News
BY HANNAH NORTON
Texas comptroller projects $24B surplus as legislative session begins
Put in perspective
State leaders laid out some of their goals for 2025 as the legislative session began Jan. 14. “Property taxpayers need relief. Our public schools need support. Our water infrastructure needs investment,” Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, told his colleagues. “These aren’t Republican issues or Democrat issues— they’re Texas issues.” Gov. Greg Abbott told senators he hoped they would “use your voice and use your vote” to tighten bail restrictions for people with prior convictions and pass a school voucher package. Abbott is expected to share his official legislative priorities during his State of the State address, which typically occurs in February during legisla- tive years.
Texas lawmakers returned to Austin on Jan. 14 for the 89th legislative session. The only thing legislators are constitutionally required to do during the 140-day session is pass a balanced budget consisting of state and federal funds, according to the House Research Organization. Lawmakers will have an estimated $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending as they write the 2026-27 state budget, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Jan. 13. This includes a $23.8 billion surplus, which Hegar said will be left over from the 2024-25 budget cycle ending Aug. 31. “Texas is in good financial shape,” Hegar said as he presented his biennial revenue estimate to state officials. “Thoughtful consideration of spending decisions, as always, will be crucial to ensure new and existing investments can be funded in the future, and that these investments focus on improving the lives of Texans.” In 2023, lawmakers adopted a $321 billion budget for the current biennium. They entered that session with a historic $32.7 billion surplus. In total, $362.2 billion will be available for the 2026-27 budget, Hegar estimated. This includes about $115 billion in federal funds, which must be spent on Medicaid and other federal programs. Lawmakers released their initial budget bills, Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1, Jan. 22. The Senate’s $332.9 billion proposal was filed by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, while Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood, filed the House’s $335.7 budget draft.
Funding lawmakers’ priorities Lawmakers appeared aligned on several major initiatives Jan. 22. They will iron out the details before passing the budget this spring.
Border security Budget writers agreed to use $6.5 billion to continue funding state law enforcement at the Texas-Mexico border. Property taxes Each chamber set aside over $6 billion to build on property tax cuts passed in 2023, although they proposed different approaches. Public schools Both drafts would raise public education funding by about $5 billion , which could include increases for teacher salaries. Water infrastructure The chambers agreed to use $2.5 billion to expand Texas’ water supplies and improve related infrastructure. Private education Each draft includes $1 billion for vouchers, which would give families public money to send their children to private schools.
One more thing
Hegar noted that if Texas were its own nation, it would be the world’s eighth- largest economy. He said legislators’ budget decisions have “kept Texas in a strong position relative to other states that exhibited less fiscal discipline” and urged them to continue spending the state’s money wisely. “Despite positive economic numbers, many of our residents are feeling the higher cost of groceries, housing and other basic necessities, and many are struggling to ensure a bright future for their children,” Hegar said Jan. 13.
SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
The more you buy The more you save SAVE $100 on every $1,000 you spend SALE ENDS RD DECEMBER 23 The more you buy The more you save 1324 E. Common St. New Braunfels (Next door to Buttermilk Café) 830-626-0051 1324 E. Common St. New Braunfels (Next door to Buttermilk Café) 830-626-0051 SAVE $100 on every $1,000 SALE ENDS DECEMBER 23 The more you save SAVE $100 on every $1,000 you spend SALE ENDS RD DECEMBER 23 1324 E. Common St. New Braunfels (Next door to Buttermilk Café) 830-6 Get a FREE Buzzaround GT scooter when you buy a Golden Reclining Lift Chair with Brisa & Twilight! See store for details. Promotions cannot be combined. Only one discount allowed. Must mention this ad. Offer expires 4/30/25
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook