The 86th Texas Legislature convened Jan. 8 as the partial shutdown of the federal government that began Dec. 22 enters a third week. As always, lawmakers’ priorities will be writing a two-year state budget and deciding how to fund it. In the 140 days of the regular session, they also will consider public education funding, property tax reform, health care, public safety, transportation, water and a host of other issues. After the oath of office is administered by Texas’ new Secretary of State David Whitley, the first order of business for the 150-member Texas House of Representatives will be to elect a ...