Revenue estimate increased.
Comptroller Glenn Hegar has raised the revenue estimate for the next biennium by $2.8 billion. With oil prices up to $70/barrel (instead of $50), and better than expected sales tax collections, budget writers will have $110.17 billion in general revenue to appropriate. To read more…
Capitol Complex work begins.
Phase One of the Capitol Complex project has commenced. Phase one includes the construction of two state office buildings, three of the four blocks of the proposed Texas Mall, underground parking, and an expansion of the Sam Houston building. The Texas Facilities Commission has a website providing updates, and includes updates on road closures due to construction. Late 2021 is the planned completion date. To read more…
An award-winning bromance.
U.S. Representatives Beto O’ Rourke (D-El Paso) and Will Hurd (R-Helotes) have been awarded the 2018 Prize for Civility in Public Life by the National Press Club. In March of 2017 faced with flight cancellations, the two Texans set out on a road trip from San Antonio to D.C. and became an example of bipartisan collaboration. To read more…
Only in Austin…
One of our favorite places in Austin is locally owned Terra Toys. You can spend hours perusing 12,000 square feet of jam packed fun. The best part is that you can actually test out the toys! To read more…
A recent CNBC study ranks Texas as #1 in the country for doing business. All 50 states were evaluated on 60 measures of competitiveness developed by business and policy experts. Last year Texas ranked #4. 
Texas Tech University has plans for a veterinarian school in Amarillo, expected to open in 2019. If all goes smoothly, the first class of Texas Tech vet students will start in fall 2021. Tech sees its program, focused on rural areas experiencing vet shortages, as complimentary to Texas A&M’s program. However, A&M is currently the only vet school in the state, and would like to keep it that way. 
The Texas Supreme Court recently struck down a Laredo ordinance banning plastic bags. Attorney General Ken Paxton then sent letters to the 11 cities across the state with bag bans warning that continuing to enforce such bans is illegal. Austin is one of the cities that has said they will no longer enforce its local bag ban. 
Tonight, a showing of Wayne’s World kicks off Austin’s Sound & Cinema lineup at the Long Center. Find a spot on the lawn and enjoy live music combined with this cult favorite flick. Food trucks start serving at 6pm, music starts at 7:30pm, and the film begins after sunset. Sound & Cinema is held every other Wednesday through August 15th. 
A special election to replace Sen. Carlos Uresti (D-San Antonio) will be held on July 31st. After a 5-day filing period, eight candidates have filed—four Democrats, three Republicans, and one Libertarian. Early voting will run Monday July 16, 2018 – Friday, July 27, 2018. 
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Texas Legislature did not intentionally discriminate against voters of color when drawing congressional and Texas House maps. In a 5-4 decision, SCOTUS upheld 10 out of the 11 districts being challenged. The next round of redistricting begins in a few short years, after the next Census. 
Almost a year after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, a $5 billion federal block grant for disaster relief has been approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Texas General Land Office’s State Action Plan allocates $2.3 billion in funding for Houston and Harris County, and $2.7 billion for all other areas. 
Almost 8 million people have visited the Bullock Texas State History Museum since its opening in 2001. The museum is home to important Texas artifacts, rotating exhibits, and items from library archives that bring Texas history to life. Sunday, you can visit for free and take part in Stars and Stripes Sunday. Live music, art, food—what more could you need for a patriotic celebration? 
Last weekend Texas Republicans voted on priority issues to support as the 2019 legislative session approaches. In the end, 10,000 delegates voted on and adopted more than 300 planks. For the full text, click 
153 years ago, on June 19th, the Emancipation Proclamation was announced publicly in Galveston, 2 years after its issuance by President Lincoln. It wasn’t until this day that 250,000 enslaved Texans learned they had been freed. 
Sen. Carlos Uresti (D-San Antonio) has resigned from the Texas Senate, effective Thursday. In his resignation letter to Governor Abbott, Uresti asked that a special election be called to coincide with the General Election—November 6, 2018. Former congressman and state representative Pete Gallego (D-Alpine) and Rep. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) continue to campaign. 
Ballet Austin and the Butler Center for Dance & Fitness have teamed up for Rhythm on Stage at the Long Center. Thursday is Brazilian Dance Night with live drummers, starting at 7pm. Come and dance the night away. No experience necessary! 
It’s not a competitor to the Apple Watch, but a new mobile app recently introduced to help Texans report suspicious or unusual activity in schools and communities. Possible threats reported on the app are reviewed by law enforcement upon submission. All reports are confidential. iWatch is available for download in the iPhone App Store and Google Play for Androids. 
The Harris County Commissioners Court has unanimously approved a bond proposal to be voted on August 25th, the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall in Texas. With voter approval, the bond will fund projects such as drainage improvements, upgraded warning systems, infrastructure repairs, home buyouts, and construction of additional detention basins. 
Two Texas teams have advanced to the 2018 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. This is the 36th trip for the Texas Longhorns, more than any other school, and the third time in five seasons for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The series begins June 16th. 
Sam’s Bar-B-Que on E. 12th has been serving BBQ for more than six decades. Sam Campbell opened his restaurant in 1957, and the Mays family took over upon his death. On the outside, the building features a portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr. On the inside, is the brick pit where the magic happens. Check it out and see if there is any truth to Sam’s slogan— “You don’t need no teeth to eat my beef!”
Shortly after Governor Abbott released his proposal to address school safety, Speaker Straus and Lt. Governor Patrick tasked the House and Senate with developing their own proposals. Speaker Straus issued new committee charges to several committees and Lt. Governor Patrick appointed the Senate Select Committee on Violence in Schools and School Security. Both the House and Senate have scheduled committee hearings to begin next week. 
Effective June 1, Cecile Young began as acting Executive Commissioner for the Health and Human Services Commission. She will lead the agency while a permanent successor for Charles Smith is sought. Young most recently served as Deputy Executive Commissioner for HHSC. 
We’ve all heard about the Beto O’Rourke/Ted Cruz faceoff, but a more light-hearted competition between talk show host Jimmy Kimmel and Senator Ted Cruz has been scheduled for Father’s Day weekend. Cruz and Kimmel will head to the basketball court and the loser will donate $5000 to the non-political charity of the winner’s choosing. The hoop challenge is the result of Kimmel’s comment about Cruz’s attire at a recent Rockets playoff game. 
The Elephant Room on Congress is one of those unique venues that helps give Austin its claim to fame as “Live Music Capital of the World.” The unassuming basement environment may not be glamorous, but the jazz and blues musicians who play the Elephant Room are exceptional. Come early for a seat close to the stage! 
The Astrodome is now an officially recorded Texas historic landmark with a new marker to boot. What a difference a few years makes—from planned demolition to becoming an historic landmark awaiting a $105 million renovation plan to commence. 
Thursday Ben Leman will be sworn in to serve the remainder of Rep. Leighton Schubert’s term. Leman also won the primary runoff to become the Republican candidate for Texas House District 13 in November. Leman faces Democrat Cecil Webster in November, but this district is Republican-leaning. 
Looking for a cool place to spend the summer hours AND get some of the city’s most raved about enchiladas? Look no further than Dart Bowl. Established in 1958, Dart Bowl has been operated as a family owned business for over 50 years. Who doesn’t love old school bowling and homemade enchiladas? 
Early voting for primary runoffs began Monday and ends Friday. Actual runoff election day is May 22nd. If you didn’t vote in the March primary, you are still able to vote in the runoff. Check here to find all the runoffs by county. Local elections are important too! 
HEB has named its first chief digital officer, Jag Bath, CEO of Favor Delivery. Bath will remain CEO of Favor, a company HEB purchased in February, as well as oversee HEB’s digital products and services. 
Yesterday, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that Texas and five other states are suing Purdue Pharma for deceptive trade practices that helped exacerbate the nation’s opioid epidemic. The AG’s office is still investigating other pharmaceutical companies and distributors. 
Unplugged at the Grove is one of Austin’s longest running free concert series. On Thursday evenings, you can enjoy some of the best music Austin has to offer at Shady Grove on Barton Springs Road. Check out the “don’t want to miss” lineup. 
Thursday, Charles Smith, Executive Commissioner for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced that he will retire at the end of May. Former State Senator Tommy Williams will act as interim commissioner starting June 1st while a permanent replacement is sought. HHSC has again been under scrutiny for its contracting practices. 
Or about 30 miles southeast in Bastrop. Why give mom a bouquet when you can give her a whole field of flowers? Barton Hill Farms is celebrating Mother’s Day with a Backyard Bash on Saturday, May 12th. Stroll through the flower fields and pick mom her favorite, enjoy live music, local food and drinks, backyard games, views of the Colorado River, and much more!