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- Texas Loses a Comptroller While Texas A&M Gains a Chancellor
- Property Tax Makes its 89th Session House Debut in the W&M Committee
- 13 is a Lucky Number as Texas Recieves a Record 13th Governor's Cup
- Join the NTC and NDCC on Wednesday for a Lunch with Harvery Kronberg. Register HERE.
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The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents named Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Glenn Hegar as the sole finalist to succeed John Sharp as chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Sharp previously announced his retirement effective later this summer. A 21-day mandatory waiting period follows the announcement before the Board of Regents can move forward with finalizing the appointment. Hegar is in his third term as comptroller after having previously served in both chambers of the Texas Legislature. His eventual resignation will trigger a vacancy that will be filled by appointment by Governor Greg Abbott. Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick announced her candidacy for Texas Comptroller shortly after the Hegar announcement became public. Craddick was first elected to the Railroad Commission in 2012 and currently serves as its chair. Former State Senator Don Huffines has also announced his candidacy for Texas Comptroller. Huffines challenged Governor Abbott in the 2022 Republican primary. The position for a full term for comptroller will be on the ballot in 2026. The Texas Primaries are less than a year away, and the election is shaping up to be a busy one.
The major House property tax relief bills, HB 8 and HB 9, were taken up by the House Ways & Means Committee and left pending following testimony last Monday. The bills could advance from committee as soon as this week.
House Public Education received invited and public testimony on HB 2, public education and public school finance, over a two day period last week before leaving the bill pending. NTC gave verbal testimony in support of the major investment in public education. While the NTC supports this investment, we urged the committee to focus more on increasing the Basic allotment rather than targeting specific allotments. By focusing on the basic allotment, schools will be better able to address inflationary concerns and the rising cost of student needs. The committee will turn its attention to Governor Abbott’s priority legislation, Education Savings Accounts, Tuesday, March 11th when HB 3 is taken up. NTC will submit written testimony in opposition to HB 3.
Senate State Affairs advanced a committee substitute for SB 19, Senator Mayes Middleton’s bill that would restrict the use of public funds by political subdivisions for lobbying activities. The NTC submitted written testimony when it was heard in the senate. We are tracking this bill very closely and will take additional action when it is heard in the House. SB 19 is expected to be taken up and passed by the full Senate this week.
Governor Abbott accepted the Governor’s Cup from Site Selection magazine last week for the 13th consecutive year. Governor Abbott also announced the release of the Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council comprehensive report last week. The report includes legislative recommendations as part of the nineteen-member council’s review of government regulations that negatively impact small businesses in Texas.
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As the end of the session approaches, ensure you are staying up to date with all the Legislature's internal deadlines. Bookmark this helpful End-of-Session Deadline calendar to ensure your priorities get across the finish line.
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Join the NTC and NDCC for a legislative lunch here in Dallas.
Register HERE.
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