Texas Senate Advances $13 Billion Spending Bill
AUSTIN — Cybersecurity, emergency response, and infrastructure projects are among the key proposals in a $13 billion spending bill advanced Tuesday by the Texas Senate. The bill, known as the “supplemental budget bill,” spends part of the remaining money from the state’s current tax collections on projects, funding gaps, and one-time investments to finish out the current budget cycle, which ends Aug. 31.
Understanding the Supplemental Budget Bill
The supplemental budget bill is a separate bill from the larger legislation that will fund the operations of state government for the next two years. According to Senate Finance Chair Joan Huffman, R-Houston, the bill’s sponsor, it “tackles immediate challenges facing our state with targeted, one-time funding, while strategically investing in innovation and Texas’s future.” Huffman also emphasized that while the bill includes essential funding items, it continues to maintain reserves to navigate any future economic uncertainties.
Key Proposals in the Bill
Some of the key proposals in the bill include:
- Water: $2.6 billion to the Texas Water Development Board for infrastructure projects and to draw down federal funds.
- Disaster: Nearly $700 million for disaster response, including $130.5 million for new emergency operations centers.
- Cybersecurity: $370 million to strengthen homeland security and cybersecurity infrastructure, and $723 million for information technology projects.
- Criminal Justice: $1.3 billion to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, including $566.4 million for operations, $301 million for dormitory construction, and $226.3 million for major repair and restoration projects including continuing air-conditioning.
- Film: $250 million for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, with more funds expected to be appropriated in the main budget bill for the next cycle.
- Fire: $257 million to the Texas A&M Forest Service for the purchase and operation of aircraft for wildfire suppression, and $44 million for the rural volunteer fire department assistance program.
- Juvenile Justice: $123 million to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, including $104 million for new facilities, $13.3 million to reimburse counties for juveniles awaiting transfer to state facilities, and $5.7 million for other projects.
- Foster Children: $82.6 million to the Department of Family and Protective Services to fill funding gaps, including those associated with children without placement and child protective services staff.
Next Steps for the Bill
The bill passed the Senate with no objection and now goes into a conference committee with the House to hammer out some differences in funding proposals. The state’s main appropriations bill, Senate Bill 1, spends more than $320 billion over the next two years. The House and Senate have reached tentative compromises on a number of funding items, and the chambers are expected to vote on that bill over the weekend. The session ends Monday, June 2.
Stay Informed
Conclusion
In conclusion, the $13 billion spending bill advanced by the Texas Senate is a significant step towards addressing the state’s immediate challenges and investing in its future. The bill’s proposals for cybersecurity, emergency response, and infrastructure projects are crucial for the state’s growth and development. As the bill moves forward, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the supplemental budget bill?
A: The supplemental budget bill is designed to spend part of the remaining money from the state’s current tax collections on projects, funding gaps
