Abbott Expresses Caution on High-Speed Rail

WACO — Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday expressed caution about high-speed rail in Texas, warning that any investment in transportation must not be a "money-losing proposition."

It was one of several notable topics that came up during a wide-ranging Q-and-A with the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, where Abbott also vouched for the continuation of the Texas Enterprise Fund and provided a brief preview of the next legislative session.

"Because of the price of oil, we’re dealing with a little bit tighter budget, and so we just need to be responsible budget-wise," Abbott said. "Even though we are at a tighter budget ... we still want to work on cutting the margins tax even more. We need to find ways to reduce property taxes, about we've heard plenty of complaints."

Last week, Comptroller Glenn Hegar projected that lawmakers would have $1 billon less to work with next session because of the faltering oil and gas industry. State leaders, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus, have also promised to look at providing tax relief despite the uncertain outlook.

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2016/09/15/abbott-expresses-caution-high-speed-rail/