Though the Texas economy is booming, the new Lieutenant Governor, Rick Perry, wants to give business more tax breaks. If you are going to raise it, the state also needs authority and funding to enforce it. Last session, a bill nearly passed to bar localities from passing Living Wage legislation - it will be back again. The Texas AFL-CIO and its member unions will be working long hours for income equity, but because of the Republican majority, it will be a defensive battle. The Republicans have some very ambitious plans - most specifically, a new Texas Constitution.
Some agencies also are overdue for an overhaul.
The Texas Railroad Commission was formed to oversee the railroads, but the Federal Government took over that role. The TRC took up trucking, but the Feeds pre-empted that as well. The glory days of the TRC were regulating oil and natural gas production, but those days are long gone. The Texas Supreme Court also probably shouldn t be elected - we are electing second rate judges who are raising huge campaign contributions from people with cases before the court. It s too early to tell yet, but from the viewpoint of working people, the Republican proposal doesn t look too good.