SUMMARY: Texas Governor Greg Abbott is urging the legislature to enhance property tax relief for homeowners and impose stricter regulations on local tax rate increases. He proposes that local taxing entities, like school districts, require a two-thirds voter approval to raise their tax rates, rather than the current majority rule. Currently, entities can only increase revenue by 3.5%, or 8% during emergencies, without voting. Research indicates that only 34.7% of bond elections achieved this supermajority in the past six years. There are no current bills aligning with Abbott’s proposal, though a related one calling for 60% approval has been filed.

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SUMMARY: The Austin City Council plans to vote this spring on the Austin Core Transportation Plan, focusing on downtown mobility improvements due to significant population and job growth. The plan proposes updates to key corridors, including Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Streets, enhancing pedestrian and bike infrastructure while incorporating historical art. Key features include transit-only lanes, reduced vehicle speeds, and better tree coverage. Supporting projects will also enhance Ninth through 12th Streets and other areas, aiming to transform the downtown area for sustainability and improved transportation access. Presentations to city committees are ongoing before the anticipated council decision.

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SUMMARY: Texas National Guard soldiers are now authorized to make immigration arrests under a pact signed by ex-Governor Greg Abbott with Customs and Border Protection. The FBI faces a deadline from the DOJ for information on January 6th case employees, stirring concern among staff. Meanwhile, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to freeze federal grants. President Trump introduced new tariffs on Chinese imports, while also pausing tariffs on Canada and Mexico. A study revealed alarming levels of microplastics in human brains. Additionally, the FDA issued a serious recall for contaminated broccoli and United Healthcare agreed to a $2.5 million settlement for unauthorized telemarketing calls.

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