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Overview of the Senate Budget Proposal (CSHB 1) for 2012-13

  

Author:
Eva DeLuna Castro /(512) 320-0222 x 103

May 3, 2011

Summary Chart Comparing Senate and House Budgets >>  
Overview of the Senate Budget Proposal (CSHB 1) for 2012-13 >>  

The Senate Finance Committee (SFC) proposed budget for 2012-13 would reduce All Funds and General Revenue support for state services by 5% compared to 2010-11 (after including a $2 billion delayed Foundation School Program payment and $3 billion from the Rainy Day Fund). In a state that is already near the bottom in state spending per resident, the implications of these reductions are even worse when Texas's growing population and rising health care costs are taken into account. In "current services" terms, the SFC budget proposes General Revenue cuts of 13% overall, and would leave billions of federal dollars for health care and other social services unmatched.

This analysis outlines the major cuts proposed in the general appropriations act for 2012-13 as voted out of Senate Finance. Instead of relying so heavily on cuts, the Senate needs to take a more balanced approach that spends the entire Rainy Day Fund and adds more revenue.