Opinion News
OPINION: Do not mail checks in window envelopes!
A couple of months ago, I wrote a check for about $200 to my pool company for the monthly maintenance. It was a computer-generated check that I mailed in a window envelope, which made it apparent that a check was enclosed. After about ten days, the check had still not cleared. I called the company and they said they had not received it. A couple of days later, the check cleared my bank twice, except the payee and the amount had been altered. Instead of being payable to my pool company for $200, the check was shown to be payable to a company and a person I had never heard of and were for a total of over $14,000.
By Bill King | Apr 18, 2024
OPINION: Creating a path to opportunity for Austin’s at-risk students
Sometimes it’s just one of those days. Maybe your car won’t start when you’re already late to an important meeting or your toddler gets sick at the most inconvenient moment. These little hurdles can add up to a chaotic day for anyone, but for many of our neighbors, the impact of these hurdles — from transportation to canceled childcare — runs much deeper.
Latest News
Texas has a golden opportunity to capitalize on carbon capture and storage
By Austin Ward | Oct 24, 2023
As global energy demand continues to rise, the energy market is evolving and diversifying to meet the needs of consumers. New energy sources and technologies that produce energy with fewer carbon emissions are gaining traction in the global energy mix. The case of carbon capture and storage (CCS) is particularly appealing because it removes carbon produced by traditional energy sources directly from the atmosphere. CCS will be a critical step in the energy transition.
The Strangeness of the Paxton Impeachment: Has the Texas House Been Compromised?
By Chad Carnahand | Sep 13, 2023
In 2018, Austin real estate developer Nate Paul, a friend to Paxton, donated $25,000 to the Paxton campaign.
Abbott, Patrick, Phelan agree on second largest tax cut in state history
By Austin Journal Editorial Board | Jul 11, 2023
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan announced a breakthrough deal Monday on property tax legislation.
A Time for Choosing in Texas
By Wallace Hall, Jr. | May 30, 2023
In 2014, the same Texas House that impeached state Attorney General Ken Paxton—our most popular politician—used the same playbook to try to remove me from my position as a regent of the University of Texas.
Protecting Texans’ access to care through telehealth
By Brian Williams, M.D. | May 23, 2023
In the wake of COVID-19, the way that healthcare providers and patients interact is evolving at a rapid pace.
How to Fix the Border? A New Coalition Is Taking A Different Approach
By Austin Journal Editorial Board | Apr 25, 2023
A coalition of organizations and personalities is hosting a rally at the Capitol Saturday to implore state officials to take action on the Southern border. What’s notable is what is missing in their call to action.
Texas Property Tax Relief: Lofty Claims Fall Short
By Austin Journal Editorial Board | Apr 14, 2023
Riding the wave of an enormous $32.7 billion state budget surplus, Texas Governor Greg Abbott boldly declared that he would deliver the "largest property tax cut in Texas history."
International automakers are investing in Texas and driving economic growth
By Jennifer Safavian | Apr 12, 2023
One sector that continues to drive manufacturing growth and investments here in the U.S. and in Texas is the automotive industry—an industry President Biden has pledged to bring back to the U.S.
Students, get involved with the State Legislature
By Tommy Wan | Mar 27, 2023
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, place much responsibility on our governing bodies.
How to eliminate Texas school property taxes in 10 years (or less)
By Don Huffines and Bill Peacock, Huffines Liberty Foundation | Feb 21, 2023
Texas’ school M&O property tax, about 43% of the current $76.4 total property tax levy, can be eliminated in as little as six years without raising any existing taxes or creating a new tax.
The Idealogical Infection at UT Austin's Dell School of Medicine
By Mason Goad | Jan 25, 2023
Texas is the state of cowboys, rodeos, and cultural revolution, or at least it will be if advocates of “Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity” (DIE) have their way with UT Austin—the university in the capital of the lone star state—and they are gunning for the school’s medical education next.
Central Texas Interfaith ramps up pressure on Austin ISD Board as Chapter 313 deadline looms
By Central Texas Interfaith | Dec 7, 2022
As the Dec. 31 expiration date for final certification of Chapter 313 tax break applications approaches, Central Texas Interfaith calls on the state comptroller's office to not rush into certifying the nearly 200 potential project applications still in the pipeline, including Samsung and NXP.
'Picking favorites' is no way to run ERCOT and provide best reliability and value for Texans
By Howard Arey | Dec 7, 2022
Lieutenant Governor Patrick headlined many articles this week because he wants to pass legislation that will incent investors to build more natural gas power generation plants as he believes that is the solution to avoiding another Winter Storm Uri catastrophe.
Inflation Reduction Act misses the mark for patients
By Amy Heytens | Oct 6, 2022
With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, politicians made a huge policy mistake in trying to bring down costs for American patients.
Texas has many natural fuel resources – let’s use them all in ERCOT
By Howard Arey | Sep 27, 2022
The diversification of the Texas energy marketplace is a smart step for all Texans that will ensure all Texans are blessed with abundant energy at the lowest price in the decades ahead.
Investing in black businesses helps grow the Central Texas economy
By Kathy Burrell | Aug 29, 2022
Over the past few years, Black entrepreneurs in Central Texas have demonstrated resilience as they’ve launched and managed their businesses during one of the most challenging economies in recent memory.
Why Texans are paying more for less electricity
By Bill Peacock | Aug 18, 2022
Problems with generation adequacy in Texas were once rare occurrences.
The dog days of summer could get even worse
By Asheesh Agarwal | Jul 18, 2022
Across Texas, and just halfway through summer, every part of the state has already reached record levels of heat, accompanies by rolling blackouts and a grid that can’t sustain the necessary energy to keep us cool.