Budget Update!

Appropriations Update

The approved budget and supplemental budget are up for consideration before the full House of Representatives this Thursday, April 6th. Over 400 amendments were pre-filed and will be debated. We expect to be on the floor until the early hours on Friday – possibly working through amendments and amendments to the amendment for over 18 consecutive hours. For every amendment that someone puts on the budget, it will take money from somewhere/someone else. We have a “put and take” rule. This means if you try to appropriate more money or additional funding, you have to cut from somewhere else in the budget.

Please pray for members to be alert, to have wisdom and to be courteous as we deliberate very serious issues that effect all Texans.

Summary of House Budget

The House has exercised leadership in crafting a conservative, responsible budget that spends $106.8 billion in available revenue. Despite revenue challenges, and very significant population and inflation growth, the House biennium budget is $1 billion less than the current budget.

Despite the very real budget cuts, the House budget still makes significant investments in critical priorities. Our proposal includes nearly $1.5 billion in new money for public education. We are addressing the foster care crisis in Texas by investing $433 million of additional funds to child protective services. In addition, the House is dedicating $62.6 million in new funds to eliminate waiting lists for community mental health services across the state and maintains our commitment to border security funding. The house budget also proposes fully funding health care for retired teachers.

The House budget is fully transparent and protects the state’s investment in transportation while maintaining our long-standing commitment to using dedicated funds for their rightful purpose.

After the budget passes this week, it will then go to conference committee where members serving on that committee will debate the nuances between the House and Senate version of the budget for a final 2018-19 appropriations to be approved by Governor Abbott.

For a more detailed look at the budget, click here.

Visitors to Texas Capitol

Israeli Defense Force Reserve Members Traveling the US to speak on college campuses to educate young leaders about true nature of the conflict and attacks on Israel

Wise County retired teachers

Swearing in Bob Glenn, EVP of PlainsCapital Bank in Weatherford to Gubernatorial Appointment on Texas House Floor.