Texas Panel Approves $139 Billion Budget

A Texas Senate committee Monday passed a $139 billion state budget, restoring some cuts to health and human services made two years ago.

The Senate Finance Committee recommended passage of the two-year budget, which goes to the full senate for debate later this week, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Finance Chairman Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, said the budget is likely to grow when legislators finally pass school finance reform, the top issue in the current session. A judge has ordered the state to overhaul school financing by October.

The bill restores some of the controversial cuts made two years ago in health and human services spending, including dental, vision and mental health benefits in the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The budget also calls for a 9 percent pay increase over two years for state employees.