Governor, Lt. Governor inaugurated, address education priorities

The Texas House and Senate convened jointly on the south steps of the Texas Capitol Tuesday for the inauguration ceremony of Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

Abbott and Patrick made remarks to the assembled crowd about their hopes for the session, both including education issues they expect to be addressed.

Patrick announced that the Senate’s base budget to be released this week will include an increase in the homestead exemption from the current $40,000 to $70,000, a proposal that he said would save homeowners thousands of dollars throughout the lifetime of their home. He noted that the sizable budget surplus would allow lawmakers to provide the largest tax cut in state history.

Both leaders stressed the importance of property tax cuts and expanding school choice. Patrick additionally referred to being proud of providing the largest teacher pay raise in history (referring to 2019’s HB 3) and said we would do it again, while Abbott pledged to improve school safety.