Over the course of several decades, more than one dozen local retirement systems have successfully petitioned the Legislature to establish some or all of their pension plans in state law. Commonly codified plan elements include: contribution rates, benefit levels, and board composition. By securing their provisions in state law, this select group of state-governed systems has erected a major obstacle to community-driven reform and effectively cemented a series of unsustainable practices.
Economy
Sen. Tan Parker: Texas Must Win the “Space Race” for AI
State Sen. Tan Parker used a recent appearance on The Arena with Greg Sindelar to argue that Texas is entering a decisive period—one in which cyber defense, artificial intelligence, financial markets, transportation and traditional family values will determine whether the state continues to lead the country. Parker framed public service as “ministry” and said his...
May 5, 2026