State Relations Update
Today, the Texas Senate debated and passed its version of the appropriation bill,
SB 1. There were few major changes to the filed version, signaling a couple of things:
- They are waiting to see just how much general revenue the Comptroller is willing to certify; and equally important
- How they can spend a large infusion of federal dollars.
After today's vote the bill will move to the Texas House, where it is anticipated to be debated the week of the 19th and then sent back to the Senate where a conference committee (with representatives from both chambers) will be named to iron out the differences.
As a reminder, session ends May 31st and the latest the appropriation bill can be debated and voted on is the week before the legislature adjourns.
Conference is traditionally where major appropriation decisions are made, but with a pandemic economy, uncertain strings attached to federal funds—one-time dollars at that—and the usual House vs. Senate tension, we will not have greater clarity until May.
Please know that we are engaging with members and staff while adapting to this variable legislative environment to accomplish our appropriation goals.
As this process continues to unfold over the next several weeks, we'll continue to monitor, engage and report back.
Stay tuned!
