It is now in the hands of the Texas House to decide what to do about a new property tax cut plan. The author of the Senate's plan calls it the largest exemption increase in state history. While it could save many people hundreds of dollars on property tax bills,

Education is a major focus of the Texas Legislature this year, from teacher pay and training to tuition support for private education and homeschooling. Why it matters: Republican lawmakers' approach to education could harm public schools even as the legislators look to direct more money toward classrooms.