Senator West Hosts Informative Town Hall on Key Rulings from the 89th Legislative Session

The Dallas Examiner reports that Texas approved a $338 billion budget during its 89th legislative session for the two-year cycle of 2026-2027, affecting sectors including education, health and human services, and property taxation. State Senator Royce West, representing District 23, highlighted key allocations: $28 million for mental health initiatives, $100 million for childcare, and $8.5 billion for education, incorporating salary increases for educators and support personnel. During a town hall meeting at UNT Dallas College of Law on June 28, West expressed concerns about property taxes and the rising cost of living, referencing a proposed $51 billion property tax relief bill, aiming to raise the homestead exemption to $140,000, pending November elections. West also discussed new legislation addressing delayed birth registrations, which will consider more evidence for previously overlooked cases. He introduced measures against forced bundling of insurance policies and addressed property deed fraud, emphasizing ongoing investigations. Furthermore, he advocated for mental health funding and reforms in higher education transparency and aid application processes, enhancing foster care resources and public safety measures.