"This base budget is a starting point, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop a balanced budget that addresses our needs and strengthens our economy. While we will need to prioritize and make efficient use of our resources, I am confident we can meet the challenges ahead," Senator Nelson, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said.
The Texas Comptroller issued his Biennial Revenue Estimate on January 9, 2017, indicating that the Legislature will have $104.9 billion available for the FY 18-19 budget. SB 1 allocates $103.6 billion, including additional resources for transportation, Child Protective Services and other priorities.
SB 1:
Balancing the state's needs against available revenue, SB 1 eliminates one-time expenditures from the previous budget; includes many agency recommendations for 4% savings; reduces funding for non-educational higher education initiatives; and calls for a 1.5% across-the-board budget reduction, exempting the Foundation School Program.
With declining oil revenue and growing needs, the Legislature faces several critical budget decisions this session, including:
“We have difficult decisions to make this session, and we will work tirelessly to address the needs of the state in a responsible manner,” Senator Nelson said.
In crafting the base budget, 16 agencies underwent strategic fiscal review – a modified form of zero-based budgeting. In an effort to improve transparency, five agency budgets are presented in a program-based format, and members will receive a program-based version of SB 1 in its entirety. For more information on how the budget process works, visit http://www.senate.texas.gov/_assets/srcpub/85th_Budget_101.pdf
State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, today announced $10 million in funds from the General Appropriations Act, SB 1,will be distributed to a local nonprofit, Ranch Hands Rescue, and dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking.
Read MoreTexas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, announced today that she will not seek re-election in 2022.
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