State of the State

Gov. Greg Abbott touted Texas’ strong economy in his State of the State address Sunday, where he also laid out a list of priorities he wants Texas lawmakers to focus on in the months ahead. These include creating a school voucher-like program and lowering Texans’ property taxes.

The governor’s State of the State address is key because it’s where he’ll declare his “emergency items” for the ongoing 2025 Texas legislative session. In the session’s first 60 days, lawmakers are only allowed to pass legislation related to these items.

Despite a near 10% rise in jail populations — bringing with it a rise in suicides, assaults and deaths — the governor looks to jail more for longer. Reform advocates call it political.

Abbott included border security funding and increased penalties for migrant smugglers on his list of emergency items during Thursday’s State of the State address. He also ordered lawmakers to address the fentanyl crisis as he continued to rail against President Biden’s border policies.

The Thursday speech could also provide greater clarity on whether Abbott has set his sights on a 2024 presidential run.

As secretary of state, Fort Worth attorney John Scott would oversee election administration in Texas.

Abbott will give an update on the state’s coronavirus response and discuss his priorities for the 2021 legislative session.

Gov. Greg Abbott named his emergency legislative priorities during Tuesday's State of the State address. He praised the state's economy and job growth,…

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