House Committee on Appropriations: HB1 and SB500

The Committee met to consider the following. HB 1 Zerwas General Appropriations Bill. The committee substitute contains all of the items of appropriation and riders that were previously adopted. The bill spends $114.6 billion GR which is well under the Comptroller’s Biennial Revenue Estimate of $119.1 billion. It contains about $2 billion from the economic stabilization fund (ESF) out of the $15.4 billion ESF. HB1 is within all four constitutional spending limits. The Chair stated that it provides: $9 billion for the Foundation School Program Increased formula funding for general academic institutions, health-related institutions, and community colleges A correctional officer and parole officer pay raise as well as career ladder restructuring Expanded TDCJ jail diversion services into rural areas for offenders with special needs Expanded specialized mental health caseloads Funding for the Water Development Board for strategic, floodplain, hydraulic river,