State Rep. Walle statement on State Budget
AUSTIN – The initial draft of the Texas state budget has been released for fiscal years 2024/2025. The draft leaves more than $40 billion additional dollars in general revenue unspent. Contingent on how the various spending limits end up and on the different funding mechanisms used, legislators will have the opportunity to allocate billions of surplus dollars by the end of this Legislative Session.
Rep. Armando Walle (HD 140), who currently serves as the chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Articles VI, VII & VIII and who also sits on the Legislative Budget Board, released the following statement in response.
“Our state’s economy is thriving right now. With the state’s general operating budget covered in this initial draft, legislators will now need to work out how to spend this unprecedented and historic surplus of dollars.
“This money came from the people of Texas, and should be invested back into our communities in meaningful ways that bring about lasting change. This session, I will fight for these dollars to go to creating good jobs, improving our education system — not least by increasing teacher pay — and to expanding access to life-saving health care.
“I look forward to continuing my work with Speaker Dade Phelan, Chairman Greg Bonnen and all of my colleagues over the next few months to use this surplus to foster opportunities for every Texan.”