Dade Phelan directs House leaders to revisit vouchers, property taxes in the next legislative session
The Beaumont Republican issued his interim charges even as it remains unclear whether he’ll be reelected. Full Story
![House Speaker Dade Phelan speaks with other represenatives during a special legislative session at the state capitol in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 17, 2023.](https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/mcV11WRyzJeQx77ck8STEFQ5dRw=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b899b1b96352ec1f0b819adfd70ce074/1117%20Lege%20School%20Vouchers%20JS%20TT%2011.jpg)
Joshua Fechter is the Dallas-based urban affairs reporter for The Texas Tribune, covering policy — including housing affordability, housing and property taxes, evictions, policing and transportation — and politics in Texas' major metropolitan areas. Before joining the Tribune in August 2021, Joshua covered City Hall for the San Antonio Express-News. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
The Beaumont Republican issued his interim charges even as it remains unclear whether he’ll be reelected. Full Story
In the state’s larger counties, voters can now elect people to the agencies that appraise property values. Full Story
Texas has spent billions of dollars to drive down property taxes. Many homeowners saw a significant tax cut last year, per a Texas Tribune analysis. Full Story
Hidalgo’s staffers were indicted on felony charges related to how they allegedly helped award an $11 million contract to a political consulting firm headed by a Democratic strategist. Full Story
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging the program, saying it violates the Texas Constitution. Full Story
Examining charitable bail organizations and banning Delta 9 were also among Patrick’s priorities in the next legislative session. Full Story
The program would give roughly 1,900 households payments of $500 for 18 months with no strings attached. Paxton called it “plainly unconstitutional.” Full Story
Republican lawmakers may try to force Texas cities to allow greater housing density as the state faces a housing crunch. Full Story
Most cities require homes and businesses to have parking. Critics say they drive up housing costs, foster car dependency and raise carbon emissions. Full Story
So-called institutional homebuyers noticeably ramped up home purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. But housing experts point out investors have retreated amid high interest rates. Full Story