Gov. Rick Perry announced Monday that he will not seek re-election as governor. Perry has served in the post since 2000. Despite rumors to the contrary, Perry did not announce any future plans regarding a second run for President of the United States.
The Second Called Session of the Texas Legislature is ongoing. The Texas House has passed House Bill 2 relating to the regulation of abortion procedures, providers, and facilities; providing penalties. That bill now moves to the Texas Senate. Bills related to transportation funding and the punishment for a capital felony committed by an individual younger than 18 years of age are expected to be debated later this week.
Several political announcements were made this week. Rep. Stefani Carter (R-Dallas) will run for the Texas Railroad Commission. Rep. Harvey Hilderbran (R-Kerrville) announced that he will not seek re-election to his House District 53 seat. He is expected to announce a run for state comptroller. After Governor Perry’s announcement Monday, we expect to see more announcements from state legislators running for statewide posts.
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs reported that state sales tax revenue in June was $2.17 billion, up 9.1 percent compared to June 2012. Local sales tax allocations to
cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts will total $578.3 million.