Amendments to protect public schools nursing homes earn support
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Earlier today in Austin Texas State Representative Roberto R. Alonzo voted to protect neighborhood public schools nursing home jobs & financial aid for higher education by voting against House Bill 4 one of three key financial measures being debated by lawmakers this week for the states 2012-2013 biennial appropriations budget.
HB 4 as passed today would cut $76 million from state universities and community colleges and millions of dollars more from nursing homes. House Bill 275 authorized the use of Rainy Day Fund money for the end of this fiscal year but did nothing for the upcoming biennium which is facing a $27 billion budget shortfall. Lawmakers will take up the major appropriations bill - HB 1 - on the House Floor tomorrow.
While I voted against House Bill 4 and for House Bill 275 I supported numerous amendments that would have offered additional financial protections for our neighborhood public schools nursing homes jobs and financial aid for state universities" said Rep. Aonzo.
Tomorrow we will be debating a budget that cuts $27 billion. Much of that money will come from these neighborhood public schools nursing homes and
community colleges and universities. Today I supported every amendment that would have lessened some of tomorrows burden" continued Rep. Alonzo.
House Bill 4 is estimated to cut 22000 jobs across the state if it becomes law. House bill 275 uses $3.2 billion of the Rainy Day Fund leaving an estimated $6.4 billion in the account.
Texas gained 23000 jobs in February lowering our unemployment rate. If Governor Perry signs HB 4 into law all of those gains will be lost" concluded Rep. Alonzo.
