Monday, March 18 marks the halfway point of the 86th Texas Legislature—a session that began with unprecedented accord among leadership and high hopes for some relief from the skyrocketing property tax burden that drives too many Texans from their homes and businesses each year.

But midway through, there’s little sign of assured tax reform, and none at all of permanent tax relief.

The Legislature still has time to achieve both of these goals—if it will stand up to the lobbyists of the local governments (paid for with taxpayer funds) who want to preserve their ability to raise their revenues with little accountability.