HB 3 might be dead.
The Senate failed to pass a motion to suspend, as Jackson voted with the 10 Ds. Apparently the Ds (or some of them, at least) are voting against HB 3 due to HB 2's provisions requiring that the overwhelming portion of tax revenue generated by the Sharp/Perry plan go solely to property tax reduction. Jackson allegedly voted against HB 3 because getting pinned with voting for the "largest tax increase in Texas history" won't do much for his run for Congress. Leaders are now in search of that elusive 21st vote - but who'll flip out of the 11?
Stay tuned.
Update: Statesman Story
No, it was Jackson, and he's holding as a firm "no" -- the commitment he made to Hotze to support his congressional bid.
Rs are trying to find a D arm to twist (other than Madla and Armbrister, of course). Word is they're concentrating on Van De Putte, always an easy sell-out. Next in line will be Lucio, whose arm is already in a cast.
I was told it was Williams...