Rep. Darby Details State Budget Highlights

SAN ANGELO, TX – State Representative Drew Darby of San Angelo is detailing highlights from the recent legislative session in a series of social media posts.  

The first post discusses the budget passed by the legislature: 

"Over the next few weeks I plan to highlight the important achievements of the 87th Texas Legislature now that we have adjourned. 

The first update is on the state budget for the 2022-2023 biennium, which completes the legislature's constitutional requirement to pass a balanced budget. Just like many Texans, especially throughout the pandemic, the state is tightening its belt while still upholding its commitments to health care, public education, public safety, and border security. Below are a few key highlights and a breakdown of spending: 

- The total budget for the 2022-2023 biennium is $248.5 billion. This represents a $13.5 million decrease in the previous budget (about 5.2% less) with about 3% less in state funding. 

- Due to fiscal restraint, the state is looking at an end-balance of about $11.6 billion in the Economic Stabilization Fund -- the "Rainy Day Fund." 

- The budget fully funds the state's commitment to the investments made in public education from House Bill 3 during the 86th Legislature. The budget also increases the state's contribution rates to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. 

- This budget provides an additional $123.5 million in funds for our rural hospitals. 

- Since Washington continues to fail at protecting our southern border, the state budget includes more than $1 billion for border security efforts, including funding for Texas National Guard members deployed to the border, Department of Public Safety operations at the border, and surge operations for temporary border protection needs. 

- This budget also includes $4.2 million to enhance the Public Utility Commission and other regulatory responses related to oversight of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas activities."