Differences Over School Finance Could Spell An End To ‘Kumbaya’ At The Legislature

This week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune

By Rhonda FanningMarch 8, 2019 12:02 pm, , ,

Time for the week that was in Texas politics with Alana Rocha, multimedia reporter at the Texas Tribune.

School finance plans are moving quickly in the Texas House. Lawmakers filed a 200-page bill this week, and have already scheduled the first hearing. Rocha says the House bill includes more detail than what the Senate has proposed. In fact, the Senate bill, which has not yet been released, divides school finance measures among several bills. Those differences in approach and content may end what has, so far, been a congenial legislative session.

“There’s been consultants that have been telling us that the so-called Kumbaya session might be over,” Rocha says.

Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke still hasn’t announced whether he will run for president, despite implying that he would share that news by the end of February. Rocha says O’Rourke could be getting his campaign organized before he makes an announcement.

O’Rourke’s absence from the scene is notable right now, as the South by Southwest festival begins this weekend in Austin. Similarly, the Texas Tribune is hosting several 2020 presidential hopefuls during the 10-day event.

Written by Shelly Brisbin.