In Texas, the 89th Legislature is underway, with lawmakers debating a range of issues including education, immigration, and budget allocation. The state has a $24 billion budget surplus, and a recent survey by the Hobby School of Public Affairs found that Texans prioritize using this surplus for education and healthcare[1].

On the economic front, the Dallas Fed has released its Texas Employment Forecast, indicating that job growth will soften slightly in 2025, with an expected increase of 1.6% compared to 1.7% in 2024. The forecast suggests 225,000 jobs will be added this year, with employment in December 2025 reaching 14.4 million[5].

In terms of weather, the National Weather Service has issued a forecast for February to April 2025, predicting a warmer and drier than normal period for Deep South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. This could exacerbate drought conditions and increase wildfire risks[2].

In other news, the Texas Tribune has provided a guide to the legislative process, explaining how bills become laws and how citizens can participate in the process[4].

Looking Ahead, Texans can expect continued debate on key policy issues, including education savings accounts and election reform. The state's employment forecast will be closely watched, and residents in the Rio Grande Valley should prepare for potential wildfires and drought conditions. The legislative session is set to run until June 2, with lawmakers working to pass a two-year state budget and other laws that will impact Texans' lives.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI