he will accept, as well as a school voucher plan that failed to pass during the regular session.
Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are at odds over how to deliver more than $17 billion in property tax relief, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
Texas House impeaches AG Paxton
The Texas House voted overwhelmingly to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton Saturday, only the third time in the state’s history that has occurred.
The Austin American-Statesman and numerous news outlets reported the chamber voted 121-23 to remove Paxton, 60, from office while he awaits a trial in the Senate during a special session yet to be called.
MAY 23, 2023
House lawmakers defy Abbott on vouchers
A key House education committee adjourned last week without voting on a school voucher bill that is Gov. Greg Abbott’s top priority this session, the Houston Chronicle reported. Barring some unforeseen maneuver in the last week of the regular legislative session, the bill is effectively dead for now.
Fort Hood renamed after Korean, Vietnam war hero
It’s official. Fort Hood, named for a high-ranking Confederate officer in the Civil War, has been renamed Fort Cavazos, in honor of native Texan Richard E. Cavazos, the country’s first Hispanic four-star general.
AUSTIN, TX — In response to the recurring tragedies of mass shootings in Texas, League of Women Voters of Texas President Joyce LeBombard issued the following statement:
Clock ticking on moving bills
The clock is ticking on getting bills out of the House and to the Texas Senate, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick warned last week in a story in the Austin American-Statesman. Patrick presides over the Senate and is worried many bills that have made it out of House committees but have not gone before the full chamber will not be considered before the session ends.
Most Americans get their health insurance through employers. According to KFF Research, 155 million employees had health insurance through employers in 2021. The average yearly premiums were $1,299 for single coverage and $5,969 for family coverage. The average family premium had increased 22% over the prior five years and 47% over the prior ten years. However, employees’ wages had increased only 5% and inflation increased at least 1.9%.
