Opinion

As time runs out next week on the fourth special session, Gov. Greg Abbott said he will continue to fight for school choice, despite the Texas House once again decisively rejecting it when 21 Republicans largely from rural districts joined Democrats in stripping it from a $7.6 billion education bill. The Austin American-Statesman reported it is unclear what Abbott’s next move will be.

At this time of year, we reflect on the year’s bounty and events. We all give thanks in our own ways. At KWB, we are thankful for many things. The recent rain has greened up the area and added much needed water back into our waterways and aquifers. We are hopeful that we will be able to get out soon and consider new plantings. One project will be the area by the Wimberley Square sign, giving it some care after the recent rebuild of the wall.

Capital Highlights by Gary Borders

The rains and cooler weather came in time for us to enjoy our fall flowers. The asters survived the drought as did the lantana, white boneset and purple cenizo.

The Texas Legislature, conceived as a part-time body to meet every other year for 140 days, is now in its record fifth session (counting the regular session). When the impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is included, legislators have been in Austin pretty much the entire year, as the Texas Tribune noted. While legislators are paid just $7,200 a year in salary, per diem payments – meant to cover their expenses while in Austin – have mounted. If the fourth special session goes a full 30 days, taxpayers will have spent $4.8 million keeping lawmakers in Austin.

As the clock ran down on the Legislature’s third special session, Texas House and Senate leaders exchanged barbs over Gov. Greg Abbott’s school choice bill and border security proposals, the Austin American- Statesman reported.

It’s not too late to plan for a blue bonnet (lupinus texensis) patch in your yard this spring.

Today, pumpkins are a sign of fall and the coming holidays, and no thanksgiving table is complete without a pumpkin pie. But pumpkins have not always been associated with Thanksgiving.

Gov. Gregg Abbott and the Texas House are at loggerheads over which will come first – vouchers for parents to pay for private school tuition, or funneling more money to public schools, The Dallas Morning News reported.

To my neighbors in Woodcreek: It is election time for our city, and I want to encourage my friends and neighbors to vote Hambrick, Bonniwell, and LeBrun. I am making this endorsement because I believe they will protect our City from the negative effects of short-term rentals in our residential neighborhoods. The Planning & Zoning Commission has given the current Council a solution that has been tested in other cities. Yet, six months later this Council has failed to act. I fear their decision will not be favorable to my neighbors and I. If you review recent agenda packets, you will see Council has adjourned to closeddoor executive session several times to discuss the issue of STR’s. Why? They owe us an open discussion and the opportunity to have input. Why is this Council not allowing citizens to participate in such a crucial decision?