Texas senators met again during the special session called by Governor Greg Abbott and in the midst of the discussion they seek to grant a bonus to state teachers.
Texan lawmakers were unable to reach an agreement in late May on the approval of a bill to help ease property taxes. For this reason, Governor Abbott called them to a legislative session to approve the measure.
During this session, Texas Senator Roland Gutierrez’s office indicated that an amendment to the proposed property tax bill was approved to include a bonus for state teachers.
The $3.2 billion amendment draws on excess funds and provides for supplemental payments of $2,000 for teachers in urban Texas and $6,000 for teachers in rural Texas.
The amendment was unanimously adopted and now heads to the House of Representatives for review.
Last week, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced that state senators, both Republican and Democrat, approved a new $18 billion plan.
According to the senators, they call it “the largest property tax cut in state history.” Under this new plan, small businesses would also benefit from a tax reduction.
Under the new proposal, state dollars are expected to be sent to school districts so owners can lower their tax rates and give more businesses a discount on their franchise tax bills.
The discussion on this bill continues and would have to be approved in the House of Representatives.
