Dear Friends,
You can tell the Legislature is in full swing. Last week, on Wednesday, I had a 20-hour day, and then on Friday, we worked for 16 hours on the next biennial budget.
Beginning last Friday, and concluding last night (Sunday evening), the Texas House of Representatives passedHouse Bill 1, the House's version of a proposed budget for the state's fiscal period beginning on September 1, 2011 and ending on August 31, 2013.
HB 1 sets a proposed budget for the state that: - Is within available revenue,
- Creates no new taxes, and
- Promotes the principles of limited government.
The bill passed on both second and third readings with a vote of 98 in favor, and 49 opposed, 2 present, not voting, and 1 excused absence. I voted in favor of the bill.
Many of you have contacted me with your concerns over the severe cuts in the budget. This proposed budget would cut every aspect of state government.
The fact is - Texas is constitutionally bound to operate with a balanced budget. With the downturn in the economy, there are limited resources to allocate (something, frankly, by which I believe Congress should also be bound).
The bill the Texas House passed would decrease the state's spending by about $23 billion, or 12.3% of all funds. (Compare this to what, I believe, the federal government is considering - a $30 billion cut in spending.)
General revenue funding (which comes mostly from state taxes and fees) would fall $4.6 billion, or 5.2% from the current fiscal year's budget.
The Texas Legislature must strike a careful balancebetween living within our means, and funding vital services like public education and other essential services for Texas' most vulnerable citizens, needed transportation infrastructure, etc.
Please understand that the passage of HB 1 is only a starting point. This is not the final product. This is thebeginning of a process that will, undoubtedly, change. The budget will "evolve" as the House and the Senate go to "conference" to resolve the differences between their two different versions of the budget.
I am keenly aware that there is a human face behind each of the difficult decisions we must make. As the budget works its way through the legislative process, we will continue to work on finding ways to reduce the cuts to our most essential and important state services - such as public education.
In the meantime, I want to continue to hear from you. I welcome and need your input.
On the state's budget . . . stay tuned.
Please remember the members of the Texas Legislature in your prayers - not only that we will be guided to make sound decisions for the people of our beloved state, but also for Rep. Barbara Nash (R-Arlington) whose sister passed away yesterday, and Rep. Alma Allen (D-Houston) who buried her husband of 54 years on Saturday.
Finally, please look for and respond to the survey I'll be sending you regarding HB 750 - "Campus Carry." I would sincerely appreciate having your opinion on this matter.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you in the Texas House! Vicki
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