WILL WEISSERT, Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Incoming Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is to detail promises of tax cuts and other priorities for the legislative session.
The Republican tea party favorite from Houston will oversee the Texas Senate when the Legislature convenes for its 140-day regular session Tuesday.
He has previously vowed to deliver on campaign pledges to lower taxes, despite plummeting oil prices that have dented sales tax collections and complicated the state’s budget outlook.
Patrick may provide specifics Thursday when he addresses the news media at the Capitol.
He says “let there be no doubt” that a budget won’t pass the Senate without serious tax relief.
Patrick has also vowed to secure the Texas-Mexico border above all else and expand state voucher programs allowing public funding to flow to private and religious schools.