Combs: Clean Energy is Good for Texas, Not Penalizing Laws
from The Austin American-Statesman
As Texans swelter this summer, we are turning up our air conditioning and hitting the road for vacation. These seasonal routines - as well as many aspects of daily life - would become more expensive because of proposals pending in Washington. The cap-and-trade provisions of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 will have a significant impact on Texas families, businesses and consumers. More

Hutchison Switches Campaign Managers
from The Dallas Morning News
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison switched campaign managers on Monday, just weeks before she is expected to formally announce that she is challenging Rick Perry in the Republican primary for governor. Campaign officials said former leader Rick Wiley is leaving because a recent health problem requires that he reduce the high stress and avoid the hectic pace of managing a large campaign. More

Texas Leads the Nation in Homebuilding
from The Dallas Morning News
Texas cities continue to lead the nation in homebuilding, even in the face of huge construction cutbacks. Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth are the top markets in the country for building permits for single-family homes, based on numbers for the 12-month period ending in May. More

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Increase in Tarrant County Taxable Property Values Smallest in 15 Years
from The Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Tarrant County’s net taxable property values increased the smallest amount in 15 years, igniting concern among many local government officials as they prepare their budgets for next year. The data shows a 2 percent increase in the net taxable value, compared with year-after-year increases ranging from 6 to 11 percent since 1994. Unless local governments boost their tax rates, it could mean less money to spend. More

Buzz Over Perry's States' Rights Views Continues
from The The Fort Worth Star-Telegram Politex Blog
Reaction to Gov. Rick Perry's move to raise the spector of a showdown with Congress and the Obama administration over the right of states to manage their own health care programs continues to generate headlines on political blogs nationwide. More

El Paso Data Show Home Sales Declines, Some Good Market News
from El Paso Times
Home sales continued to decrease in El Paso in the first half of the year, as they have in much of the nation. El Paso home prices, after several years of increases and remaining flat last year, also declined in the first half of the year. More

Countrywide Customers to Get Claim Forms
from The Austin Business Journal
Eligible customers of Countrywide Financial Corp. in Texas will be getting forms in the coming days to claim a share of the $7.46 million the company is paying as part of an agreement with the state attorney general's office. Calabasas, Calif.-based Countrywide is making restitution to customers across Texas who the company approved for subprime mortgages, despite the fact that they did not qualify. More

Minimum Wage Increase Takes Effect
from El Paso Times
The higher wage is being welcomed by employees who say they need the money to make ends meet, but some business owners say the change will hurt their bottom line, as Texas is already in the midst of a recession. Some fear the costs will be passed on to customers, or employees will see their hours cut as businesses find ways to stay profitable. More

Get the latest Texas Association of Builders news as well as information affecting the building industry by visiting www.TexasBuilders.org. For information about Education, Exhibits and Special Events happening at the 2009 Sunbelt Builders Show™, visit www.SunbeltBuildersShow.com.