Gov. Greg Abbott unveils 7 emergency issues for Texas lawmakers to tackle [Video]

KAREN BROOKS HARPER

AND NOLAN D. MCCASKILLThe Texas Tribune

Revealing his top priorities for the Texas Legislature, Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday he wants lawmakers to focus on subsidizing private school tuition, finding new sources of water, cutting property taxes, limiting bail for violent offenses and beefing up the state’s electric grid, school safety and cybersecurity systems.

“Texas is the blueprint for the future of America,” Abbott said during his biennial State of the State address.

Abbott delivered his televised speech before a crowd of about 800 at Arnold Oil Supply, a family owned Austin company.

Abbott laid out seven emergency items — bills he wants to see passed as soon as possible — for Texas lawmakers to consider as they begin the fourth week of their 140-day regular session.

Designating the bills as emergency items means lawmakers can pass them in the first 60 days of the legislative session, when the Texas Constitution limits action that can be …