Texas Senate Passes Property Tax Relief Bill with Teacher Bonuses

The Texas Senate has unanimously passed a property tax relief bill that includes additional payments for teachers for two years. The bill, proposed by Democratic State Senator Roland Gutierrez, provides an extra $2,000 for teachers in school districts with more than 20,000 students and an extra $6,000 for teachers in districts with fewer than 20,000 students. The bill also increases homestead exemptions, provides property tax relief of $18 billion, and doubles the business franchise tax exemption. The legislation now needs to be passed by the Texas House and approved by voters in November.