Post by Logan on Jul 2, 2016 17:44:28 GMT -6
Texas GOP leaders ask state agencies to propose 4 percent budget cuts
AUSTIN -- State leaders, bracing for a tough budget next session, asked state agencies late Thursday to trim 4 percent from proposed spending for the next two-year budget cycle.
In a somewhat revealing indication of their priorities for next year's legislative session, the leaders added Child Protective Services, mental health programs and border security to a list of programs that every two years at this time they pronounce exempt from initial cuts.
As in the past, that list of programs includes basic state aid to public schools, Medicaid, foster care, bond payments and state employee pensions. For those, departments can ask for the same funding they'll have in the fiscal year that begins Sept. 1 -- and possibly more in some instances, if necessary to keep up with growing caseloads and payrolls.
But the overall theme of the budget instructions letter signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, was austerity.
Read more: www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/headlines/20160630-texas-gop-leaders-ask-state-agencies-to-propose-4-percent-budget-cuts.ece
AUSTIN -- State leaders, bracing for a tough budget next session, asked state agencies late Thursday to trim 4 percent from proposed spending for the next two-year budget cycle.
In a somewhat revealing indication of their priorities for next year's legislative session, the leaders added Child Protective Services, mental health programs and border security to a list of programs that every two years at this time they pronounce exempt from initial cuts.
As in the past, that list of programs includes basic state aid to public schools, Medicaid, foster care, bond payments and state employee pensions. For those, departments can ask for the same funding they'll have in the fiscal year that begins Sept. 1 -- and possibly more in some instances, if necessary to keep up with growing caseloads and payrolls.
But the overall theme of the budget instructions letter signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, was austerity.
Read more: www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/headlines/20160630-texas-gop-leaders-ask-state-agencies-to-propose-4-percent-budget-cuts.ece