# Texas' Historical Surplus Opportunity | Texas Political Spotlight | USLege > Texas lawmakers are entering the 2025 legislative session with a $20 billion surplus, offering an unprecedented chance to tackle critical needs like… Canonical: https://www.uslege.ai/news/texas-political-spotlight-texas-historical-surplus-opportunity --- [News](/news)/[The Political Spotlight](/newsletters) Newsletter # Texas' Historical Surplus Opportunity | Texas Political Spotlight Texas' Historical Surplus Opportunity Texas Political Spotlight December 16, 2024 This is the archive excerpt. The complete issue, with every story in full, lives on The Political Spotlight. [Read the full issue](https://uslege.beehiiv.com/p/texas-political-spotlight) [Subscribe free](https://uslege.beehiiv.com/) **Welcome back, friends** Texas lawmakers are entering the 2025 legislative session with a $20 billion surplus, offering an unprecedented chance to tackle critical needs like infrastructure, education, and water systems. With opportunities to invest in transformative, long-term solutions, the decisions made could shape Texas' future growth for generations. ## Today’s Insights: - Texas’ Historical Surplus Opportunity - New Higher Ed Leader Aims to Boost Access and Workforce Readiness in Texas - SpaceX Seeking to Incorporate Its Texas Headquarters Into Its Own City ## Texas’ Historical Surplus Opportunity Texas lawmakers will enter the 89th legislative session in January 2025 with an estimated $20 billion in unspent funds, creating a unique opportunity to address a range of critical needs. Comptroller Glenn Hegar highlighted the state’s strong economy, driven largely by sales tax revenues, and stressed the importance of using the surplus to tackle pressing issues like infrastructure, public education, and water systems. Lawmakers are also expected to revisit funding for public education, with a dedicated [$4.5 billion](https://www.texastribune.org/2023/04/26/texas-house-school-finance/?utm_source=www.txlege.news&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=texas-political-spotlight&_bhlid=d139414a292ee414d18069ff74e0729b20053a35#:~:text=%E2%80%9CHouse%20Bill%20100%20is%20a,greater%20predictability%2C%E2%80%9D%20King%20said.) set aside in 2023 for teacher pay raises and school improvements. _“This is a unique opportunity that we won't have again, to set up some kind of investment fund, like the permanent school fund, like the \[state\] highway fund, set something up that would be ongoing in perpetuity to help us fund that infrastructure,”_ _\- Rep. Donna Howard_ During the last legislative session, lawmakers approved a $321 billion biennial budget. Looking ahead, allocating the current surplus could face additional complexities, particularly with potential changes in the House Appropriations Committee under a new Speaker. This shift could influence how the surplus aligns with legislative priorities. ## **New Higher Ed Leader Aims to Boost Access and Workforce Readiness in Texas** Wynn Rosser, a rural East Texan with deep ties to his community, will lead Texas' higher education agency starting in the new year. As commissioner, he will oversee the Coordinating Board’s $2.9 billion budget, which funds financial aid programs and implements the state's vision for higher education. Rosser [emphasized](https://riograndeguardian.com/farias-rosser-brings-vision-and-experience-to-texas-higher-educating-coordinating-board/?utm_source=www.txlege.news&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=texas-political-spotlight&_bhlid=870ab4c328df189ecd008600fb3bc0606cc0f639) the importance of increasing access to postsecondary education, particularly for low-income Texans, by expanding financial aid and emphasizing credentials like associate degrees and certificates. He plans to build on the state’s [60x30 plan](https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/agency-publication/miscellaneous/thecb-60x30-strategic-plan/?utm_source=www.txlege.news&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=texas-political-spotlight&_bhlid=a97569e5c8b9bf45a67be9ecf7797bc7bb314715), which aims to ensure 60% of Texans aged 25-34 have a postsecondary credential by 2030, with a focus on supporting adult learners and rural students. Rosser also advocates for helping students understand the cost and value of degrees early, enabling them to plan for career success. Additionally, he intends to expand research capabilities at Texas universities to attract grants, industry partners, and top talent. Rosser takes the helm at a critical time when the state is preparing its workforce for future demands and investing in higher education’s role in economic growth. ## **SpaceX Seeking to Incorporate Its Texas Headquarters Into Its Own City** SpaceX is working to incorporate its South Texas headquarters, Starbase, into an official city to streamline infrastructure development and support its goal of making the site a “Gateway to Mars.” Employees living at the remote site have petitioned for a special election to determine incorporation, which would transfer management of certain functions like utilities and schooling to a public body. Spread across undeveloped land near the Gulf of Mexico, Starbase houses launch pads, offices, and temporary housing for employees, with hundreds more waiting to relocate. SpaceX claims the move will enhance living conditions and support the site's expansion, though local officials and environmental groups have raised concerns about impacts on the surrounding ecosystem. If successful, Starbase would follow historical examples of company-founded cities like Sugar Land, once centered around the Imperial Sugar Company. We hope you enjoyed today’s read! Stay connected with TXLege News on [X](https://x.com/TXLege_?utm_source=www.txlege.news&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=texas-political-spotlight&_bhlid=ec055fdcee6c2b114a19ce72719c49d56bf23268) and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/txlege/?utm_source=www.txlege.news&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=texas-political-spotlight&_bhlid=d306b9abb7e16a120af0ebcac6e1a2500631f35f)! > 🚨 Bills & Business Podcast: Hamer Time! Insights from Glenn Hamer on Texas Business and Trade 🚨 > > This episode of Bills & Business, co-hosted by Laura Davis, Co-Founder of USLege, features an enlightening conversation with Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of the Texas Association… [pic.twitter.com/ovDK9T5E8E](https://t.co/ovDK9T5E8E) > > — USLege (@USLege\_ai) [December 12, 2024](https://twitter.com/USLege_ai/status/1867237986934374682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Read the complete issue The Political Spotlight is free and weekly. Get the next one in your inbox. 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