Texas Legislature Passes Comprehensive $338 Billion Budget
AUSTIN — The Texas Legislature has finalized a significant $338 billion budget that outlines the state’s financial priorities for the upcoming cycle, covering September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027. Major highlights include property tax relief for homeowners, pay raises for teachers, and funding for private school tuition. "This is a very responsible budget that meets the needs of our rapidly growing state," stated House Appropriations Chair Greg Bonnen.
The budget allocates $150 billion in state tax spending and $100 billion in federal funds, as it heads to the Texas Comptroller for certification before being presented to Governor Greg Abbott, who can veto items until June 22. This General Appropriations Act is a culmination of extensive planning and public testimony aimed at serving Texas’ 30 million residents.
Key funding provisions include $51 billion for property tax cuts, $3.6 billion for border security, and $10.5 billion for health care advancements, including research on dementia and PTSD. The budget also earmarks $8.5 billion for public education enhancements, featuring robust pay raises for teachers, and it introduces a $1 billion voucher-like program for private school education, a priority pushed by Abbott.
Additionally, the budget addresses critical infrastructure needs with substantial investments into the Texas Energy Fund, highway maintenance, and flood control projects. It enhances support for vulnerable populations by funding mobile youth crisis teams and improving care facilities for medically complex foster children.
Despite various political perspectives, lawmakers agree that the budget is poised to secure Texas’ economic prosperity. "It’s a responsible budget," said Rep. Donna Howard, emphasizing the collaborative effort to meet the state’s urgent needs without excessive future burdens.
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