Austin (WBAP/KLIF) – Texas legislators had to do a little tap dancing Sunday to clear the way for Monday’s mandatory adjournment. They found a way to agree on a state budget by suddenly deciding not to move $100 million out of the state’s rainy day fund to pay for stepped up operations along the U.S. – Mexican border. That was one of Governor Abbott’s proposals, and was an open point of contention until it was dropped. Lawmakers then approved a $250 billion, two year state budget.
Within that budget the legislature increased the state’s share of public school funding from 38% to 45%. Among other things, that will guarantee teachers a $4,000 per year raise.
Property tax reform also got a thumbs up. The newly passed legislation allows a 3.5% increase in property taxes from year to year by cities and municipalities, and allows Texas school districts to increase taxes 2.5% without first sending the issue to voters for approval.
