Texas House and Senate budget writers have struck a deal on the state’s $321.3 billion two-year spending plan. The 1,028-page compromise plan, which is expected to get a final vote today, consists of investing unprecedented amounts of money into tax cuts, mental health needs, state parks, colleges and universities, the state’s energy grid, plus broadband and water infrastructure.
Here’s a peek at just some of the proposed appropriations
- The House and the Senate agreed to spend $17.6 billion on property tax relief. However, how lawmakers intend to deploy the money remains to be seen.
- Pay raises for teachers and other education employees are in flux — held hostage by a fight over private school vouchers.
- Budget writers decline to fund a pay increase for Texas’ 123,000 retired state employees. How much retired teachers will get is unclear as lawmakers have not struck a deal.
- The budget compromise includes $1.5 billion for a broadband infrastructure fund, however, the measure relies on voters to approve it in the November constitutional election.
Legislators allocated $140 million over the next two years to the Alternatives to Abortion program in the first session following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The program sends funding to nonprofits that provide services to pregnant Texans and parents. It has been criticized over the years for its lack of accountability.