MRT 8/7/25 (free): Massive Security Costs for Hidalgo // TX Senate Approves Bill to Limit City, County Property Tax Revenue // Dallas Looking at Cuts to Close $36.5M Shortfall // RIP J. Bruce Bugg, Jr

MustReadTexas.com – @MustReadTexas
BY: @MattMackowiak 

THURSDAY | 8/7/205

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• TOP NEWS  

“Harris County spent $900K on Lina Hidalgo's security detail, more than all commissioners combined,” Houston Chronicle's John Lomax V -- "Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo spent more on security in 2024 than every other member of Commissioners Court combined, according to records obtained by the Houston Chronicle.

Hidalgo spent $903,000 for security personnel — more than half the amount budgeted for all five members of Commissioners Court. All four members of the court's Democratic super majority were allotted six-figure security budgets, records indicated. Commissioner Tom Ramsey, the lone Republican, was the sole member whose office did not spend any funds on personal security in 2024.

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Hidlago's office said the expense is necessary in today's political climate.

“We have a duty of care to elected officials, to staff, to the public and to the broader community that would bear the consequences if something were to happen. While we do not disclose active threats or operational details for safety reasons, the threat of political violence is real in today’s climate," a spokesperson for Hidalgo's office said in a statement. "Given Judge Hidalgo’s national profile and high public visibility, she uses security detail for the protection of her and her staff. When it comes to safety and security, the cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of prevention."

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The Chronicle reached out to the Harris County Sheriff's Office for information regarding threats made against Hidalgo and other officials, but a representative directed the request to the Precinct 1 Constable's Office, which did not respond.

Ramsey said in a statement that he enjoyed the same protection from area law enforcement that a typical Harris County resident received, and that outside of extraordinary circumstances he did not believe it was a necessity.

"Extra security, in my opinion, is something that is on an 'as needed basis' and in the situations I’m aware of is not needed," the statement read. "It costs taxpayers more and keeps us from hiring officers who take care of all of us."

A spokesperson for Commissioner Adrian Garcia said he views his security details as a necessary precaution that he employs while in Harris County to ensure the safety of himself and his staff." Hou Chron ($)

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• #TXLEGE  

“Texas Senate OKs stricter limits on city, county property tax revenue” Texas Tribune

• STATE GOVERNMENT  

“Bruce Bugg, banker and chair of state transportation agency, has died” SAEN ($)

• LOCAL GOVERNMENT  

“Dallas looks at cutting jobs, closing pools to balance next year’s budget” DMN ($)

“Houston ISD is aiming for up to 10 school closures, plans to build $180M career center, Miles says” Hou Chron ($)

“Mayor wants to pause Project Marvel plans — but City Council majority resists” SAEN ($)

Greg Brockhouse guest column: “San Antonio must stand strong in negotiations with the Spurs” SAEN ($)

• TEXANS IN DC  

“John Cornyn says FBI has granted his request to help track down Texas House Democrats” AAS ($)

• BUSINESS NEWS  

“D-FW real estate giants sell one of country’s largest ranches, last priced at $115M” DMN ($)

• NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE 

> TX TRIB: "Abbott’s bid to expel the House Democratic leader goes to a court filled with his appointees" TX TRIB

> HOU CHRON: "Texas wants to tighten RV park safety rules after Kerr County flood deaths" HOU CHRON

> HOU CHRON: "Falkenberg: Democrats fleeing redistricting didn’t abandon us. Abbott did." HOU CHRON

> HOU CHRON: "IRS decision to share data with ICE could cost Texas billions in tax revenue" HOU CHRON

> SA REPORT: "New maps could make San Antonio delegation more red than blue" SA REPORT

> SAEN: "Texas House Democrats evacuated from hotel in Illinois after bomb threat" SAEN

> WACO TRIB: "Texas governor asks court to remove House Democratic leader from office over walkout" WACO TRIB

> THE TEXAN: "Paxton Launches Investigation Into Beto O’Rourke Organization for Alleged Bribery of ‘Runaway’ Democratic Lawmakers" THE TEXAN

> THE TEXAN: "Texas Senate Proceeds With Redistricting, Other Special Session Items Amid Quorum Break" THE TEXAN

> THE TEXAN: "Paxton Launches Investigation Into Beto O’Rourke Organization for Alleged Bribery of ‘Runaway’ Democrat Lawmakers" THE TEXAN

> COMMUNITY IMPACT: "Texas House committee discusses flood disaster planning bills amid quorum break" COMMUNITY IMPACT

> THE TEXAN: "Texas House Democrats' Quorum Bust Presents Unprecedented Legal Battle" THE TEXAN

> THE TEXAN: "REDACTED #072: The Changing Nature of Contentious Words" THE TEXAN

> EP TIMES: "Gov. Greg Abbott targets El Paso Rep. Vince Perez in Texas redistricting arrest push" EP TIMES

> EP TIMES: "ICE detention facility at Fort Bliss opens Aug. 17 under Trump-era executive order" EP TIMES

> KXAN: "Law scholars say Gov. Abbott’s bid to oust Rep. Wu is unprecedented, lacks legal basis" KXAN

> THE TEXAN: "Tarrant County Votes to Eliminate Human Services Department" THE TEXAN

> HOU CHRON: "Texas DPS director’s son is still an active trooper weeks after injuring bystander in 101 mph crash" HOU CHRON

> FWST: "19-year-old, teen die in motorcycle crash, Texas cops say. ‘So much life ahead’" FWST

> HOU CHRON: "Is a Caribbean hurricane coming? Here's why Texas can't be sure" HOU CHRON

> FWST: "15 suspects charged in $2.9M money laundering scheme, Texas officials say" FWST

> THE TEXAN: "Tarrant County Moves to Dismiss Lawsuit Against Its Precinct Redistricting Map" THE TEXAN

> FWST: "Parker County crash leaves 2 dead, 2 critically injured, Texas DPS says" FWST

> FWST: "3 Fort Worth restaurants closed; inspections find dirty toilet, rodents, roaches" FWST

> FWST: "61-year-old inmate dies after medical emergency in Tarrant County Jail" FWST

> MY RGV: "Mission man admits to murder of woman during fight with boyfriend" MY RGV

> SA REPORT: "Save some money this weekend with Texas’ tax-free holiday on back-to-school gear" SA REPORT

> COMMUNITY IMPACT: "Fort Bend ISD to offer competitive incentives aimed at recruiting bilingual teachers" COMMUNITY IMPACT

> KXAN: "LIVE: Kristen’s Classroom: Historic August hurricanes" KXAN

• EXTRA POINTS 

Last night's Texas sports scores:
> MLB: New York (Y) 3, Texas 2
> MLB: Miami 6, Houston 4

Tonight's Texas sports schedule:
None.

Tomorrow's Texas sports schedule:
> 6:05pm: MLB: Houston at New York (Y)
> 6:30pm: WNBA: New York at Dallas (ION)
> 7:05pm: MLB: Philadelphia at Texas

HOUSTON ASTROS: "Marlins hold off late Astros rally to avoid sweep" Reuters

TEXAS RANGERS: "The Garcia problem: Struggles of Texas Rangers’ key pieces prove costly in loss to Yankees" DMN ($)

DALLAS COWBOYS: "Schottenheimer, Cowboys coaches voice displeasure with performance in scrimmage vs. Rams" DMN ($)

HOUSTON TEXANS: "Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffers leg injury at training camp" Hou Chron ($)