Opinion

The Texas House passed a bill promising $17 billion in tax relief, a measure that is at odds with the Senate’s tax break plan, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The House bill would lower by half a home’s cap on appraisal increases. It passed overwhelmingly, 141-9. However, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, said that body will not approve it, preferring its plan to raise property exemptions from $40,000 to $70,000.

Wimberley gardeners often complain about deer consuming their plants, often asking about deer resistance when considering introducing a new plant.

I just came in from a walk around my yard. The varied bird song provided music to my ears, and I relished the signs of spring in flower, leaf and insect. My favorite part may have been a big, buzzing bumblebee after the nectar in my prairie verbena. I have added many native species to my yard and scattered seeds in my meadow plot. But I have also let some things just “be,” waiting to see what desired to grow in a particular area.

The Texas House approved a $302 billion budget last week that included an amendment prohibiting the use of state money on private school tuition — a major setback to Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to establish a school voucher system. The Austin American-Statesman reported that more than 20 Republicans joined nearly all House Democrats to pass the amendment, while 11 lawmakers voted present.

EmilyAnn Gardens is busy preparing for its 23rd annual Butterfly Festival, which will be held on April 15.

The Lone Star State continues to lead the nation in jobs added with 58,200 new positions in February, bringing the state to nearly 14 million total nonfarm jobs, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. February also marked two full years of uninterrupted job growth in the state.

The Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce is submitting this letter to respond to numerous inquiries as to what will become of the current Wimberley Visitor Center after the announcement the City of Wimberley purchased property on Old Kyle Road and proposes to open an additional Visitor Center. The current Wimberley Visitor Center was conveyed to the Wimberley Convention and Visitors Bureau Foundation, a Texas non-profit corporation in September of 2012. That conveyance is subject to certain restrictions and conditions, including that the property must be used as a visitor’s center, and it cannot be sold, transferred or leased.

The Texas Senate last week unanimously approved a $16.5 billion package to lower property taxes and inject billions of dollars into public schools.

Red Texas Buckeye are in bloom.

The death of a Leander High School graduate from a fentanyl overdose has prompted state Rep. Terry Wilson, R-Georgetown, to file a bill that would require 10 hours of education annually concerning the dangers of the drug to students in sixth grade and up, the Austin American-Statesman reported.