DEWHURST PREDICTS VOTE ON HB 1 WEDNESDAY

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst said after today's session that he plans to bring House Bill 1 to the floor Wednesday for a vote. The bill is still hampered by some objections, mostly to an equity amendment added in committee last week. The Senate is meeting in caucus tonight to try and come to an agreement on the contested issues, and Dewhurst said he believes the bill will have the support of two-thirds of the Senate.

The Senate passed HB 2 today, after it was returned by the House on a parliamentary technicality. Senator Tommy Williams of the Woodlands amended the bill on the floor to address the procedural objections raised in the House. This bill dedicates the additional revenue raised from the tax changes in House Bills 3, 4 and 5 to property tax relief until the rate is reduced by one third.

The Senate will reconvene Wednesday, May 10, at 11 p.m.

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