Opinions

Texas House Democrats unveiled a $20.9 billion plan for property tax relief that drops tax rates, increases the homestead exemption, gives annual rebates to renters, and includes pay raises for teachers, the Austin American- Statesman reported. The newest proposal comes as the Legislature continues wrangling over the issue in the second special session this year.

For more than 80 years, the USO has served the men and women of the U.S. military and their families, throughout their time in uniform. And now, with the opening of its first two ship-based USO centers, they are going where they go even at sea.

Three days ago my hometown of Clarksville lost its water supply. Whether due to lightning striking a pump or multiple leaks, it was a serious situation. Not only were homes affected but also businesses.

orders The Texas Senate on the first day of the Legislature’s second special session unanimously passed a tax bill last Wednesday that increases the homestead exemption and includes a pay hike for teachers, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The first special session ended with the Senate and House unable to agree on how to provide property tax relief.

orders Texas’ power grid reported record electricity use early last week. Both the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas are urging residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce electricity use as temperatures soar above100 degrees over much of the state.

Ican’t remember sitting through a thunderstorm like the system that came through last week. I made the comment to several people around Winnsboro I had never heard thunder like that, and many could agree.

orders Lt. Gov.