Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas We balanced the State Budget with no new taxes passed required Redistricting Legislation & worked to protect the precious privilege of voting among other central issues. Though the going was never easy Im proud of the work the Texas House has accomplished said Speaker Straus before listing other items Texas Legislators passed during the 170 days of Regular & Special Sessions.
Straus thanked the House members for working hard in a responsible and responsive way representing the interests of every Texan.
Since day #1 of the 82nd Legislative Session the members of the Texas House have worked diligently to address the important issues impacting the people of Texas said Speaker Straus.A Brief Glance at Important Accomplishments from the 82nd Session
- Balanced 2012-13 biennial state budget that uses no new taxes is fiscally responsible and lives within our means.
- Increased state funding to our states public schools 5.6 or $1.6 billion more dollars more directly to the classroom.
- Reduced All Funds spending by over $15 billion from the 2010-11 budget.
- Passed all four redistricting maps required this year those being the State Board of Education Congressional as well as State House & Senate maps.
- Promoted accountability & transparency in state government and in higher education and passed major sunset legislation including needed changes to the Texas Youth Commission.
Reformed & updated the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association to protect homeowners along the Texas Coast.- Protected the voting rights of military personnel who serve our country in the armed forces.
- Passed Governors emergency items including private property protection sonogram legislation tort reform that further curbs lawsuit abuse and Voter ID legislation that protects the integrity of the ballot.
