Texas Lege and Districting
Why are districts redrawn every ten years?
Coincide with census
It's the law
How is the Governor a weak position?
Plural exec, not much budget control
Where do cities get most of their money?
Ad-valorem taxes (property)
As property value increases, so does the amount of tax payed
Which courts have overlapping jurisdictions?
JP, MC, County-level, and district
Local govs are creatures of the state who must abide by all state-level laws and regulations
Define gerrymandering, packing, and cracking
Packing is the process of packing one group into a single district
Cracking is splitting up the group
How is the governor a powerful position?
What is a regressive tax? Give an example.
A regressive tax is a uniform tax that hurts the lower-income segment more.
Sales tax
Some poeple claim that justice is for sale in Texas. What does that mean?
It's the idea that people with more money and more donations are more likely to win their election.
How are special districts created?
Local governing bodies, the lege, or TCEQ
Who leads the HoR?
Who leads the Senate?
House: Speaker (voted in every session)
Senate: Lt. Gov
What does the Sec. of State do?
Runs our elections and maintains voting integrity
What does the comptroller do?
The Comptroller has the power of the purse, and has to sign off on the TX budget to ensure that we aren't going into debt
What are the highest appellate-level courts?
Supreme Court and CoCA
What level of government is in charge of assessing and levying property taxes?
(State, special district, county, city/local)
County
Why does TX pay legislators so little? ($7200 per year + per diem pay per da)
They wanted to avoid career politicians. This idea didn't work.
Is the plural exec. appointed or elected?
Elected by the people.
How is TX a business-friendly state?
We give tax breaks, we have the rainy day fund, and our laws favor businesses
How did the state lege reform judicial campaign finance laws?
$5,000 per individual, $30,000 per law firm, $300,000 per PAC.
What is a bond, how does it work, and who is it backed by?
It's a loan, requires initial investment with promise of payback with interest, and it's backed by the state
What is the difference between an engrossed bill and an enrolled bill?
An engrossed bill only made it through one chamber, an enrolled bill made it through both
Why do we have the LBB and GOBPP?
To reduce corruption.
In the eyes of a local government, what is a tax expenditure?
Money they will not be receiving because they gave someone a tax break
What are some benefits and drawbacks of electing judges in Texas?
Benefits: Exercising popular sovereignty
Drawbacks: Popularity contest, justice for sale, incumbency advantage
What are some major financial issues for local governments?
Pensions
Aging infrastructure
Ecodevo
Revenue to debt ratio