Texas Special Session: Flood Recovery, STAAR Test, and Property Taxes

Texas Special Session Agenda

• 🏛️ Governor Abbott has called a special session in Texas with an 18-item agenda, set to begin Monday morning.
• ⚠️ A significant focus is on flood recovery and preparedness following recent devastating floods in Central Texas.

Flood Preparedness and Warnings

• 🚨 Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is proposing a better alert system, including sound-based warning sirens, for low-lying, high-risk areas.
• 📱 Governor Abbott supports this measure, emphasizing the need for improved emergency communications and state funding for recovery.
• 💬 The governor stated, "We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future."

Other Key Agenda Items

• 💰 The session includes a renewed push to cut property taxes.
• 🌿 There's also a focus on cracking down on hemp-derived products, particularly those accessible to minors.
• 📝 A headline proposal is the elimination of the STAAR test, with plans to replace it with more effective student progress measurement methods.

Concerns and Relief Efforts

• 🧑‍🏫 Democrats have raised concerns about issues not included on the agenda, such as teacher raises and Medicaid expansion.
• 💸 KHOU 11 is partnering with other Texas stations for the Tegna Texas Flood Relief Fund to help those impacted by the flooding, with donation options via QR code and a telethon.
• ⏳ The special session is limited to 30 days.