Columns & Opinions

As the new 2025 year begins, focus begins to shift towards Austin as the Texas Legislature is scheduled to begin their 89th Legislative Session. The Texas Legislature meets in odd numbered years for 140 days. Over ten thousand separate pieces of legislation are expected to be filed during upcoming session with prefiling having already begun on November 12th. While propositions to address school funding, infrastructure funding, daylight savings time, and tax policy will be discussed, the only thing the legislature is constitutionally bound to accomplish is to pass a balanced budget by the deadline. If you are interested in following along, I encourage you to check out https://capitol.texas.gov/ where you can review legislation as it makes its way through the legislative process.

Once Christmas has passed, the world looks to a new year. Many wonder what the new year will bring while planning their own ways of ringing in 2025. Some will mark the new year quietly while others will celebrate with friends and family. The new year will see many important events, as with any other year. New laws will take effect, new politicians will be sworn into office, and new elections take place in other countries. Important discoveries will be made, scandals will erupts, triumphs and tragedies alike will be seen. But what these events will be is yet unknown. On New Year’s Eve, the world will pause to reflect on one eventful year and look ahead to another.

The words’ meanings have changed over time—and there are a few distinctions between the places themselves.