The Texas Legislature is back in action this Tuesday, and it’s gearing up for a session filled with decisions that could shape the future of the state. With a projected $20 billion surplus on the table, lawmakers will debate how best to use the extra funds. The first day is expected to be a fiery one, especially in the House, where the race for Speaker of the House has turned into a full-fledged political battle.
What’s Happening with the $20 Billion Surplus?
On Monday, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will release the Biennial Revenue Estimate, revealing how much lawmakers can spend for the 2026-2027 state budget. Along with the budget, Hegar will confirm the state’s $20 billion surplus and the balance in the “rainy day” fund.
State lawmakers are already weighing in on what to do with this windfall. State Representative Salman Bhojani from Euless believes the focus should be on both property tax relief and investing in schools and infrastructure. He shared his concern about the rising property taxes, which are pushing homeowners to the brink. “People are struggling to keep their homes, and renters are facing sky-high rates,” Bhojani said. He’s calling for meaningful reductions in property taxes, alongside proper funding for public schools.
State Senator Nathan Johnson, representing Dallas, echoed similar sentiments but added that the state needs to focus on critical infrastructure, especially water. “It’s nice to talk about tax breaks, but we have real issues to address,” Johnson remarked, referring to the challenges facing the state’s water resources. He emphasized that building new reservoirs takes decades, and Texas can’t afford to wait any longer.
On the other hand, State Representative Jeff Leach from Allen believes that Texans should see as much property tax relief as possible, without compromising essential state services. “This is the people’s money,” he stressed. “Living in Texas should be affordable for families.”
Newly elected Representative Shelley Luther, who represents Grayson County, also came out strong on property tax relief, calling the state’s property taxes “crazy high” and urging immediate relief for struggling homeowners.
What About Helping Renters?
State Representative Ana Maria Rodriguez Ramos from Dallas pointed out that lawmakers also need to focus on helping renters, not just property owners. She reminded everyone of the 2023 plan that aimed to provide relief to both homeowners and renters, ensuring that large corporations weren’t the only ones benefiting.
The Speaker’s Race: A Statewide Showdown
As if the budget debates weren’t enough, the real drama is happening in the fight for Speaker of the House. It’s a battle between two prominent Republicans: David Cook of Mansfield and Dustin Burrows of Lubbock. The race is getting intense, and it’s not just about the candidates—it’s become a full-blown statewide campaign!
Attorney General Ken Paxton and Texas GOP Chair Abraham George have thrown their support behind Cook, leading a statewide push to rally Republican lawmakers to back him. Paxton has been clear about his stance: “If the Speakership is controlled by a block of Democratic votes, it prevents Republicans from getting things done.” Paxton and George have even warned Republicans that if they don’t vote for Cook, they might face primary challenges in the next election.
But Representative Jeff Leach, who’s backing Burrows, sees things differently. He calls Burrows the “rock-solid conservative” choice and stresses that Burrows is the one best prepared to lead the House.
On the flip side, Representative-elect Shelley Luther supports Cook, believing his focus on reform will transform the House into a more efficient and fair institution. She criticized the political chaos surrounding the Speaker’s race, lamenting that Republicans can’t seem to agree on a clear direction.
And, in a surprising twist, State Representative Ana Maria Rodriguez Ramos, a Democrat, has also thrown her hat into the ring for Speaker. Although she’s unlikely to win, her candidacy highlights the growing divide in the Texas House and signals that the Democratic Party is ready to challenge the status quo.
What’s Next?
As lawmakers prepare for the session, all eyes will be on the Speaker’s race. Will Cook or Burrows take the gavel? Will property tax relief be expanded? And how will the $20 billion surplus be spent? It’s sure to be a session full of fireworks, and we’ll be here to keep you updated every step of the way!
