Senator Nelson's SB 500 Passes in Texas Senate

AUSTIN – The Texas Senate today approved SB 500, the supplemental budget, authored by Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, covering Harvey, the Medicaid shortfall and other critical needs for the state.

"The supplemental budget provides funding for some of the Legislature's key priorities - Hurricane Harvey relief, school safety and healthcare needs. It provides significant resources to improve the state's flood control infrastructure and helps communities along the Gulf Coast rebuild," Senator Nelson said. "Because the budget we passed was essentially flat, Senate Bill 500 keeps our current biennial budget well within the constitutional spending limit."

SB 500 provides $6 billion in state dollars to cover supplemental needs, including:

• more than $3 billion for Harvey-related expenses;
• $2.1 billion to address the Medicaid shortfall;
• $100 million for school safety, with an amendment that gives districts greater flexibility on the type of safety equipment they can buy;
• $300 million to continue the Legislature's commitment to improve state hospital facilities;
• $542 million to address pension liabilities for the Teacher Retirement System and provide retired teachers a 13th check up to $500;
• $211 million to pay obligations of the Texas Tomorrow Fund;
• $160 million to address the Correctional Managed Health Care shortfall; and
• $100 million to refill the Governor's Disaster Fund to help rebuild from natural disasters.

Out of the $6 billion, $4.3 billion comes out of the Economic Stabilization Fund. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

SENATOR JANE NELSON represents District 12, including portions of Tarrant and Denton Counties. She is Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the highest-ranking Republican in the Texas Senate.

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