#Funding

A closer look at the final Texas 2018-19 budget

Clashes between the Texas House and Senate dominated the 2017 legislative session, and the state budget process was no exception. After weeks of negotiations over how much to spend on public schools, border security, health insurance for the poor and disabled, and other services, the two chambers approved a $217 billion budget in late May. If Gov. Greg Abbott signs it, the new budget will go into effect on Sept. 1. Here’s a look at how the two dueling budget proposals compare

Trump announces push to speed up 'desperately-needed infrastructure'

President Donald Trump on Friday pledged new efforts to speed approvals for highways and other projects as part of his proposal for a $1 trillion boost to fix aging U.S. infrastructure. At the U.S. Transportation Department, Trump said his goal was to solve "one of the biggest obstacles to creating this new and desperately-needed infrastructure – and that is the painfully slow, costly and time-consuming process for getting permits and approvals to build." Trump said the White

How cities can help supply chains perfect the last mile

Urban freight is expected to increase 40% by 2050, going hand-in-hand with the slew of retail stores closing due to e-commerce growth. That means more trucks on the road, clogging precious residential and downtown street space while making deliveries. “Where you now see UPS and FedEx trucks in neighborhood once a day, you will see them four to five times a day, plus the smaller players,” says Andre Pharand, Accenture’s global management consulting lead for the postal and parc

Here’s How Much Trump Wants to Spend Annually on His Proposed Infrastructure Program

WASHINGTON — There are annual spending figures for President Trump’s promised $1 trillion infrastructure plan in the budget proposal the White House will issue on Tuesday. Documents the Trump administration released Monday to reporters show the White House wants $5 billion of spending on the program in the upcoming 2018 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. That amount would rise in the following years, cresting at $50 billion in 2021, before gradually sinking back to $5 billion

Dan Patrick's $20,000 tax savings claim proves incorrect, ridiculous

Texas Lt. Gov . Dan Patrick made such a dramatic claim about "must-pass" tax-rate legislation--$20,000 in savings for the average homeowner every year!--we launched a fact check. Patrick, during 17 minutes of remarks to Capitol reporters May 17, 2017, named Senate Bill 2, authored by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, as one of two measures--along with the Senate-backed proposal barring local governments and school districts from letting transgender residents use bathrooms of

Gov. Abbott gets $100 million more for budget priorities to avert special session

AUSTIN -- Gov. Greg Abbott obtained an additional $100 million for his office's economic-development programs early Sunday by threatening to veto the state budget and force a special session, according to two people familiar with the late-hour intervention. House and Senate budget negotiators relented, but the House's price was some extra education money it had been pressing for, the officials said. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has insisted savings not be used for any ongoing ex

Chao: Infrastructure Plan ‘Principles’ Coming This Month

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said the Trump administration will release "principles" of its infrastructure investment plan late this month, and that the White House Office of Management and Budget is looking for spending offsets to help make up for $200 million of direct federal funding in the plan. Chao made the remarks over several days in a television interview, a speech at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and in a hearing before the Senate Environment and Public

Critical bills being heard on the Senate floor 4/10/17!

StartFragmentSB 385 (S) Author: Burton, Konni Relating to voter approval of local acceptance and use of federal funds for passenger rail projects.EndFragment StartFragmentSB 461 (S) Author: Lucio, Eddie Relating to the notice required before the issuance of certain debt obligations by political subdivisions.EndFragment StartFragmentSB 626 (S) Author: Schwertner, Charles Relating to the acquisition of certain real property in conjunction with the acquisition of real propert

Company plans first U.S. bullet train, opponents doubt viability

After decades of use in Japan, the "bullet train" may finally be coming to America if a Texas company gets its way. Texas Central Railway says the line would run between Dallas and Houston as early as 2024 carrying five million riders per year. Company president Tim Keith says commuters along the busy corridor are demanding more options besides cars or planes. "Texans have told us they want to ride the bullet train," Keith said from the roof of his office overlooking where th

High-Speed Rail Bills Get Committee Hearing

TX-SB 977 By Schwertner, Charles. Relating to the use of state money for high-speed rail operated by a private entity. - Meeting set for 8:00 A.M., E1.016 Senate Transportation 04/05 TX-SB 980 By Schwertner, Charles. Relating to state money or credit or a state guarantee used or provided for high-speed rail owned by a private entity. - Meeting set for 8:00 A.M., E1.016 Senate Transportation 04/05 TX-SB 981 By Kolkhorst, Lois. Relating to the compatibility of a high-speed r

1 2