Texas House Committee Adopts Budget Proposal

APRIL CASTRO

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas House committee approved a $178 billion state budget Tuesday, a 5 percent increase over the previous two-year budget but about $4 billion less than the Senate version.

The unanimous vote by the House Appropriations Committee moves the budget to the full House, where it is expected to be taken up late next week.

The budget includes about $11 billion in spending from the federal stimulus package. That federal boon has helped lawmakers deal with a projected shortfall between the amount of state revenue available and the spending needs they identified.

Neither version of the bill taps the state's savings account, the Rainy Day Fund, which is expected to have $9.1 billion if left untouched over the next two years.

The House's budget proposal could still change because, unlike the Senate, the typically rowdy chamber can add amendments to the budget during debate.

"You never know. This is the Texas House," said Rep. Jim Pitts, chairman of the committee. "Frankly, this bill has something good for everybody. I feel like it should get wide support."