Governor Abbott Vetoes $120 Million in Spending Before Signing $217 Billion Budget

 

AUSTIN, TX -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 1, the General Appropriations Act, in Austin Monday, therefore, vetoing $120 million passed by the legislature. 

In a proclamation outlining the budget approval Abbott touted funding the state’s necessary operations for the next two years. “This budget funds a life saving overhaul of Child Protective Services, ensuring children in Texas’ foster care receive the protection they deserve.” 

In addition, the governor said the two-year spending plan increases safety for all Texans. “It continues to fund our state’s role in securing the border, adding an additional 250 troopers to keep our communities safe. It funds the states’ natural disaster response costs to provide state resources when disaster strikes.  And it better protects our law enforcement officers across the state by funding grants for bullet proof vests.”

The governor also previewed the upcoming Special Legislative Session he called that begins July 18.  “During the upcoming special session of the 85th legislature, passage of legislation or a constitutional amendment to ensure the state continues to budget within responsible spending limitations will remain a top priority.” 

Abbott used his line item veto power to cut $120 million from the budget.  He cut $429,235 from colonias initiatives saying those needs are funded by multiple state agencies.  He also cut $4,741,451 in 2019 from the Department of Public Safety’s Safety Education saying the amount exceeded the DPS funding request. 

The governor also cut $87 million from the Low-Income Vehicle Repair Assistance Program, $6 million from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and $2 million to study brackish groundwater.  

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