Texas lawmakers have proposed a comprehensive state budget with multiple priorities. The initial state budget drafts filed by House and Senate leaders include spending billions of dollars on creating a school voucher-like program, cutting property taxes, increasing teacher pay, boosting water infrastructure, and continuing the state’s border security initiatives.
Both chambers have set aside $1 billion for education savings accounts, double the amount from two years ago, and $6.5 billion for border security. The proposed budgets also allocate nearly $5 billion for public school funding and $3.5 billion for property tax cuts. Lawmakers are looking to use the state’s projected $24 billion surplus in the next two-year budget cycle to address various priorities.
The budget drafts also include funding for energy and infrastructure projects, with $5 billion allocated to double the Texas Energy Fund and $2.5 billion for the Texas Water Fund. Additionally, there are plans to inject $2.5 billion into the state’s Broadband Development Office to expand internet access.
Healthcare spending remains a significant part of the budget, with both proposals allocating $3 billion to a new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute. The budgets also include funding for Medicaid enrollment improvements and early childhood intervention services.
Lawmakers are working to pass a balanced budget during the 140-day session, with both chambers showing alignment on key spending priorities. The budget drafts will need further review and approval before being finalized and sent to Governor Greg Abbott for signing.
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