Senate passes version of 2016-2017 state budget

The Texas Senate on April 14 passed its version of the 2016-2017 state budget. Because the House- and Senate- approved budgets are $1.6 billion apart, five Senate members and five House members will be appointed to a conference committee to resolve differences. The Senate’s version of the budget totals $211 billion in state and federal funds to pay for state services over the next two fiscal years. Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, who spearheaded the writing of the legislation, said the budget is one that “will keep our state strong, prosperous and compassionate.”