Texas State Rep. Ron Reynolds on HB1

On Wednesday, Jan. 19, Chairman Pitts (R-Waxahachie) filed House Bill 1, the proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-2013. The released draft was a reality check on the highly anticipated, yet dismal financial condition facing Texas as a result of a $26.8 billion dollar shortfall ensuing from a structural deficit within the budgeting system. “It is clear now more than ever before that we need to identify new and stable revenue streams if we are to prevent such drastic shortfalls in the future. The introduced House budget does not take into consideration the population growth in our state.  As our population continues to grow, our resources will be spread even thinner,” Rep. Ron Reynolds (D- Fort Bend) commented.
The projected budget appropriates a combined $156.4 billion in State and Local funds, which is $31.1 billion less than the prior biennium, while the State General Revenue appropriation of $72.2 billion is $8.4 billion less than the previous two-year budget.
“This budget proposed by the State’s leadership underscores the uncertainty for the future of Texas’ working families, children, students, and senior citizens,” stated Reynolds. The current working draft proposes a 23 percent cut to public education, zero funding for some of the smaller community colleges, a reduction in healthcare and social services, cuts to higher education and research funding, and the elimination of the TEXAS Grants (the state’s primary financial aid program for new college students).