Austin, TX

Big three leaders in Austin say state lawmakers have tax cut deal

Published

11 months ago

May 7, 2025

Big three leaders in Austin say state lawmakers have tax cut deal

Major Republican leaders in Austin have struck a deal on how to spend part of their budget surplus. They aim to pay down property and business taxes for millions of Texans.

Monday night, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the framework of a deal online, posting pictures with Senate and House finance leaders.

“We have reached an agreement with the Senate as it relates to tax relief,” said Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and the author of the business cut package. Monday, he passed the Senate’s property tax relief package out of his committee.

“All of us working together to provide meaningful property tax relief. I’m glad we got this job done,” said Meyer.

The same day, the Senate Local Government Committee approved Meyer’s business tax cuts.

“The homestead exemption bills are moving, too, and that means we have home and business tax relief on the way. And that’s a happy day,” said Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, the Senate’s main tax bill writer.

This is much different from two years ago, when a fight between the chambers brought on several costly special sessions. The main dispute was whether to spend billions raising the homestead exemption or to “compress” tax rates across the board.

This year, there’s a new speaker of the Texas House, Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, who followed Rep. Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, after he chose not to seek another term as speaker following intense Republican pushback.

Also, this year, it appears the “compression” idea to buy down taxes across the board is not part of the deal struck by state leaders.

Lawmakers plan to raise the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 a year, saving someone roughly $500 if they own a $300,000 home, according to an analysis by The Texas Tribune. They aim to raise the exemption to $200,000 for seniors or those with a disability.

The association representing Texas Realtors was one of the main speakers in support on Monday during the committee hearing.

“We really want to protect that senior lifestyle and overall affordability, and protect the vulnerable population on fixed income. We believe in homeownership for life, so thank you for this bold move,” said Christy Gessler, from Texas REALTORS.

Also as part of the agreement is a proposal to raise the business inventory tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000, saving small businesses a significant amount.

Both proposals appear to have bipartisan support. However, a potential issue looms: both use state money to buy down taxes for Texans. The state budget could face problems if an economic downturn hits the Lone Star State, potentially forcing lawmakers to backtrack on the cuts or reduce services.

The Republican-led Legislature largely believes that risk is worth taking to deliver property and business tax relief to Texans this year.

Source link

Austin, TX

Austin weather: Intense storms in West Texas could make it to Hill Country

Published

9 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Austin weather: Intense storms in West Texas could make it to Hill Country

AUSTIN, Texas – We will be on storm watch tonight.

Local perspective:

More of the same today with a cloud/sun mix, warm, humid and breezy conditions.

Highs heading for the 80s with wind gusts of 15 to 25 mph.

The backstory:

The West Texas dryline will be the storm machine. This is where the Gulf moisture meets up with dry air coming off the mountains.

As the two different air masses collide the air will be forced up.

The heating of the day and upper low will provide even stronger lift to generate numerous and more intense storms in West Texas.

There is a chance a few of the storms will survive their journey away from the dryline and reach the Hill Country starting this evening and overnight.

By the time they enter Central Texas, most of the storms will drop below severe limits.

The highest threat of severe weather remains west of the Hill Country.

What’s next:

Could we get redevelopment with the storms late on Wednesday?

The jury is still out because not all the models agree, so we will have to play the wait and see game.

The next game-changers will be a stronger Western Low and a cold front with bite to it entering the picture this weekend.

Expecting increasing rain chances on Saturday followed by a cooler and drier breeze the rest of the weekend.

What you can do:

Track your local forecast for the Austin area quickly with the free FOX 7 WAPP.

The design gives you radar, hourly, and 7-day weather information just by scrolling.

Our weather alerts will warn you early and help you stay safe.

The Source: Information from meteorologist Zack Shields.

WeatherAustin

Source link

Austin, TX

Texas AG to investigate Austin Police’s new policies related to ICE warrants, city says

Published

21 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Texas AG to investigate Austin Police’s new policies related to ICE warrants, city says

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed concern Monday about two items on the Austin Transit Partnership Board agenda later this week, one to negotiate an office lease in a downtown office building for up to $32 million for roughly 8 years and another to furnish the space for $15 million. READ MORE: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/inappropriate-mayor-pushes-back-on-47m-light-rail-office-relocation-plan/

Source link

Austin, TX

George Strait Delivers Epic Return to Austin Stage – Austin Today

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

George Strait Delivers Epic Return to Austin Stage – Austin Today

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The dazzling stage lights and shattered disco ball textures evoke the electrifying energy of a George Strait concert, where the country legend continues to captivate audiences even as his legendary career nears its end.Austin Today

George Strait thrilled fans with an unforgettable concert at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, delivering a set packed with his signature No. 1 hits. The country music legend’s return to the stage after nearly four years left some wondering how much longer he plans to continue performing, as Strait has hinted at retirement in the past.

Why it matters

As one of the most influential and successful country artists of all time, George Strait’s concerts have become must-see events for his devoted fanbase. This performance in Austin showcased Strait’s enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career.

The details

Strait’s concert at the Moody Center on Thursday night was his first at the venue since April 2022. The show featured a hit-filled setlist that had the capacity crowd singing along. Strait shared a video on Instagram teasing the performance, writing ‘What a night Austin, TX! Who’s ready to do it again on Saturday?’ While the video didn’t show any full performances, it did include a snippet of Strait singing his 2024 single ‘Three Drinks Down’.

Strait last performed at the Moody Center in April 2022.
He is scheduled to play another show at the Moody Center on Saturday, April 13, 2026.

What they’re saying

“I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you, folks…it’s been around 50 now. And I still love it just as much as I ever did.”

— George Strait

What’s next

Strait is scheduled to perform another show at the Moody Center in Austin on Saturday, April 13, 2026, giving fans another chance to see the country legend in action.

The takeaway

George Strait’s epic return to the Moody Center stage in Austin underscores his enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career. Fans cherished the opportunity to witness the ‘King of Country Music’ deliver a hit-filled set, leaving them to wonder how much longer they’ll be able to see Strait perform live.

Source link