Welcome to Austin and the 82nd Session of the Texas Legislature. You are embarking on a great adventure. You will ride waves of joy and of deep sadness. You will experience concepts and ideas that you never knew before. And, you are part of a privileged team, entrusted by the voters of Texas, to address our needs and solve our problems.
Even for the returning Members, it’s a new day in the state capital. Republicans control a 2/3 majority of the House and a majority of the Senate. This isn’t really new. Democrats used to have complete control. Still, you will learn new processes of governing, representing your constituents and defining the lines you will not cross.
Yesterday, State Comptroller Susan Combs informed you that there is $72.2 billion available for the next biennial budget. The current biennial budget was $80+ billion, supplemented by stimulus money, providing $87 million to spend.
You thought that was a tough budget. Now, you face an even tougher budgeting process. Will you or won’t you tap rainy day funds? Will you slash everything and shift responsibilities to the local governments and school districts? The demands don’t really go away, we just shift who pays for them.
By the way, congrats on rejoicing that Texas gained 4 new Congressional seats according to the 2010 Census. As a reminder, that means we had a significant population increase. More people are driving on our roads, attending our schools, and accessing services.
Some say that in order to sustain current services, $99 billion would be needed. That is in no way realistic for you. You must get out your pencils, put that great Texas public education math to work and find out how to live within your means without causing harm.
As you work on your spread sheets, remember that Texas has to set clear priorities to keep our state successful in an ever increasingly competitive global environment. If we cannot provide educated and talented workers, business will go elsewhere. Even low taxes and a business-friendly environment will not be enough.
My thoughts are with you as you tackle the most complex budget process of this century and most of the last one.
Best of luck to you!
Sincerely,
The Ponderer