Texas Legislature’s 89th Session Begins Amid $20 Billion Surplus and Leadership Battle
The 89th session of the Texas Legislature kicks off on Tuesday, and there’s plenty on the agenda as lawmakers prepare to address the impressive $20 billion budget surplus. Political tensions are already running high, especially in the House, where the election of a new Speaker promises to be contentious. This development has escalated into a campaign-like atmosphere, intensified by divisions within the Republican Party.
Property Tax Relief on the Horizon
In anticipation of the session, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will present the Biennial Revenue Estimate on Monday. This critical document will outline the budgetary spending for the 2026-27 fiscal year and affirm the state’s projected surplus. Additionally, it will address the status of the Economic Stabilization Fund, commonly referred to as the “rainy day” fund.
As legislators gather, various opinions emerge regarding the allocation of this surplus, particularly concerning property tax relief for Texas homeowners. In the previous legislative session, lawmakers enacted a substantial $18 billion reduction in the school portion of property taxes, a move voters approved. State Representative Salman Bhojani, D-Euless, advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes investments in public education and infrastructure alongside further property tax reductions. He argues, “It’s really expensive.
Many people are finding property taxes so burdensome they may lose their homes. We need meaningful reductions while ensuring our schools are funded.” Echoing this sentiment, State Senator Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, emphasizes the importance of not only providing tax relief but also investing in critical infrastructure, particularly water resources. “Water is an issue,” Johnson says,
highlighting concerns over the state’s long-term water supply challenges exacerbated by a recent grid failure. “People often take water for granted, but planning and constructing new reservoirs is a 30-year process, and we’re running out of options.” On the Republican side, State Representative Jeff Leach, R-Allen, insists that any property tax relief must prioritize for Texans and aligns with funding essential state priorities, stating, “Living in Texas and raising a family should be affordable.”
Newly elected Representative Shelley Luther, R-Grayson County, also calls for immediate action to provide property tax relief, highlighting how high taxes can impact home ownership. Meanwhile, State Representative Ana Maria Rodriguez Ramos, D-Dallas, advocates for assisting working families in Texas. “During the last session, we aimed to extend property tax relief not just to homeowners but also to renters,” she explains, stressing the need for equitable support for all Texas residents.
Speaker of the House Showdown
Simultaneously, political maneuvering in the House is amplifying as the Speaker’s election approaches. Republican Representatives David Cook of Mansfield and Dustin Burrows of Lubbock are competing fiercely for the Speaker’s position. The upcoming vote is poised to be unprecedented, given the ongoing divisions among Republican lawmakers.
To secure the Speakership, a candidate requires a simple majority of 76 votes. Attorney General Ken Paxton, a prominent GOP figure, has publicly supported Cook and engaged in a campaign to rally Republican lawmakers around him, emphasizing the need for conservative leadership in the House. “If Republican control is compromised by Democratic influence, it hinders our ability to implement critical priorities,” Paxton remarked, criticizing the previous pattern of leadership under a coalition of moderate Republicans.
Paxton, along with Texas GOP Chair Abraham George, has warned of potential consequences for Republican representatives who may defy party unity in the Speaker’s vote. “Failure to adhere to party support for Cook could lead to primaries in the next session,” George stated firmly. This political climate, marked by upcoming votes and potential reshuffling of leadership, indicates a session filled with challenges and opportunities for Texas legislators poised to make impactful decisions.
