In Texas, the 2025 legislative session is underway, with lawmakers tackling a variety of key issues. The Republican-led Legislature is poised to pass conservative priorities, including education savings accounts, a voucher-like policy championed by Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick[1]. The session follows an election cycle that saw Republicans maintain control of both legislative chambers, but with a deeply fractured party and a looming leadership battle in the Texas House.

Economically, Texas is expected to grow at the same rate as 2024, despite concerns about job growth, especially for small and mid-sized businesses[2]. The Dallas Federal Reserve notes that the state's economy is strong and on a solid foundation, but potential negative growth factors include tariffs, particularly those on Mexico, Texas's largest trading partner.

In environmental news, the Rio Grande Valley is expected to experience a warmer and drier than normal late winter and spring, with drought and dryness concerns continuing into the spring season[3]. Wildfire growth concerns are also elevated, particularly in February and March, following a recent Arctic blast that left grasses freeze-cured.

On the border, migrant shelters are nearly empty, a stark contrast to previous years, as the state prepares to redirect billions spent on border security to other uses, such as roads, water, education, and healthcare[1][5].

Looking Ahead:
- The Texas Legislature will continue to address key challenges, including shoring up the state's water supply and power grid, addressing healthcare and public school workforce shortages, and debating property tax cuts.
- The impact of potential tariffs on Texas's economy will be closely watched, particularly in relation to trade with Mexico.
- The state's response to ongoing drought and wildfire concerns in the Rio Grande Valley will be a developing story in the coming months.

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