House budget passes, statement from Representative Keough

AUSTIN, Texas — Early this morning the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 1 and took an important step toward finalizing a budget that will be balanced and fiscally responsible for the next two years. The Texas House budget dramatically reforms state government through increased transparency, and addresses the needs of our growing state while staying below the constitutional spending cap. HB 1 invests significant resources in public schools, boosts formula funding for higher education, invests additional general revenue in transportation, and promotes border security and public safety. Additionally, HB1 accomplishes this by limiting overall spending growth to less than what is necessary to account for population and inflation increases.

"After 20 hours on the floor, hammering out 354 amendments containing 399 pages of documents, the house produced a budget that stayed well under the constitutional spending limit and aligned with population plus inflation guidelines. The funding of the Department of Public Safety with monies designated for border security, a revamping and consolidating of the Health and Human Services agencies, transportation enhancements, water issues, higher education, and funding for teacher health and retirement benefits are among just a few of the budget elements addressed in HB1." Said Keough.

Keough continued " the common sense conservative values of The Woodlands, Shenandoah, Oakridge North, Rayford Road Community and all of South Montgomery County were well served in this budget, and I am proud to be a part of such an awesome example of representative government."

Following this vote of 141 in favor and 5 against, HB 1 now heads to the Texas Senate. When the Senate passes their version, HB 1 will head to a conference committee for final approval.

Representaitve Mark J. Keough represents Texas House District 15, which encompases the southern portion of Montgomery County.