Our state’s budget is a moral document. How the state legislature spends taxpayer dollars for the next two years is a direct reflection of the priorities of our government.
Last week, both the House and the Senate released their initial budget proposals. I haven’t quite made it through all 2000+ pages of what’s being proposed, but what I know so far is that the House version provides more necessary funding for public education and health and human services than the Senate budget. That’s good. Of course, with the good comes the bad – both proposed budgets come up short in adequately addressing the critical issues facing our state.
These are the urgent needs:
- Increasing public school funding and making our finance system more equitable
- Addressing the critical CPS caseworker shortage and finding ways to improve foster care
- Reinstating acute therapy rates which were cut, impacting 60,000 children who may lose access to physical, speech and occupational therapy
- Expanding and supporting mental health programs to help more Texans
Even with so many critical issues in need of attention, some of which are at crisis levels, there’s still far too much emphasis on border security funding in both budgets (to the tune of $800 million in the Senate version and $663 million on the House side).
In response to these figures, the El Paso Times editorial board called state funding for border security “more about politics than results.” I couldn’t agree more.
During the next several weeks, there will be much debate about the budget proposals. For those outside our district, call your legislators in both the House and Senate and share your thoughts. To find out who represents you, click here. Of course, you can always contact me and share your views.
Making History
On Saturday, members of my Capitol staff, including our honorary “junior intern” (aka Lisa’s and my godson), 5-year-old Tristan (pictured waving at the crowd), were among the 50,000+ marching at the State Capitol. The marches held on Saturday around our nation and around the world were a real testament to grassroots organizing and the power of a unifying message.
It was an important first step of what I
hope will be many.
I look forward to hearing from the energized women and men who marched in our community, in Austin, or in Washington, D.C., as well as from those unable to march, but stood in solidarity. Their collective voices will no doubt result in real change and a brighter future for Tristan and future generations.
Chris
P.S. It’s not too late to sign up for Texas 101 Day at the Capitol. We still have a few seats available. Stay tuned to my Facebook page for updates and exciting announcements about the trip. Call 817-459-2800 to reserve your spot!
