7 emergency issues for Texas lawmakers to focus on, said Gov. Greg Abbott during State of the State Address

UPDATE: Bail reform, teacher pay, school choice and property tax relief among the top emergency issues Governor Abbott cited during his State of the State Address.

Issues he says he wants legislators to focus on and pass. Property taxes ranked high on his list of priorities.

Last session, we slashed your property taxes. But for many Texans, those cuts were wiped out by local taxing authorities that hiked your property taxes even more. That must end this session.

Abbott said he wants at least $10 billion in new property tax relief and suggested a ban on loopholes that allow increases in property taxes. He said the only way a taxing entity should raise taxes is if they secure a two-thirds approval by voters.

To address the increase in cybersecurity threats Abbott said the creation of the Texas Cyber Command in partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio would "protect the state from hackers and hostile foreign actors".

On the issue of bail reform, Abbott stated "lawmakers must choose - support the safety of the cities they represent, or the criminals who kill them".

He added eliminating parole for those convicted of child trafficking would help ensure the safety of the communities in the state. Denying bail to those charged with capital murder and other violent crimes while also denying bail to undocumented immigrants that are arrested and considered a flight risk are part of the constitutional amendment the governor said he would work with legislators on.

School choice has been one of the goals of Abbott's administration. In his address he presented three pillars the state need in order to be No. 1 in education. Empowering parents by allowing them to choose the school that best suits their student's needs.

The second pillar is excellent teachers and to achieve that level, Abbott said the way is to fund and train teachers, starting by giving educators a pay raise in this session.

Additionally, we must reward the best teachers by putting them on a path to earn a six-figure salary. More than 25,000 teachers are already on that path. We must expand that merit program to every school district.

The third pillar, he explained, is exceptional academics focused on the fundamentals, ensuring students are prepared for college and "a good-paying career".

Life-changing career training is also an emergency item. The governor said expanding training in areas that are in high demand like careers in welding, plumbing, and electrical work is crucial.

As water supplies decrease across the state, population and industry increase, the governor said now is the time for a Texas-size investment in water. Asking the legislature to make a one-time "largest investment" and dedicate $1 billion a year for the next decade in innovative water projects, repair existing pipelines which would equal saving billions of gallons of water, and invest in long-term sustainable water infrastructure.

AUSTIN, Texas (KVIA) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott is expected to outline his priorities for the 89th Legislature Sunday at 4 p.m. 

Abbott is will also discuss the actions he says "the state must take to build a stronger Texas".