Gov. Greg Abbott unveils Texas housing and health cost cuts

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, campaigning for his fourth term, toured the state to promote his “Keep Texas Affordable” agenda. In Socorro, near El Paso, he announced measures to speed housing construction, including allowing private inspectors from the start of projects, requiring municipalities to issue occupancy permits within ten days, and imposing sales‑tax revenue penalties on cities that violate the rules. The plan also lets developers use pre‑approved designs and permits homeowners to add accessory dwelling units or other structures on their property.

At events in Round Rock and the border town of Mission, Abbott introduced a new “Essential Benefits Health Insurance Plan” that would cap copays for certain medicines and aim to lower premiums by as much as 20 %. He said the health‑insurance proposal would give Texas employers a more affordable option for covering essential health needs. Abbott pledged to work with the Texas Legislature to enact these reforms as part of his broader effort to reduce housing, property‑tax and health‑care costs for Texans ahead of the midterm elections.