Rep. Ron Reynolds Statement on the Proposed State Budget: HB 1

AUSTIN, Texas (Jan. 26, 2011) -- On Wednesday, Jan. 19, Chairman Pitts (R-Waxahachie) filed House Bill 1, the proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-2013. The released draft was a reality check on the highly anticipated, yet dismal financial condition facing Texas as a result of a $26.8 billion shortfall ensuing from a structural deficit within the budgeting system. "It is clear now more than ever before that we need to identify new and stable revenue streams if we are to prevent such drastic shortfalls in the future," Rep. Ron Reynolds (D-Fort Bend) commented. "The introduced House budget does not take into consideration the population growth in our state. As our population continues to grow, our resources will be spread even thinner."
The projected budget appropriates a combined $156.4 billion in state and local funds, which is $31.1 billion less than the prior biennium, while the state general revenue appropriation of $72.2 billion is $8.4 billion less than the previous two-year budget.
"This budget proposed by the state's leadership underscores the uncertainty for the future of Texas' working families, children, students, and senior citizens," stated Rep Reynolds.
The current working draft proposes a 23 percent cut to public education, zero funding for some of the smaller community colleges, a reduction in healthcare and social services, cuts to higher education and research funding, and the elimination of the TEXAS Grants (the state's primary financial aid program for new college students).
"More alarming," expressed Rep. Reynolds, "is the daunting reality that school districts will be compelled to lay off good teachers, increasing the likelihood of even more of our children being left behind."
Analysts estimate that the proposed cuts could adversely impact approximately 10,000 state employees and over 80,000 teachers, costing them their jobs.
Rep. Reynolds continued, "I am very concerned, to say the least, that no consideration has been given to tapping into the state's 'Rainy Day' fund, which is currently $9.4 billion dollars. With a proposed budget that eliminates Pre-K, depriving nearly 200,000 Texas children of an early childhood education -- I'm no meteorologist -- but, if this is not a rainy day, I don't know what is."
"This proposed budget fails Texans, specifically our most vulnerable communities: our children and seniors. In spite of what lies before us, my unshakable faith and commitment to serve fuels my passion to work tirelessly with leadership to protect Texas families and to help maintain the quality of life that we as Texans enjoy," added Rep. Reynolds.

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