came together last month to deliver an $18 billion property-tax package. The leaders — known together as the “Big Three” — made their first joint appearance in a long time Wednesday to celebrate the legislation.
“I think the last few hearings that committee had, that created some of the most productive conversations that we’ve had in years on the topic,” Phelan said, speaking with The Texas Tribune after appearing at the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association summer conference. Some lawmakers have expressed hope that the breakthrough on property tax relief will pave the way for more cooperation in the next special session.
Back home in Southeast Texas, Phelan, R-Beaumont, is confronting what promises to be a contentious bid for reelection. He has already attracted two primary challengers, David Covey and Alicia Davis, who are trying to capitalize on conservative policy disappointments from the regular session and the House’s decision to impeach Paxton in May.
He added that his critics are welcome to their own opinions but not their own facts — and “the facts will speak for themselves in my reelection.”