Lawmakers won’t be able to spend all of the $32.7 billion surplus, the budget is constrained by at least two spending limits, but it didn’t stop groups from getting their requests in early.
AUSTIN, Texas — The 88th session of the Texas Legislature kicked off on Tuesday morning with its usual array of pomp and circumstance and an optimistic outlook as lawmakers step into a session with a $32.7 billion surplus.
“I am proud to stand with the teachers of Texas to declare the 88th legislative session the public education session,” Hinojosa said, adding that schools were in crisis. “We act or we don’t act. We do or we don’t do. What we do will be pivotal to the future of our public schools.” Families, supporters and advocacy groups all arrived for opening day. Finish the 5, a coalition of the Texas Center for Justice & Equity, has a megaphone on the South Steps of the Capitol, calling on lawmakers to close the final five youth prisons in the state. Just up the walkway, the interfaith group Texas Impact was hosting an interfaith service on social justice that included a Buddhist prayer for unity from Rep. Hubert Vo, D-Houston.
Gov. Greg Abbott, as is tradition, addressed both the House and Senate chambers on opening day. Abbott, who is facing a budget surplus, said he’s never been more excited coming into a legislative session. It’s also a session where Texas will have more money than it can spend.
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