Sparked by strong business spending, Texas state sales tax revenue reached $4. 4 billion in September, marking an 11. 5% increase compared with the same month last year, Comptroller Don Huffines announced last week.

The September total is primarily based on economic activity and sales made in August.

What they're saying: "Sales tax collections remain above prior-year levels, giving lawmakers reason to keep property tax relief as the top priority," Huffines said in a statement.