Texas Government: 82nd Legislative Session Report
May 2011

House Bill 1, the Gen. Appropriations Act, was passed with no action take on Article Three. This part of the Act involves funding of public education in Texas. Discussions are continuing on education funding. Comptroller Susan Combs brought some good news with a forecast for higher revenues from earlier in 2011.

“Maintaining a cautious outlook for the next biennium, my office estimates sales tax, oil production tax and motor vehicle sales tax will bring in more revenue than previously estimated in the next biennium. We are updating the revenue estimate after reviewing numerous economic indicators and yesterday’s franchise tax filing deadline.”

There is, however, a gap in public educations funding plans between the House and Senate versions of this bill. Article 3 will be discussed later. A special legislative session may be necessary before the budget can be finalized.