House Embarks On State Budget Debate

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – State House members plunged into lengthy debate today on a proposed $150 billion state budget.

The proposal includes a spending increase over the previous two-year plan, with most of the extra money going to education. The proposal includes $72.5(B) billion in state general revenue. That’s an increase of slightly more than ten percent over the previous two years.

The overall budget includes state money and federal money allotted to Texas. Education, followed by health and human services spending, account for the largest portions of the proposed budget.

Approving a state budget is the only thing the Legislature must do in its regular session, which ends May 28th. Once the House votes on its proposed budget, the Senate will have its say on the spending plan.

Any differences between the two chambers’ versions would then be up for negotiation by conferees.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) AP-NY-03-29-07 1121EDT